Wednesday, November 1, 2023

In Memoriam: Louis XIV

13 years of fun ended two years ago today as Louis XIV passed away at the age of 16.  It’s been quite some time since his passing, but it was a hard loss and I’m just now writing about it.  This little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel might have been small in body, but he was giant in spirit.  The knucklehead was my partner in crime, my therapist, and yes, my boy. 

Meeting Louis XIV began with a strange twist of fate as is so often the case. I started keeping a friend’s Cavalier when she traveled.  I’m not crazy about most small breeds but Sophie didn’t yap nor did she tear up anything in the house.  She was always up for a good game of tug of war as well. I'd grown quite fond of the little princess when opportunity came knocking a couple of months after my 15 year-old dog passed away in 2008.  

A woman placed an ad selling her 2 ½ year old Cavalier in the Times-Picayune.  An ob-gyn nurse, she worked over 60 hours a week and simply didn’t have the time for him he deserved.  She sent me pictures of him, pictures I kept looking at every so often for a day or two before I made an appointment to meet the little scamp.  

 

First pic owner sent

I drove down to Laplace at the appointed time only to find out I wasn't adopting him as he was adopting me.  The rambunctious little mutt ran around the yard, teasing us with a tennis ball.  When I finally sat down, he jumped up in my lap, stood up, placed a paw on each shoulder, and put his head against mine.  How do you say no when the dog picks you?

He never cried after leaving his old home as he made himself right at home in mine.  So began a 13+ year adventure with the most fun dog I ever had.  Fetch, tug of war, or just plain ole scrapping, it didn't matter as he loved to play and play hard. He never let you out of his sight.  Some made fun of him for being clingy (Right, Monica & Stiletto?) but that trait meant I could take him almost anywhere without a leash as he never once tried to run away.  Then there were the pillows and blankets.  The dog named after a king decided he would be king as he sometimes took up to five minutes to rearrange pillows or blankets to his satisfaction.  What can I say? I spoiled him rotten and it showed as he graduated from a spoiled brat to a jerk to a little monster. No demand or imposition was too great for him to make on you but that was part of the mosaic that made him special and what a mosaic it was. 


Louis XIV might not have tried to run away but he loved to run.  We often walked the levee where he ran rings around me with energy to spare.  The knucklehead owned Laurel Park.  He pleased many a mother as he teased their children into chasing him.  One mother said something about being grateful for his wearing their kids out.  I assume parents know what she meant.  However, his favorite game at the park was to play hide and seek.  I would fake a throw with a tennis ball and toss it in another direction after he got a full head of steam.    He might scour the park for up to 15 minutes, but he always found it and never went to the same place twice, so good was his memory. 

How spoiled was the knucklehead?  He rode everywhere with me.  He knew which coffee shops, pet stores, and banks offered him streets.  Indeed, he eventually recognized them from the street.  He had his own pillow on the front seat. How spoiled was he? When he lost most of his teeth, he got catfish every Friday, cut up of course, from the McDade’s deli.  How spoiled was he? He jumped up on the bed all day long – until you got in it.  Once you were comfortable, he would sit on the floor, looking up at you with those small big eyes that showed almost as much expression as a person.  Whines were sometimes used to mark time as he waited you out.  I tried to outlast him one night.  After 30 minutes, I gave up.  He won.  Jerk. 

However, nothing ever brought out the brat in him as did other dogs.  I had three other Cavaliers over the years while he was alive.  He ignored every one of them, going so far as to sleep under the covers so he didn’t have to look at them.  How did I figure that out?  When each one passed away, he immediately went back to sleeping on top of the covers that night.  He even went so far as to devour their food once he figured out they weren’t coming home again.  See how happy he is in the picture below? That picture was taken at 12:30 PM after a Cavalier I’d rescued two months earlier went to his new home.  That expression stayed on his face as he partied until he went to sleep that night, so happy was he to have the house back to himself again.  So much for being a breed snob, he was just a snob although he liked cats.  Go figure.  

Celebrating after a dog went to his new home.

 
Our little tradition was to go to Pepsi Pops every year. These excursions were quite funny as he was quite the little dynamo for the first couple of hours, wearing out every kid who came to play with him. The feistiness continued until he ran out of gas around intermission and crashed in my lap for the rest of the evening.  “Just carry me to the car, Dad, and I’ll see you in the morning,” he always seemed to say.  Heve even slept through the fireworks.  Good boy. However, there is always a however, he did like to pull one little stunt at Pepsi Pops.  Once I was talking to Marshall Ramsey and Maggie Wade during a break in the festivities when he began to whine… and whine…. And whine.  He didn’t stop whining until I picked him up and yes, cradled him.  Don’t say it.  Just don’t.  I know.  He actually had a “I want to be held” cry he saved exclusively for strangers in public as babies are want to do.  Yup, that’s what he was, a 15lb baby that never grew up. Thanks for embarrassing me.  Jerk.   

The fun continued for years until April 2021 when he suffered a massive infection.  He was so sick his tongue turned blue.  He spent all night and the next day at the vet on an oxygen mask but the vet wrote down “humanely euthanize him” in the chart when I picked him up at 5.  The vet said he would not make it through the night.  We drove somewhere and watched one last sunset together as I held his sickly body before bringing him home.  I planned to take him to the emergency clinic if he started to suffer but such was not yet to be.

A friend who babysat him some came over to see him that night.  Experienced in animal rescue, she got a syringe and fed him water.  He drank it.  We moved him up to milk.  He drank it as well.  He was weak but a little while later he was panting and smiling.  He sat up in bed at 2 AM, smiling away.  Ok, kid, if you're not giving up, neither am I. We are going to beat this thing.  Operation Save Louis XIV was underway. 

 

Recovery!  A few hours after euthanasia recommended.

I took him back to the vet for more oxygen and an IV for nutrition as we hoped the antibiotics would do their job.  While he was safe at the vet, I tracked down an oxygen tank at Blue Dot in Flowood (and thank you to the readers who donated tanks.).  I managed to score an oxygen mask for dogs from an area fire department. He started to eat a day later as the drugs worked. I kept him for an hour on oxygen every day for the next week.  9 days after he first fell ill, his tongue stayed pink a full day without oxygen. Hallelujah.

Every day for over a week.  It worked.

Knuckleheadicus Maximus made it but make no mistake, we were on borrowed time.  As it turned out, the good Lord gave us six months and we made the most of those six months. 

Most of his teeth were gone but he still ate well.  Friday’s meant cut-up fried catfish from the McDade’s deli  (This is the South after all) and good ole gizzards from the same deli on Monday (run through a food processor of course.). He moped around the house but perked up in the SUV so we went for an hour ride every day.  He especially liked driving to Gibbes as the staff saved lamb chop bones that he thoroughly enjoyed. 

The body was weak but he still enjoyed life as you can see in the picture below.  We made one last trip to Pepsi Pops.  He couldn’t walk that much but he thought he was royalty as he rode in the wagon.  Maybe he was.  


The fun continued and fun it was until October rolled around.  The kidneys weakened. We fought that problem and fought it hard but the his body, so strong for so long, was failing.  He had gradually lost weight since April and nothing reversed that trend.  His energy was pretty low during his last weekend.  I managed to feed and water him with a syringe and held him up while he did his business.  However, a massive seizure hit that Saturday night and I had no choice but to take him to the emergency vet at midnight. 

It was Halloween weekend.  As Facebook filled with photos of families having fun, I made a darker trip with my pup, knowing his light would soon be extinguished.  He was the best boy a daddy could ever ask for.  Rest in peace, Knucklehead, Daddy still loves you.  


Mine!

Taking over the Rankin County Circuit Clerk's office

Chillin'


King of Laurel Street Park

 


 

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

All Dogs go to Heaven isn’t just a movie, it’s a fact.

Anonymous said...

Wow you got a heart after all!!! Love it!!!

Anonymous said...

My condolences for your loss. They truly are a piece of your heart.

Anonymous said...

Bless your heart. I know it is so hard. You'll see him again.

Anonymous said...

Sorry for your loss, Kingfish. I'm dreading that day with mine.

Anonymous said...

Lost mine 3 weeks ago today. Had him for 15 years. Coming home to an empty house is an adjustment. I feel you, Kingfish

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry. Losing a pet is hard. They are a constant and reliable companion for years and the adjustment period is hard. You have my sincere sympathy sir.

Anonymous said...

The only time an animal has broken my heart is when they've crossed that rainbow bridge. When you get a pet YOU are their one true love; their reason for being. I'm so sorry for your loss. King Louis sounds like a sweetheart. I am confident that he will meet you at the Pearly Gates!

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear. Great tribute.

Anonymous said...

Great story. I have felt both the love and the pain. Always had at least one dog. Currently have a mini-golden doodle that I think may be the best companion ever.True love.

Anonymous said...

Y’all I promise you they are still there. You can feel them watching you when you are on the toilet.

Anonymous said...

KF, this is your best post EVER. Condolences to you - life has taught me that it is much easier to bury a human than a cherished pet.

Honk for the Mayor! said...

So sorry for your loss. There's nothing like the unconditional love you get from, and give to, a sweet dog.

Anonymous said...

What a sweet love story. I'm so sorry. I recently lost my best friend. She was a miniature dachshund.

Anonymous said...

I'm sure that was tough for you to write. You're a good dog dad. I believe we'll see our animal babies again!

Anonymous said...

"He loveth best that loveth all creatures great and small." Cecil Francis Alexander

Anonymous said...

KF - so sorry to hear about King Louis. Thankful I was able to make his acquaintance a few years back.

Anonymous said...

My experience is the depth of loss reflects the depth of love ❤️ What great companions they are!

Anonymous said...

Just how you feel and how you miss your companion, I know and I'm sorry for your loss. September 20 I lost my best friend after 15 years. I still look at her places and say to myself, "Now, where is . . ." and then I remember: she's gone and she'll never be back.

Well, she'll never be back here. I don't have any scriptural evidence for it, but the whispered voice of God tells me that our love ensouls our dogs, and they are waiting for us when our own time comes.

Anonymous said...

It's so hard losing those old friends that I always promise myself I'm not going to have another pet. I have failed at that vow every time another special fellow looks at me with those big, expressive eyes. They are as much a member of my family as my two-legged kids, and the kids are OK with that. They like love them like that, too.

Anonymous said...

I know exactly what you mean. It is something special and you know your dog knows it's special too.

Hookah said...

RIP Louis XIV - fly high in heaven lil buddy

Anonymous said...

Sorry for your loss, Kingfish. It may have been years, but I don’t think you ever fully get over it

Anonymous said...

Some are never ever forgotten and we continue to grieve them every day. Sweet Luffy became the King that he was destined to be and you were his most amazing servant! LXIV's Mom

Anonymous said...

The sweetest post ever on this blog.


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.