Yesterday, I helped a friend (she's older and is like an adopted Grandmother to me) take her older dog to the vet. Katie (the dog) is a 100 pound lab and REALLY doesn't like to go the vet. She has been limping and I feared it was something bad. I was right, Katie has osteoscarcoma. Bone cancer.Katie is my friend's last tie to her husband that died a few years ago and has been my friend's constant companion since he died. This friend adopted a dog from me, Cassie, a year and a half ago that I found on the street so she has two dogs now. Someday I will write Cassie's story. It is a pretty great one.
Katie is at home now with a Fentanyl patch for pain and my friend is taking some time to get herself ready and say goodbye. Katie still loves her biscuits, her sister (Cassie) and her baby (my friend's great grandson lives with her) but we know that the time will be soon, probably in the next week or so. No one wants her to suffer in any way.
Katie had to stay at the vet's (my good friend Helen is her vet. I make all the animals I love go to her) for the day (this is when I took time to go run) to be sedated for x-rays and blood work to confirm what was happening. When I picked my friend up to go get Katie she said, "some people won't have pets because they are too afraid of losing them and this pain. That is like not marrying your true love because they will die some day. I wouldn't give up what she gave me. Even to avoid this."
Needless to say, I didn't get to make it to my meeting with the coach last night.
(Picture: Katie a year ago, trying to kiss her way out of a nail trim.
4 comments:
Katie is a beautiful dog. I'm so sorry that she AND her owner are going through this. Losing an animal is the worst kind of pain (I've been through it enough) because how do you accept the loss of something that has given you nothing but unconditional love?
I have a friend who refused to adopt another pet after losing one a few years back. I'm glad I haven't made the same mistake. The pain of loss is horrible. But I wouldn't give up knowing this animals for anything. And in fact, I'd do it all over again.
Again, I am so sorry for what Katie is going through, but boy does she sound loved -- and I am willing to bet she knows she really lucked out in this life having such an amazing owner/mom.
~ Tracy
I'm crying! I unfortunately have lost a few of my pets to cancer-and it's so horrible! Pets give so much and all they want in return is your love! If only humans could be like this!
I know Katie is loved! And Katie knows she is loved! The saving grace is that we are able to set them free and put them out of their pain and suffering if need be! That is the only solace I can take. I've never lost a child, but my pets are my 4 legged children. You confide in them, share your life with them, love them unconditionally and they give double that back to you! They leave permanent dog or cat prints in our hearts!! You never forget them and never lose them!!
I hate that anyone has to go thru this! It sucks and is so unfair! Unfortunately, when you have pets this happens-but it still sucks! I agree with your friend-I will always have pets! No matter what!!They bring so much joy to our lives!
I'm giving Katie and big hug from here!!! And so is Velcro!!
May she live the rest of her life in comfort and with her tennis ball and yummy biscuits!
Please give your dear friend a big hug from Velcro and me too!!
Penny
I thought you might like to check this blog out-it's one of my favorites;
http://babyloveupdates.blogspot.com/
it just shows you the power and love of animals! It's so inspiring!!!
Hey, I got your comment. I'd love to see more of Melvin. Feel free to email me anything
serrers7991@yahoo.com
Baby Love's siblings were mostly healthy except for her brother Louie is deaf.
www.gustheblueheeler.blogspot.com
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