The American Spectator : Losing Cleo

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Losing Cleo

By Ben Stein on 6.20.12 @ 6:09AM

Just too damn sad. Now she is heaven.

Monday
Sad, sad day. Cleo, our ancient German short-haired pointer, is barely able to walk. When she does walk, she tends to fall down in her own mess. For this majestically beautiful girl, it must be deeply upsetting. She cannot go up or down the steps in Beverly Hills, and she is extremely hard to carry.

So, Cleo, wake up. Time to die. We had the euthanizing veterinarian come over after dinner and attend to her. We all sat and petted her for a long, long time, took souvenirs of her hair, kissed her over and over, and then the vet gave her a shot of some kind of tranquilizer and then some horrible, gruesome drug that stops her heart and then she was history.

Los Angeles being Los Angeles, a highly paid service was waiting outside the door to put her body on a stretcher and cover her in silks and woolens and then carry her to their car. Only her noble head was showing. What a magnificent girl she was. Now, her body will be cremated and will be in a brass urn in the forest of urns of our formerly alive pets that stands next to our fireplace.

We had Cleo for ten years. She was always a good girl except when she chased the (eight) cats and she got over that soon. The house seemed painfully empty without her. So, we loaded our ancient selves into the car and drove out to Malibu.

Neither of us felt much like talking.

When we got to Malibu, I tried to watch movies on TV, but Charter, my pitiful cable company, from whom I just got full movie service three weeks ago, has stopped sending me movies. Very maddening.

Instead of watching movies, I lay in bed and listened to the waves. I could hear an owl and see airplanes flying up the coast. How many times Cleo lay with Brigid and me or Julie and me, breathing quietly. Now, she is in heaven with other good dogs.

Two owls were outside my room hooting loudly. Many other night birds sang. Still, I miss my Cleo desperately.

Tuesday
I was so wrong about there always being a businessman as the villain of all Hollywood movies. I should have said, “most” Hollywood shows. But the main one I missed was my favorite, from Starz, Magic City. There, the villain is a mean-spirited prosecutor. An interesting character in an interesting show.

At noon, I raced down from our little house to Pepperdine to give a speech to high school juniors attending the Summer Youth Citizenship Event. What a shock. These kids were really smart. I sought to explain to them why the economy was not recovering and that it had to do in part with workers unwilling to accept low wage jobs and producers and sellers unwilling to lower prices. This, as I explained to them, hinders what some people might refer to as “internal devaluation,” if I understand that phrase rightly.

To my delight, the students seemed fascinated by that concept and asked many follow up questions.

This is a very good sign. But there were also bad signs. Almost every student in the room raised his hand when I asked how many knew someone close to their family who had recently been unemployed and everyone raised his hand when I asked how many knew a family who had lost their home to foreclosure.

That is extremely discouraging.

Outside as I walked back to my car, I met a man about two years older than I am who had been a brave Navy F-4 pilot over Vietnam. He had been shot down and held captive for six years. “Yes,” he said, “the North Vietnamese had been brutal and cruel.” This was an amazingly handsome, good-natured man. I was awed.

Back home, wifey and I had hot dogs, packed and drove home to Beverly Hills.

Then, a long nap and then dinner with John “Baron” Von Kannon and his beautiful daughter, Rachel, to talk about colleges. John is a super successful development guy at Heritage. We talked about the election. He is optimistic. I am not. The daughter could not be more charming.

Then back home to a house that seems extremely sad without the familiar sight and sound of Cleo. This is just too damned sad. But what a superstar that Navy pilot is. Wow. What a country that has men in it like him.

About the Author

Ben Stein is a writer, actor, economist, and lawyer living in Beverly Hills and Malibu. He writes “Ben Stein’s Diary” for every issue of The American Spectator.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (82) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

MelvinNC| 6.20.12 @ 6:48AM

Ben, my most sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved Cleo. Being a dog person, who has had dogs in my life since the beginning.
They are our friends, our confidants, our therapists, our best friend, companions at dinner time and then they tuck us into bed.
My wife and I lost our beloved Fuzzball a number of years back, being a retired Marine, doing what I had to do was the hardest thing I ever had to do, to a best friend.
Fuzzball now resides in our backyard under her favorite tree, that contained all of her squirrel friends. My wife and I planted another tree in her honor.
We mourned, and then through the good graces of our daughter we received the most ungainly stubborn knot-head of a Walker Hound rescue dog, that a family could ever have.
This once clumsy hound has grown into a strong and graceful squirrel and rabbit chaser who places his squeaker toys right at the opening of my bedroom door.
Ben, mourn the loss of you beloved Cleo, but as a word of advice, don't deny yourself the sound of nails hitting the floor, while your buddy chases their squeaker toy. It breaks the silence.

Anthony| 6.20.12 @ 7:03AM

I also am a dog person. The pain is unbearable at times.
Walking our favorite beach in Maine after we lost our beloved Golden, I stopped to pick up some sea glass that was still too sharp and edgy. I threw it back.
I've since come to think of the pain of loss like that piece of sea glass, at first, it is sharp and painful to hold, but with time, it becomes rounded and smooth to the touch, easy to hold.
Think of your loss this way, and in time, you will be able to hold this pain like a rounded smooth piece of sea glass, what was once sharp and painful becomes a comfort to hold.
Next week,back to my old self.

Appleby| 6.20.12 @ 7:03AM

Sorry for your loss of beloved Cleo. The two beloved cats (Bert and Luke) who travelled here to Toronto with me on the front seat of a Ryder Truck that was the last thing I will ever drive (having lost most of the sight in one eye since) passed away from natural causes at ages 20 and 19 respectively, and Animal Control took charge of what they left behind. A friend of mine in New Zealand is mourning his Grindolet who has just crossed the bridge; he adopts elderly cats from the Cat Protective League and gives them a happy and comfortable home in their twilight years. Rich or Poor, life and death remain the only constants we have. God be with you at this difficult time.

Caroline| 6.20.12 @ 11:41AM

Appleby,
How nice that he adopts older cats. I admire those that have the strength to do that. My fear is how attached I'll get to them, and will only have them for a couple of years. On the other side, how nice it is to make whatever time they have left on this earth wonderful for them. Maybe I'll do that in the future, with an older cat or dog. They need love like the younger ones do.

Jack in Wi| 6.20.12 @ 7:27AM

That the trouble with pets. You get attached to them and then you have to bury them. I haven't had any since I was a kid and never let my kids have any. They are expensive, take time to take care of, and in the end they die. For me personally animals shoud be of some use economically, or they should be in the wild. I prefer to concentrate on humans and their problems.

chuck| 6.20.12 @ 7:35AM

Good for you, Jack. No dog deserves to have you as their owner.

TLP| 6.20.12 @ 8:30AM

I believe Jack had a GERMAN Shephard.

JohnD| 6.20.12 @ 7:57AM

I actually feel the same way. I like dogs and horses and animals, but I would only own and pay to feed animals like cattle and pigs raised for eventual slaughter, or hunting dogs or mousing cats; but I am not paying to feed an animal that just sits around and contributes nothing. I am also uncomfortable with people pining over lost pets while ignoring millions of unborn humans being killed, or 1 billion people in the world struggling to live on less than a dollar a day.

That said, I remember holding a beautiful 14 year old female Chesapeake Bay Lab in my lap as the Vet gave her the two injections to end her suffering. She was a great hunting dog, and I'll never forget holding her in my lap and feeling the life disappear from her body. It was heartbreaking. For those of us who live outside Beverly Hills, there was no fancy removal and cremation service, just me and a shovel.

Anthony| 6.20.12 @ 8:47AM

JohnD ,Your post is bi-polar. Paragraph two completely contradicts paragraph one. Contribute nothing??? Is that how you felt when you held your dog in your lap as she lay dying? Was she merely just a hunting tool to be discarded when no longer useful? Wow!!!
Besides, this is a conservative web site, we conservatives are capable of loving our pets while we bemoan the fate of the unborn.That's why conservatives are superior to leftists.
Something makes me think you still haven't gotten over your dog. I understand, but it's best folks like you keep your pain to yourselves, your expressions are weird.

JohnD| 6.20.12 @ 9:18AM

No, I didn't feel that way; it was sad but it was time and had to be done.

I don;t see the contradiction. The dog I spoke of was for hunting which is why I had her, and she was a great hunting dog.

I just don't believe in having animals unless the serve some kind of purpose. There is some truth to the first sentence of your last paragraph. I also never remarried after my first marriage ended, and maybe both are because I'd rather not be hurt again.

Cobalt| 6.20.12 @ 9:55AM

How about companionship and unconditional love?

JohnD| 6.20.12 @ 2:27PM

Actually, you do have a point. I have thought it would be nice to have someone waiting for me when I come home who is happy to see me. Maybe not everything can be measured in dollars and cents. Bottom line though is if I got a dog, even one that didn't hunt, it wouldn't be fair because due to my work schedule the dog would be left alone all day while I was gone.

I do love dogs, cats, and horses (especially when they are at long odds) but having lived on a farm when I was younger for some time, I know the expense and hard work involved in taking care of them (maybe not cats).

DVG93| 6.21.12 @ 9:08AM

I thought the same. Fate intervened. My neighbor resued my dog after he was thrown in to a ditch at about at weeks old. I live alone and worked a lot of hours. If I didn't take him in, he may have died. My brother and sister in law take in dogs until thay are adopted.

If the choice is death or being alone, I think the dog would choose life. Give them what you can. They will still appreciate it.

EH| 6.20.12 @ 11:16AM

You sound like a communist. Plenty of communists hate people who spend money on cars and clothes while people die of poverty.

Who are you to judge how people spend their money?

JohnD| 6.20.12 @ 2:31PM

I am not judging anyone, or telling anyone how to spend their money. I just choose not to have animals for myself unless they serve some purpose. I do like animals, I just prefer not to be responsible for any unless they serve some purpose.

Communists would not believe in private ownership of animals, even for food or hunting.

Kingofthenet| 6.20.12 @ 11:04PM

John what purpose does your wife serve? or you?

JohnD| 6.21.12 @ 5:11AM

Unlike a dog or cat, my ex-wife and I were created in God's image, and one of us served His purposes, whatever those are (we never know God's purpose or his plan, do we?).

I have not lived a life of luxuries and frivolities, buying things to make me happy on a whim. I have never had that luxury, and suspect I never will. Some of us struggle to get by rather than continually fill up our wish lists with things that will make us happy. In my world, you hope to have the things you need, rather than all the frivolities you want. That's just the reality.

Caroline| 6.20.12 @ 11:36AM

JohnD,
No one is ignoring the millions of unborn humans being killed. I think most of us right now, are more aware of that, then at anytime in the history of this country. It's just not the issue we're talking about.

It doesn't matter whether it's a fancy removal and cremation service, at the end, or you and a shovel, it's the love that goes with it. Whatever makes you fell better about what you're doing that matters.

JohnD| 6.20.12 @ 2:35PM

In my world a man does what he has to do.

Jasperfenton| 6.20.12 @ 8:40AM

Jack, you're a real prince of a guy. You must be a real comfort to those around you. I'm sure your children appreciate this particular life lesson and likely hold the same view of you as you do of domestic animals.

Anthony| 6.20.12 @ 8:52AM

Emotions suck, don't they Jack? They just get in the damn way. You are one amazing dude, and that is no compliment.

Occam's Tool| 6.20.12 @ 12:46PM

Jack,

you are an amazing piece of work. My cats Pepper, Ginger, Rocky, and Cassius send you their dislike, and my powerful and large dog 'Bama wanted to tell you that you suck.

I must say, I have a lot more compassion for my fabulous talking cat Cassius getting old (he says "hello" when he feels ignored) than I would for you getting hit by a car. Maybe thats because I think that Cassius' turds have more value than your life. I could be wrong about the value. TLP and chuck, what do you think? Are my cat's turds more contributory to life on this planet than Jack?

Occam's Tool| 6.20.12 @ 12:48PM

Sorry: "compassion regarding," and "that's."

The concept of Cassius' turds being more precious and important to world peace and overall happiness than your life assessment holds, Jack.

Goldwater Girl| 6.20.12 @ 1:04PM

Occam,
Not sure about TLP's response, but I can guess! I concur, cat turds provide far more to life on this planet, than our good "friend" in WI. Jack seems to be the kind of guy, that has carefully removed all avenues for love and affection in his life. He strikes me as a very negative, bitter man. I guess this is a side effect of life-long joooo-hating. My husband and I share the affection of 100 lbs of blonde fur, a Golden named Jake. I always tell my husband that when he leaves this world, I will never marry again, but I would get another dog in a heartbeat! He's not sure if that's a compliment.....

Occam's Tool| 6.20.12 @ 2:26PM

Tell him it's because of his irreplaceable multi-faceted personality, GG, whereas dogs can be found who are equally loving. Remember, men are simple creatures, and with a proper steak, we will forget soon...

Thank you for your kindness. Cassius is really a one of a kind cat who is extraordinarily affectionate.

Goldwater Girl| 6.20.12 @ 2:45PM

Thanks OT! He will be flattered with that comment, especially, if it's paired with a steak and a nice wine! Cats are great pets too, although a little more difficult to walk on a leash. We lost our beautiful black cat Savannah 3 years ago. She was our baby girl!

chuck| 6.20.12 @ 7:49PM

OT,

Cat crap is a helluva lot more valuable than Jackass. Gives the bugs something to eat.

Looking forward to the day Jack becomes earthworm crap.

chuck| 6.20.12 @ 7:52PM

BTW,

We have two English mastiffs, who leave huge piles in the yard, all of which are much more pleasant to deal with than Jack.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 6.20.12 @ 9:13PM

OT;

One of our cats keeps crapping on my computer keyboard. I'm beginning to think that it might explain Purp's posts.

jo blo| 6.20.12 @ 5:04PM

Just curious, Jack, what is your general approach to human problems? Conservative? Liberal? Libertarian?

Thanks.

chuck| 6.20.12 @ 7:38AM

Sorry for your loss Ben. We've had many dogs over the years, and many fond memories. Old dogs are the best friends you can have, wanting nothing but to be loved.

Heaven has one more dog waiting for his master.

Shadow| 6.20.12 @ 8:08AM

I have been where you are now and it is painful. I am sorry you had to say goodbye to your beloved pet. Try to remember the love and joy she brought you. It gets better as time passes.

DVG93| 6.20.12 @ 8:08AM

I know exactly how you feel. I had to do the same for my dog two weeks ago today. He was about 8 weeks old when my neighbor watched him being tossed into a ditch.

I elected to keep him. He paid me back by saving my life. He woke me when my apartment had an electrical line catch fire in the attic.

He grew to be a fairly powerful dog. One that loved to play catch. After a gruelling 12 hour day at work one time, he wanted to play. I was in my recliner. He jumped and placed both front paws against my chest. It snapped a bolt in the chair. We went to play.

It was sad to see him unable to play anymore. It was sadder when his condition became far worse than that.

There are no words.......

Cobalt| 6.20.12 @ 8:58AM

You Did Me a Kindness

When my legs grew too weak to carry me,
And my tired eyes could no longer see,
When it pained me to struggle for each new breath,
When my heart beat weaker, and I drew closer to death,
You did me the kindness of letting me go.
You didn't make me hang on when I was suffering so.
I promise I don't think that you loved me any less,
And I love you all the more for your selflessness.
You freed my spirit from its body so wracked with pain,
And let me run the fields of Heaven, where I'm sure we'll meet again.

By Kelly Roper?

http://dying.lovetoknow.com/Po.....h_0f_a_Dog

Bill84728| 6.20.12 @ 10:49AM

I saw my cat born, she lived with me for 18 years until she began having seizures that paralyzed here, and I held her in my lap as the vet gave her shots of what sound like the same things the vet gave Cleo. I was heartbroken.

My mom gave me a piece of good advice when I was a kid, about pets dying. She was a farm girl and not sentimental in the least. But she loved her pets just like anybody. She said "Get a new one right away." It sounds hard-hearted, but you bond very quickly with a new critter and the dead one is not forgotten.

Frances| 6.20.12 @ 11:07AM

I am so sorry about Cleo. We love our dogs like family and the loss of our dogs is painful. I had to put down my three dachshunds as they aged, one at age 18, one at age 17 and the last one at age 16 and this occurred over a consecutive 3-year period. The last one, Jack, was my angel and it took over a year NOT to think of him every day. Regardless of how busy our lives are, it does not diminish the sadness. Our dogs are in heaven and we will all be together one day, this I believe. Know that your dog lived a life of total joy because you took such wonderful care of her. You are a good man.

Bill84728| 6.20.12 @ 11:59AM

Old Blue died and he died mighty hard,
He dug little holes all 'round the yard.

When I get to Heaven, first thing I'll do
Grab my horn and blow for Blue!

Cryin' "Hyah-ah Blue! You good dog you!"

peterike| 6.20.12 @ 11:17AM

The House Dog's Grave
by Robinson Jeffers

I've changed my ways a little; I cannot now
Run with you in the evenings along the shore,
Except in a kind of dream; and you,
If you dream a moment,
You see me there.

So leave awhile the paw-marks on the front door
Where I used to scratch to go out or in,
And you'd soon open; leave on the kitchen floor
The marks of my drinking-pan.

I cannot lie by your fire as I used to do
On the warm stone,
Nor at the foot of your bed; no,
All the nights through I lie alone.

But your kind thought has laid me less than six feet
Outside your window where firelight so often plays,
And where you sit to read‚
And I fear often grieving for me‚
Every night your lamplight lies on my place.

You, man and woman, live so long, it is hard
To think of you ever dying.
A little dog would get tired, living so long.
I hope that when you are lying
Under the ground like me your lives will appear
As good and joyful as mine.

No, dears, that's too much hope:
You are not so well cared for as I have been.
And never have known the passionate undivided
Fidelities that I knew.
Your minds are perhaps too active, too many-sided...
But to me you were true.

You were never masters, but friends. I was your friend.
I loved you well, and was loved. Deep love endures
To the end and far past the end. If this is my end,
I am not lonely. I am not afraid. I am still yours.

Maggie| 6.20.12 @ 11:25AM

Been there done that Mr Stein.My sincere condolences to you and all that loved your Cleo.
Throughout my life my beloved dogs have always made me be a better person. Have loved many people and been loved by many,some I have disappointed and some have disapponted me, but my dogs and I don't bother with all of that human stuff once they train me.
Feel better soon,and thanks for loving this country,your writings ,etc. always make me feel I am not alone.

Jon Roland | 6.20.12 @ 11:28AM

I have outlived many pets and know how you feel. It was not just that I loved them, because I love everything, but that we had built a bond of shared understanding. Our pets are aliens among us, who enable us to broaden our awareness of other kinds of minds.

Nearing the end of our lives we might hope to have some kind person help us leave this life with dignity as you helped Cleo. The beauty and joy she brought to your world will live after her.

Caroline| 6.20.12 @ 11:29AM

I know how you feel. I lost my cat of 20 years in 2004. It was worse than losing a human. They become our babies, and it doesn't matter if they have fur and four legs. They are still our babies.
God Bless you, and hold that urn close to your heart.

garysvent| 6.20.12 @ 11:38AM

Sox the Lab came to us through adoption, after escaping a farmer's shotgun. She is now 6, and fills our lives with fun, frolic, fur, and (occasionally) frustration.

This is my first dog since I was a kid and mine was poisoned, so it was with some trepidation that I entered into this relationship. Nevertheless, we are pleased.

I do not know your heartache, Ben, but some day, God willing and I don't proceed Sox, I will. On that day I will remember a pastor friend of mine who has since passed on, who told me that he believes that all the good things that we enjoyed here on Earth will surely be in attendance in Heaven, a place that by its very definition lacks nothing. Therefore, it cannot lack dogs. And equally therefore, it cannot lack Cleo.

Bless you, Ben for your writings and your insight, and your love of the human condition, wretched as it may be.

Jon Roland | 6.20.12 @ 11:42AM

On a harsher note, let us join to oppose the widespread practice among law enforcement agents to immediately shoot any dog they encounter when approaching suspects or serving a warrant, with no penalty to them or even compensation. That practice is not necessary for force protection, and we should make it a crime like killing a human being. Of course human beings get killed the same way only to have the shooting declared to be "justified".

I want the right to kill any agent who kills my pet without my consent or a warrant issued after an adversarial court proceeding.

Penny| 6.20.12 @ 11:52AM

What a personal story. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. A lot of us can relate. I too lost my dog last month. Also, this year was the first year that I have no children in my home; two kids in college. I got online wondering if there were books to help ease the pain and I found this title: "The Kids Are Gone, The Dog Is Dead, Now What." It actually made me laugh and I sent it to the kids.

BDGator| 6.20.12 @ 12:06PM

Ben, I am a long-time fan, but have never written or posted. This was the piece that motivated me to respond. I too, am a pet lover and particularly a dog lover. There is simply no other creature on earth more loving and noble than the average dog. And if you are a dog lover, then at some point you will find your "heart dog". That is to say, the dog that stays with you forever. The one that steals your heart. The one that you will miss until your time to rejoin them comes. I have loved all of my pets, but there are two dogs who will be in my heart and whom I will miss every day until I die. Mayhaps, Cleo was your heart dog. I feel your sadness and pain. May Cleo watch over you until you rejoin her. My thoughts are with you.

MiMito3| 6.20.12 @ 12:17PM

We had to put our Candy down on Memorial Day weekend. I feel your pain.

JeffPerren | 6.20.12 @ 12:17PM

For what it's worth coming from a stranger (but a long-time Sandpoint resident), my sincere and heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved friend.

I've had to do that twice in the past 3 years, with a third (and final) one coming sometime in the next year. I know the pain of that procedure too well.

I wish you the best possible under the circumstances.

A long-time fan,
Jeff Perren

Helen | 6.20.12 @ 12:35PM

Oh, Ben, I feel like we are friends after reading your columns. And I feel so sorry for your loss of Cleo. We have 30 alpacas, four cats and one dog here, and we feel very sad when there is a loss of any of our "herd".

Occam's Tool| 6.20.12 @ 12:40PM

Sorry about Cleo, Ben.

The recession is due to an unstable legislative environment that promises punitive taxes if business investments are successful and/or people are hired. It is that simple, and that bloody obvious.

Goldwater Girl| 6.20.12 @ 12:43PM

My brother recently had to put down his precious Golden, when his suffering with cancer became too much to bear. There are 3 more Goldens in our family, and they are our babies. We have all dreaded the loss of one of these 4-legged's, as we know it will eventually happen to the rest. I think the grief you experience is the price you pay for the absolute love you feel for your dog. My brother rescued his beloved Jax, and gave him a life that most dogs would envy. Sadly, Jax did not have a wonderful experience with his first owner. In spite of the abuse that occurred in his first couple of years, this dog was the most gentle soul. There's a book titled, "Angel by my Side" . Not sure of the author, but I encourage you to read. We will be looking for Jax at the Rainbow Bridge.

Occam's Tool| 6.20.12 @ 2:27PM

They are lucky to have you, GG. And your family.

AllAmericanAmerican| 6.20.12 @ 1:44PM

Eh, I'm not much of a pet person. Probably when I get some land I'll get a dog or two, and a cat for the barn, but its not practical for me right now. Don't have anything against them, just don't feel like I "need" one in my life right now.

That being said although I don't understand the pain folks feel when they lose their pets, I have empathy for them. Sorry for your loss.

Occam's Tool| 6.20.12 @ 2:29PM

AAA, nicely done. By the way, for small spaces, try a cat. Rebekah loves her girls Pepper and Ginger, Ike loves his boy Rocky, and my wife and I really cherish Cassius (Rocky and Pepper also love their dad, but Ginger is really my little girl's girl).

Pets can be very good stuff.

AllAmericanAmerican| 6.20.12 @ 9:52PM

OT thanks. We live in a nice two-story colonial with a decent sized yard, but chasing after three kiddos including a 2 y/o is enough for me! :)

lthrneck| 6.20.12 @ 2:16PM

Beautifully done, as usual.

Robert A. Vavra| 6.20.12 @ 2:20PM

We recently lost of 16 year Schipperke, Niki. We knew the end was near; she passed away in her sleep on our bed. We are blessed to have brave servicemen and women that defend our rights, and preserve our luxury to have animals as pets.

Al Adab| 6.20.12 @ 2:26PM

My heartfelt condolences on the loss of Cleo. I trust Julie good girl is well. Was she named for Julie Nixon?

SALLYFARRAR| 6.20.12 @ 2:26PM

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

SALLYFARRAR| 6.20.12 @ 2:30PM

In the past year I've had to put down three dogs who had gotten elderly and sick.
The most recent was in February---my aged Jack Russell that I had had since she was born.
The pain of losing these dearest friends is indescribable. I was devastated and still mourn.

Allen Johnson| 6.20.12 @ 2:57PM

A touching story on Cleo. Thanks for sharing.

About the Navy pilot, one has to admire him for enduring six long years of mistreatment as well as isolation from his native land. However, the question should be asked about his pilot mission? Was he, as some did, dropping napalm on Vietnamese villages? Were children, women, and other noncombatants, perhaps unintentionally, blown to bits? And if the North Vietnamese treated the Navy pilot harshly, shame on them, but understandable considering the carnage their country was undergoing from the air. And what about Afghani and Iraqi prisoners who are languishing interminably in Gitmo an elsewhere, and longer than 6 years?

Ok, back to the pet. My condolences.

MelvinNC| 6.20.12 @ 4:03PM

Allen, So you are under the impression that the US military bombs people indiscriminately. Why is it that we never seem to hear the same loathing and disdain for the Vietcong who had their own brand of indiscriminate killing of civilians, or the PolPot regime who was responsible for the killing of millions in the killing fields. Not to be outdone Mao Tse Tung murdered over 55 million of his own citizens rather indiscriminately.
Then there was Joseph Stalin aka Uncle Joe, and Vladimir Lenin who between themselves murdered millions upon millions of Russians.
Fidel Castro murdered thousands and his former running partner Che Guevara whose face sports toddlers T shirts on College Campuses.
Again I never hear anyone complain about them. Even today China is military bullying he Philippines, and the world is mum. No support of the Philippines whatsoever. Well then again I suppose most modern students couldn't even locate that country on a map.
Oh, I do love the term, "languishing," those poor whittle victims are responsible for throwing acid in Afghan or Iraqi females for going to school. These same languishing prisoners are also rapists, murderers, thieves, and occasional fighters against the US military, depending on what the going rate is.
Liberals, Progressives scream about fairness. After reading your post I didn't see any. But then again you do have the freedom to leave, to a Country more of your liking, if this Country so reviles you.

jo blo| 6.20.12 @ 5:00PM

That last sentence was perfect to express my feelings on this matter, melvin. Bravo.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 6.20.12 @ 9:44PM

Allen Johnson;

Napalm was usually used in Close Air Support (CAS) missions. While in Viet Nam, CAS missions were primarily a function of Marine Corps F4 pilots (both ground and carrier based), and sources report 75 USMC F4 aircraft were lost, primarily to ground fire.

It is also reported that Navy F4 pilots primarily flew their craft in fighter/interceptor roles, dogfighting the Russian Mig fighters flown by the North Vietnamese Air Force. Sources note the F4s shot down 8 Migs for every F4 lost in air to air combat. Another 66 of the Navy’s F4s were shot down by surface to air missiles or other ground fire.

As such, if the pilot is correctly identified by branch of service and aircraft, he would have been engaging pilots trained and equipped by the communist allies (who MelvinNC ably describes), and was likely shot down by one of those anti-aircraft guns with which your fellow traitor Jane Fonda posed.

It is unfortunate that this former Navy pilot is past the point where he would wish to subject you to the treatment he received while serving his country, however, should you wish to volunteer to experience what he did while protecting someone like you, I am sure there will be no shortage of volunteers to wield the iron and bamboo rods.

1928DOB| 6.20.12 @ 3:01PM

Not to judge, just to state that I'll go with the anthropocentrics.

BLESSEDone333| 6.20.12 @ 3:30PM

Sorry for your loss Ben. I too have had to put down animals after they get to old and are suffering. I pray God bring you His peace.

CLearbrook | 6.20.12 @ 4:10PM

Well, looking at the statistics for how many smart young people there are out there who do not just buy the 'flavor du jour' in Liberal Speaking points (or Conservative ones, for that matter) but are actively and responsibly researching things out on their own and coming to independent answers and even unique questions, I guess I still have hope. But I understand your pessimism in this matter. Just latch onto those smart High School Juniors and the impact that they may have. You may have inspired one or two of them. You really don't know. So keep up the good work, and fight the good fight when you can. You do get worn down. So do I. But remember, the good you do is more about the good it produces in YOU than it is in the world around us, and I think you'll continue find the strength to stand up again when this world knocks you down. It does make it easier when you have friends like Cleo that love you no matter how much or how little good you did today. So your burden and gloomy outlook is more than understandable to me. Just let me say that on numerous occasions, you have made me laugh, think, cry and curse. And I think it has all been (Ben -- pun intended -- Ha ha, dry humor...) good for me in the end. And it will be good for you in the end, too. God Bless you, my good man. Keep engaging. Know that hearing from you is worth it to me, and I am sure I am not alone in that feeling. Cleo being gone is sad for me, too.

Vasu Murti | 6.20.12 @ 4:12PM

Animals are a wonderous part of God's creation. And pets are part of the family. My condolences to Ben Stein and his family on the loss of Cleo.

In college circa 1984, I met a girl named Brooke who said she became a vegetarian when her dog died. She realized her inconsistency in mourning the loss of her companion animal while she was eating meat and thus contributing to the death of many other animals.

Dr. Richard Schwartz reported in 2004 that the number of animals killed for food in the United States is nearly 75 times larger than the number of animals killed in laboratories, 30 times larger than the number killed by hunters and trappers, and 500 times larger than the number of animals killed in animal pounds.

Vegetarianism is an area where each of us can make a real difference.

Roberta Kalechofsky of Jews for Animal Rights similarly says:

"Merely by ceasing to eat meat
"Merely by practicing restraint
"We have the power to end a painful industry

"We do not have to bear arms to end this evil
"We do not have to contribute money
"We do not have to sit in jail or go to
"meetings or demonstrations or
"engage in acts of civil disobedience

"Most often, the act of repairing the world,
"of healing mortal wounds,
"is left to heroes and tzaddikim (holy people)
"Saints and people of unusual discipline

"But here is an action every mortal can
"perform -- surely it is not too difficult!"

bsg| 6.20.12 @ 5:19PM

Obama is a dog person too, he likes them with katsup.

beebop2| 6.20.12 @ 7:14PM

Spectator: Please QUIT sending this column to my inbox. The man is among the biggest whiners on the face of this great land. If you can't get people to read his columns on their own, you might want to rethink printing this drivel at all. But I specifically CHOOSE not to read this huge self loving pity party and am not interested in seeing ANYTHING written by Ben Stein in my inbox other than an apology for a waste of education and/or intellect.

CLearbrook | 6.20.12 @ 7:29PM

Ben,

Get some joy here! (heh) I know that you don't intend to annoy people, but try or not, some people have nothing better to do but complain about other people's complaints. I think the sheer irony of the hypocrisy of beebop2 is hilarious! Seriously. Who did you put up to this? Is this an old high school buddy, class of (well we better not say...) or just some random person off the street?

ROFL!

Milwaukeeroad | 6.21.12 @ 8:34AM

Stein's pretty shrewd. I'd sorely miss his input. American Spectator, please keep Stein's brilliant pieces arriving in MY emailbox. Thank You.

beebop2| 6.22.12 @ 5:25AM

Did you MISS the columns where he describes how he first summons the vet and then sends him away? Followed quickly by a trip to a restaurant (presumably without the dog?). Keeping an animal alive and then ignoring them is not being a noble pet owner -- it is selfish and cowardly. What breathes dies, that is the way of the world. Poor animal ... kept breathing so long as it was a sop to an ego.

Dr. Kendall| 6.20.12 @ 9:34PM

My heart goes out you, Mr. Ben Stein, in the loss of your beloved CLEO. People without animals don't realize what love and acceptance they give us,and how painfully they are missed when they are taken from our daily lives. I lost my golden retriever, Molson, at the age of 12... and still miss him dreadfully 6 years later. Many of us out here know what you are feeling and offer our deepest sympathy!

Kingofthenet| 6.20.12 @ 11:08PM

THIS is why I only have Tortoises or certain Parrots as pets, they can worry about burying me. Just Kidding, so sorry Ben, wait a bit and get a 'rescue' from the pound.

Jeamar| 6.20.12 @ 11:30PM

Ocam: Don't get so worked up. You should see a shrink!

Milwaukeeroad | 6.21.12 @ 8:28AM

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies, one which has been especially close to someone here on earth, that pet departs to Rainbow Bridge.
At Rainbow Bridge there are rolling hills and lush meadows wherein all these special little friends can run and play together. There is plenty of food, fresh running water and warming sunshine, and our little pals are happy, rested, and joyfully comfortable.
Any animals which may have been unfortunately ill or aged are restored to health and vigor at Rainbow Bridge. Those which were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days gone by. Every animal is wondrously joyful and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, someone who had to be left behind.
Each day and every day, all day long, they frolic and play together with absolute delight. But, for each beloved little creature, that one day finally arrives when they suddenly pause and intently look off into the distance. (con't)

Milwaukeeroad | 6.21.12 @ 8:29AM

Their bright eyes begin to focus. Their anxious little body begins to uncontrollably quiver. Then, with a sudden burst of unbridled urgency and enthusiasm, they frantically race from the group and virtually fly over the green grass, their legs carrying them along yet faster and faster.
That’s because you’ve been spotted. And, when you and your special little friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face. Your hands tenderly caress their beloved little head. And, you look once more into those loving, trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never ever absent from your heart.
Your mutual love is rekindled once again. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.
… Author unknown

dvalcich| 6.21.12 @ 4:38PM

My condolences on loosing Cleo. I’m sure she was a beautiful and loyal friend. I too have a book shelf full of the urns of past friends. Loosing them leaves you empty. Seems the only cure is to tighten the chin strap, jump back in the water and get another dog.

Nightwinger| 6.22.12 @ 12:17PM

I can only hope someone performs the same service on me when the time comes.

Too bad we give our pets more humane finality than most humans receive.

stonefellow| 6.22.12 @ 9:02PM

My deepest sympathy on the loss of Cleo. All dog lovers face this. I lost 3 dogs last year in 4 months.
You gave Cleo a good life, but you received more than you gave. All dogs go to Heaven. Please help a dog at the pound.

Bob From District 9| 6.23.12 @ 1:40AM

"I sought to explain to them why the economy was not recovering and that it had to do in part with workers unwilling to accept low wage jobs and producers and sellers unwilling to lower prices. This, as I explained to them, hinders what some people might refer to as "internal devaluation," if I understand that phrase rightly."

My God, you call yourself an economist? Your simplistic and shallow explanations do more damage than good.

Oh, and do you realize, your own explanation gives evidence we do *NOT* have truly competitive markets in this country. If we did, producers and sellers would not be able to simply chose not to lower prices, they would be forced to when the market required it. The fact that they aren't forced to is simply because the market doesn't require it, because it is not truly competitive.

Which also give the lie to the claim that the market can really be self regulating. Thank you for proving the need for government regulation, and Dodd-Franks.

Dinah| 6.25.12 @ 5:36PM

Sorry to hear of Cleo's passing. She is in good company running free, and barking loudly.

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