He had not been well for about five weeks. I took him to the vet twice before I left to visit my son, but there was nothing that she could pin down. They did the panel tests for senior dogs, valley fever, diabetes, and on and on and on. He was put on several medications and an antibiotic. Nothing seemed to help, though he would rally for a few days. I was ready to cancel my trip to Iowa, but my husband and stepson assured me that they would take care of him.
One day into my trip, my husband was taking George to the emergency vet...he was blind. After an overnight stay, George came home. They did more tests and only thing that they noticed was a growth on his spleen. Maybe it was cancer. Nothing really changed, but he was a little slower and would only eat about a half cup of chicken a day.
I cut my trip short by a few days and started home. Somewhere in Utah, my husband called and said that George was not eating and he was taking him back to the vet. I did 850 miles that day, trying to make it home in two and half days.
As soon as I got home, I could see that George was much, much worse than before. At this point, he was covered with small bumps. The cancer had spread throughout his body. I spent the day on the floor, being as close as I could. We went outside and sat in the sun. We laid on the floor some more. It was time to make the hard decision and give George the dignity that he deserved. I called the vet and asked if they could come to my home. In general they do not make house calls, but George was still over 80 pounds and he growled every time he was lifted into the car. Also, Dr. Sue had been George's doctor since he was eight weeks old. She came to the house. I will be forever grateful for that. We laid on the lawn, feeling the wind on our faces. He had been by my side for eight years. I would stay with him until the end.
I have cried for three days. I know that the pain will ease, but right now, I'm so very, very sad.
Be kind to one another.
Oh Angela. I am so sorry my friend. I sit here with Murphy on my lap crying with you. I have been there. I know how much it hurts. Oh I know. I am praying for you. VERY BIG HUGS.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I keep finding balls and toys laying around the house. So hard.
DeleteAngela my heart just breaks for you as I sit here crying with you. I know the pain all too well. George is now romping at the Rainbow Bridge with my Ellie and Loocie. They sure do leave pawprints on your heart.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Lauren
Thank you, Lauren. My husband always said that I was George's favorite human. He was definitely my favorite dog.
DeleteI am so so sorry. There are no words to make it better.......you've lost a friend. It's heartbreaking. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Hilary. No, there are no words.
DeleteThere's nothing quite like the pain of losing a beloved dog to cancer. I went through it in 2013 and 2016 and it still hurts. I am glad you made it home in time to say goodbye.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I cannot imagine doing this twice. My condolences to you.
DeleteOh, Angela! At least he is in a good place. Roaming and playing in the heavenly skies with all the other animals. I'm glad you made it home in time for him. He knows you loved him.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rachel. I am so glad that I made it home. It hurt to say goodbye, but the alternative would have been much worse.
DeleteThis is sad news, Angela. I'm so sorry for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brigitte.
DeleteOh sweet friend, I am so sorry sweet George has passed away. I am glad you were able to be with him though, for I know that was truly a comfort for him, and for you as well I am sure. I send you ((hugs)).
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vicki. This morning was tough. I woke up, no shadow. Sigh. I know it will get better.
DeleteOh dear, so so sorry Angela. We have been there so know how hard it is. They really are part of the family and it is a tough time for sure. You will miss him.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jocelyn. This is the first time I have had to do this...most of my animals have passed from old age...I stopped in the hallway last night, turned around to get George's bed...not a good night.
DeleteI'm a little behind on blogs, but I'm so sorry to see you've had this loss. I know how hard it is and I hope things will get easier for you each day.
ReplyDeleteThank you. The first two weeks were the toughest. I'm still sad, but I can look at his picture and not cry.
DeleteOh, Angela! At least he is in a good place. Roaming and playing in the heavenly skies with all the other animals. I'm glad you made it home in time for him. He knows you loved him.
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