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Saturday, November 26, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
A lot of time has passed since my last blog post. Mostly because of my husband's cancer, rescue, and caring for my own dogs. I have always been relentless in my passion for our breed rescue, putting everything on the back burner. I resigned myself to "making it up to you later...", when it involved my family, and even my own dogs...burning the candle at both ends so to speak. Then a catastrophic event forced me to prioritize my life.
When years go by, and a rescue goes through the stress and change such as ours, you really have to stop and ask yourself if someone or something in the universe is trying to tell you something. When is it enough? There are always dogs, mail boxes full of emails from owners with the same old excuses, actually there have been some new excuses that have been quite creative. Some have been comical, like the bird dog refusing to stop eating the free roaming chickens. I felt a bit bad for the chickens, but shaking my head for the poor dog that had to be pulled out of the arms of a crying child, when rescue picked her up. And the child....how will this effect a young child that was obviously bonded so deeply to his friend?
Scenarios such as these evoke emotions from we rescuers, but especially the dog loving public. We have become hardened, we have seen and heard so much...we have cried enough tears to fill an ocean, and now we trust no one. What is happening to us as a society? Where is the responsibility? I truly see a trend of not caring, and evidence of a "throw away" society. We're lazy, we're uneducated, and I do not see light at the end of the tunnel. So I ask myself, "what" am I doing? Life is passing me by, year after year, after year. I see young rescue individuals that were 20, and in a blink of an eye are now in their 30's. They are not married, they are not getting on with their lives, but instead are totally engulfed in this never ending cycle of abuse and rescue.
So what are the answers? Do I start to care less about the dogs needing help? Do I let go of many to trust in others to save them? I am told by my friends that have been around the block in the rescue mobile, to hang in there.....they know exactly where I am coming from. Other's have died so young, and the stress involved with the frantic and overwhelming involvement that is 24/7 in this business. Google "stress and animal rescue", and you will have an entire page of articles to support the above. Heck, my husband was having a surgical procedure for his cancer, and my phone was ringing off the hook...this is after I had emailed the same individuals stating I would be off line for several days. Guess that wasn't what they wanted to hear...
Many of my most incredible volunteers, and foster homes have taken on tasks I would never have imagined anyone willing to do, so I could have time that is short with my husband. He always was supportive of all the time I took from him to do rescue. That says so much of his character, and the dogs we share our lives with, all being rescue dogs are the glue that hold together a very big portion of our relationship. We enjoy being together with our dogs, and we are so grateful for just a bit more time together.
So, the answer for me at this point is to continue to do rescue, but on a smaller scale. No one has to be the biggest to be the best, and many hands make for light work. We had I think....15 dogs we were responsible for even just a couple of months ago, and now we are down to maybe eight? We are cross posting more, as I have found out many dogs with little time left will get rescued if we network heavily enough. The ones that will require multiple surgeries, broken bones, ect., we can take...or those in our own back yard.
The networking with many groups, especially the GSP groups to the south and Midwestern regions have been long standing friendships, and one in particular...Meg with GSP of Texas got me my doll baby Gretchen. Gretchen is a one in a million rescue dog, that came to us at a time we most needed a ray of light in our lives. I am convinced she is an angel in a wire suit. But she had an angel in a human suit that answered that email when Gretchen needed help, making it all possible.
I guess purging this post has made me realize all the blessings rescue dogs and rescue itself have brought me. I see so many friends on our social networking sites being so engaged with each other, sharing experiences with their dogs, and families. This brings me tremendous joy. We have been given support emotionally and monetarily from many of our friends and adopters, whom we would have not had the pleasure to meet and establish forever friendships without the rescue. And my bucket list of meeting my mentors has been fulfilled.I have met Cesar Millan, Sue Sternberg, Emily Weiss, Gina Spadafori, and her writing partner Dr. Marty Becker. Without rescue and my passion for dogs, this would have never been possible.
I would like to attend a workshop with Martin Deeley someday. But really think that is about it. So when I start to feel overwhelmed, or possibly a little resentful, I just need to prioritize, count my blessings, and know that rescue has been responsible of all that is positive in my life.
Dwelling on the sliver of the pie that has indeed gone bad, is my responsibility to throw out...and being a glutton is indeed not good for me either.
Now excuse me while I get out of my Pj's on this beautiful Saturday afternoon and go for a walk with my rescue dogs, for they are the positive, and a priority. Not to mention the K-State vs Oklahoma game, and a bowl of popcorn with my husband!
Rescue can wait til Monday...
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Comfort in a Wire Suit
This is a story of two good friends. One a middle age engineer,and the other an angel in a wire suit. Nearly eight years ago, we had a call from a shelter not far from us. A female wire in need of help, and we had plans to pick her up and bring her to our licensed shelter home. Unfortunately, she had been put into a kennel run with two other dogs, and a scuffle occurred over one food bowl. When the kennel worker pulled them apart, in the heat of the moment she bit the kennel worker as she pulled them apart by the collar.
We put her in quarantine with our vet, and waited the 10 days. While she was doing her time, she was found to be pregnant...and heart worm positive. To cut to the chase, her Dad fell in love with her the first time he met her. I would like to say the same, but I would be lying. She was a sharp female, very prey driven and determined. She took a lot of work, but was so worth it within the first year.
She had nine lives, actually. After the puppies were born, and we delighted in the little furry bundles, it was decided she would stay. Her heart worm treatment was interrupted with a bout of pyometra, we almost lost her. The heart worm treatment was so harsh, her Dad carried her upstairs and put her on a large dog bed next to his side. She recovered, and went on to steal his heart completely.
She also survived pancreatitis after opening the bottom door to the smoker, consuming the drippings of two bear butt spicy chickens, and survived renal failure due to tainted dog food. Her Dad was always there for her. When he changed jobs, he took into consideration the hours as she was used to her daily walks come rain or shine.
This was only his second dog....the first was a collie that died from bloat when he was nine. He found her lying lifeless on the back porch, only til Holly came along did he open his heart to loving another.
They have such a close personal relationship, when he became ill she seemed to recognize the severity of his cancer and was not shy of the machines that were installed in his room making strange sounds. Her place was with her Dad, comforting him during his aggressive treatments. She has been the comfort that none of us could have given. Care yes, comfort no. There is nothing better than an older dog stretched against your back when not feeling good. Her Dad was even able to cease taking his blood pressure medication.
Holly "Beans" as she is known has kept her Dad going essentially, and provided him with that special something that we all need. We are so very blessed to have our special family members, and I am so grateful Holly was here.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Sam is coming along SLOWLY.....
Sam is coming along slowly. The leg started an infection under the plate we believe so have had a long road of rehab. She is into two months of it all, and starting to go a bit stir crazy. She is such a good dog, that she is used to being poked and prodded.
No one said it would be easy, but little did we know how hard this was going to be. In hind sight, taking the leg may have been the best choice, but since we are so far into this, we want to try. At least she is a tolerant dog that accepts her situation, and moves forward. What does this teach us as humans? Patience first....acceptance....living in the moment of situations and not looking beyond. What on earth must she think? What kind of psychological damage is the walk and crate doing for rehab of a limb that refuses to heal? I don't know the answer...just have to trust our vet which I do, and learn from Sam that Patience is the key to any situation like this, and know in the end we will all be better for it.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Sam is Here!
Sam arrived from KY Friday evening. Thanks to the Shelby County NO Kill mission shelter, she is alive. There are not many places that would have allowed a dog a chance like Sam. Kudos to them for performing the emergency surgery, and giving her a chance.
We are like minded rescue people, and Dr. Amanda Fowler the vice president of the No Kill Mission, is an inspiration.
Groups like these are part of the No Kill equation that desperately needs to be adopted in this country to end the senseless euthanasia of homeless pets.
GWP Rescue, Inc has some tremendous volunteers that jumped at the chance to drive Sam from KY to Kansas in a day. They arranged and executed a flawless plan of action to get this needy dog into our rehab home. They covered the transport completely, and allowed Sam the opportunity to continue her medical care.
Update: This was written on 3/13 and today is 3/26....which may give you an idea of exactly how much time a dog like Sam requires. We have had quite a time of it the past two weeks. Sam's break is catastrophic in nature and my first rehab of such a medical issue. We have Dr. Todd Knappenberger leading the way now for her recuperation. We have a plan, and it does not include any time out of the crate other than hourly walks on leash and then back into the crate. Supplying meaty bones and bully sticks, Merrick Duck chews...anything to make this confinement tolerable has been the goal. Having a full time dog sitter while I am away the 6 hours per day, and day boarding at the vet's office has been a blessing. Sam cannot be alone for one second.
Her third set of x-rays yielded some disappointment....but looking at the whole picture of Sam being an adult wirehaired pointer at 35 lbs, emaciated, and wormy wouldn't provide much foundation for healing. I just felt everything has gone our way in the past and this would be no different. There would have to be some kind of miracle here like all the other miracles right?
We learn something from each dog we rehab....we have to embrace the opportunity to learn lessons, whether they go our way or not. We have to accept and be patient. We cannot let emotion rule but common sense. (Which I must confess that I have lacked somewhat the past two weeks...blame it on no sleep...) But know that Sam will be forever in our heart, that she will be the poster wire for medical rehab...and the power of positive thinking plan of action is in place.
It will be a very long haul...not the 8 weeks we had thought, but 3-4 months. We will be with her every step of the way however, and provide all that is needed somehow. Foster homes that help us I am confident will pull up the slack, as I will be very occupied with Sam, Emma, Baldwin and Jenny. The good news is that everyone is sharing the Duck chews and bones!@
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Samantha-GWP In Need-Hit by Car
Samantha is a GWP in urgent need. The Shelby County NO KILL Mission shelter in KY is doing what many shelters could do if they truly cared about animals. They jumped when the call came in about a dog dragging her leg after being hit by a car. She was rushed to the office of Dr. Amamda Fowler, DVM for emergency services. Her bills are now at $1200. When we were alerted to her need by Michelle Salyers-GSP Rescue, we immediately contacted the Shelter. All donations are Tax deductible as we are a public charity.
We are working with this wonderful group to help on the pending medical bills, and raise funds for Sam's care and rehab here which will be very costly. She is said to be a very sweet girl, as most of our GWP's are...and we are so grateful to this organization that helps so many dogs like Sam.
Our organization truly loves the breed, and have dedicated our lives to the rescue and rehoming of such dogs. We have set up transport with our wonderful volunteers to bring Sam here this week. Our Vet Dr. Todd Knappenberger will be viewing the x-rays and we will go from there on the rehab for this wonderful dog that is so deserving. If you could Please spare even a few dollars, she would so appreciate it. Ths will be a long haul for her and our organization, but we will give it our all.
Sam will require intensive care on our part, and we wish to make this possible. Sharing the widget on your websites and blog would be most appreciated. Let's make this a community effort.
Please watch for updates on Sam as they come in...thank you from the bottom of my heart and that of Sam.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Energy, Tools, and Kibble
As I sit here having my morning coffee, and Emma barrels around the corner at full speed, jumping on my lap with 72 pounds...then rolling me across the room in my wheeled computer chair, the idea of energy came to mind.
While she is like a six month old in her head....she definitely is not in size. Excuse me while I get the Kong wobbler
The Kong Wobbler
The Kong wobbler is for incredibly high energy dogs with a vast amount of curiosity....it is used for dog needing stimulation, dogs with Separation anxiety, dogs that gobble their food. It is an interactive game that keeps a dog entertained. They learn to manipulate the extra large kong to dispense one or two pieces of kibble at a time...which leads me to yet another subject...kibble.
Our Holistic vet here in Kansas City was privy to a study sponsored by Ducks Unlimited. As he had been recommending Blue Buffalo and some other high quality foods to his patient's parents, he reported the study revealed that there is a wonderful kibble on the market...one with wholesome ingredients, cranberries, blueberries, with or without grain. It scored highest or comparable in nutrition, and the cost was unbelievable. It is Costco's Kirkland Kibble....yes, I about fell off my chair.
And the cost is 25.00 per bag compared to the nearly 50.00 I was spending.
Back to energy...
Dogs all are born with energy/personality as we know it. When dogs come in, one of the first things I assess is energy. While I have obtained most of my information from the dogs themselves, the Cesar Millan's books and DVD's have lent insight to various methods to be tried and true. I have also found a new source from a trainer named Joel Silverman. I like Joel's information very much, and the color coding of dogs on a color spectrum is interesting. His idea is to curb the dog's energy through training to move towards the center of the spectrum. Yellow being the middle, on the right orange, then bright Red (Emma and Martha). On the left of the middle mellow yellow is green and blue. (Bramble and Abby) Baldwin of course is the yellow, and if I look at the history of all of my dogs...most have been yellow and Buddy an orange. We have been working with Martha with the tactile exercises used to calm a very hyper dog...and it is working! Emma is doing pretty well also. Bramble's energy is very nervous, unsure...we are working with him...he is better, using lots of treats for a shy dog such as Bramble is key.
But will be pulling out Cesar's books once again to work within myself to be able to work with him. The importance of confidence, moving forward each day...not allowing myself to even think of what he must have been through at the mill and beyond is critical. He is here now, in a home with a boy he likes very much. Time to move on, which he is doing little by little.
So check out Joel's new book "Take-2 Training Solutions for Rescued Dogs"
The other book is "What Color is your Dog" which is on the color coding.
Cesar's new book is very, very good
"Cesar's Rules"
Energy of the human must be greater than or equal to the new dog in your life. Cesar also recommends the new dog coming in be of lower energy than the existing dog in the household...if there is one. This has been tricky with adoptions where there is a much older dog already in the house. We have been very lucky to have placed our fosters into homes that are extremely active, and obedience work, nose work, agility is just part of the every day.
Then I come back to Emma...why is she such a perfect fit? What is it about Emma inspite of her rumbling thunder, do I feel so attracted to.
It dawned on me last night, it's Buddy...She is the female Buddy. Her huffing and puffing moving that ginormous body at full speed, her incredibly loving nature, her respect, and just the hole she has filled in my heart.
Mary Murray
While she is like a six month old in her head....she definitely is not in size. Excuse me while I get the Kong wobbler
The Kong Wobbler
The Kong wobbler is for incredibly high energy dogs with a vast amount of curiosity....it is used for dog needing stimulation, dogs with Separation anxiety, dogs that gobble their food. It is an interactive game that keeps a dog entertained. They learn to manipulate the extra large kong to dispense one or two pieces of kibble at a time...which leads me to yet another subject...kibble.
Our Holistic vet here in Kansas City was privy to a study sponsored by Ducks Unlimited. As he had been recommending Blue Buffalo and some other high quality foods to his patient's parents, he reported the study revealed that there is a wonderful kibble on the market...one with wholesome ingredients, cranberries, blueberries, with or without grain. It scored highest or comparable in nutrition, and the cost was unbelievable. It is Costco's Kirkland Kibble....yes, I about fell off my chair.
And the cost is 25.00 per bag compared to the nearly 50.00 I was spending.
Back to energy...
Dogs all are born with energy/personality as we know it. When dogs come in, one of the first things I assess is energy. While I have obtained most of my information from the dogs themselves, the Cesar Millan's books and DVD's have lent insight to various methods to be tried and true. I have also found a new source from a trainer named Joel Silverman. I like Joel's information very much, and the color coding of dogs on a color spectrum is interesting. His idea is to curb the dog's energy through training to move towards the center of the spectrum. Yellow being the middle, on the right orange, then bright Red (Emma and Martha). On the left of the middle mellow yellow is green and blue. (Bramble and Abby) Baldwin of course is the yellow, and if I look at the history of all of my dogs...most have been yellow and Buddy an orange. We have been working with Martha with the tactile exercises used to calm a very hyper dog...and it is working! Emma is doing pretty well also. Bramble's energy is very nervous, unsure...we are working with him...he is better, using lots of treats for a shy dog such as Bramble is key.
But will be pulling out Cesar's books once again to work within myself to be able to work with him. The importance of confidence, moving forward each day...not allowing myself to even think of what he must have been through at the mill and beyond is critical. He is here now, in a home with a boy he likes very much. Time to move on, which he is doing little by little.
So check out Joel's new book "Take-2 Training Solutions for Rescued Dogs"
The other book is "What Color is your Dog" which is on the color coding.
Cesar's new book is very, very good
"Cesar's Rules"
Energy of the human must be greater than or equal to the new dog in your life. Cesar also recommends the new dog coming in be of lower energy than the existing dog in the household...if there is one. This has been tricky with adoptions where there is a much older dog already in the house. We have been very lucky to have placed our fosters into homes that are extremely active, and obedience work, nose work, agility is just part of the every day.
Then I come back to Emma...why is she such a perfect fit? What is it about Emma inspite of her rumbling thunder, do I feel so attracted to.
It dawned on me last night, it's Buddy...She is the female Buddy. Her huffing and puffing moving that ginormous body at full speed, her incredibly loving nature, her respect, and just the hole she has filled in my heart.
Mary Murray
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
Take 2-Training Solutions for Rescued Dogs
I wanted to share with you one of the best books I have read in a very long time.
"Take 2" by Joel Silverman provides a comprehensive manual for those adopting a new family member. For me, the entire book focuses on before the big day, to the first hours and beyond. Those of us in rescue want the very best for our dogs and puppies getting that second chance. And while we do offer support to our adopters along with a rapport of knowledge about their newly adopted pet, having this book included in the adoption packet seems like a pretty good idea. They will have the tools in this book to continue what we have started, and specifics on the big day, the first two weeks and further adjustment times.
As Joel states in his new book,
"The old rules don't always apply to adopted dogs, whose training and past behaviors may be a complete mystery. I acknowledge the special needs of these dogs and cover the training methods that really work for rescue dogs that hail from animal shelters, breed rescue programs, and humane societies."
Joel is absolutely right. Many of these dogs have baggage, heck we all have baggage of some kind. They do have a special need to establish trust and adjust to their new environment. Nearly all of our dogs come in with unknown history, if only they could tell us what they had been through.
I am most interested in the behavioral aspect of this book, and the color coding of the animals by energy. Those of you that know me, know I am big into energy/personality. It is crucial to all of us in our organization to always match the energy of the dog with the family adopting. Having the knowledge to work with their new family member when they change environment insures an adoption that is fulfilling to the dog, and the family.
As I write this, I just got beaned upside of the head with a flying extra large kong from red dog Emma. As Joel points out in this book, our goal is to turn Emma from a red (high energy) dog to a more manageable orange, and hopefully with training and behavioral work to a mellow yellow dog. Now with exercise, fulfillment, and a plan of action, I do think this is possible. Yellow may be a stretch, but a nice cool orange maybe? How 'bout it Emma?
Our newest boy here at our licensed shelterhome is Bramble. Bramble is from a high profile mill raid that took place in 2009. We believe he was one of the puppies taken with his litter that day, and was placed in an over crowded shelter while the courts took 10 months to decide the case. During this time it is reported by volunteers that the dogs received little or no human interaction besides feeding. For this reason, Bramble is classified as a green dog. Very cautious and afraid, he freezes with fear when exposed to a new experience and trusts no one. With the help of Joel's book, I have some new techniques in which to work with Bramble, gaining his trust. My son Reilly will be helping with Bramble with the use of treats, and extreme patience.According to the book, dogs like Bramble being extremely shy do well with treat training and patience, whereas dogs like Emma benefit from more tactile touch to calm them down. And he is absolutely right!
More information on color coding your dog's energy/personality and how to work with them is explained below in Joel's other book,
What Color is your Dog?
If you are a family thinking of adopting, you have the opportunity to prepare for the big day by buying this book ahead of time. Those that have adopted can start the behavioral training for their dog specifically at any time using the information in this book.
"Take 2" is book I couldn't put down. I hope you all buy the book, it is one of the best books addressing the needs of rescued dogs with specific techniques for each energy level. It is a tremendous resource for those of us that have only had rescued dogs and I highly recommend it.
Til next time....
Saturday, January 1, 2011
I Lost my Best Friend
Two days ago, I lost my best friend in the world to Canine Cancer. I had not given cancer a lot of thought, knew only one or two dogs that had died from it. Our Dock Dogs club supports Chase Away K9 Cancer, and I have purchased a tee shirt and supported the raffles. Now do I understand the significance of research and the pain of losing a family member to such a dreaded disease.
Buddy came to us nearly 10 years ago, emaciated and found in a field. Vet's said he was 24 hours from death. My husband and I went to see him, and of course adopted him on the spot. We got him into a good vet with long time friend Dr. Kayla Peterson, DVM. My husband went out and got all the ingredients for a recipe called Satin Balls to help him put on weight quickly....and he did. He was never a small puppy, at 6 months he was the size of many adults.
He was a middle of the road GWP, had that happy go lucky attitude. He was always the one to meet and greet...he made everyone that knew him smile. He was more like a kid to us than a dog, rightly or wrongly we felt that way. What's not to love about a middle of the road GWP that never had any problems with all of the dogs coming and going. He was never crazy about puppies, but as they matured...he was accepting.
Buddy was a special boy, he was the dog that went through a ton of obedience, and when we were asked to do anything in the community such as work with kids with anger issues at the mental health center...he was "the man." He was the neighborhood dog, that children ran out their front doors to say hi to, everyone always said how beautiful he was...but think it was more his aura they were referring to.
He put up with strangers ruffing up his ears to say Hi....even though I held my breath, all he did was slime them or give them kisses.
He even posed for our Christmas Card this year...Baldwin laughed at him.
The days and years went by, and this big boy grew older. He had been healthy his entire life....and when we were off for Christmas we noticed what seemed to be a stroke. Of course it was the day after Christmas, and vets closed....we watched carefully. By the next day....he was his old self, counter surfing for boiled eggs and helping himself. Little did we know what that episode was...he was beginning to bleed internally from a massive tumor on his spleen. The rebound was from his body absorbing the blood flowing into his abdomen. We had two more very good days.
On Thursday, our day began as usual...Dad got up first, let he and Holly outside. Buddy was racing through the yard on patrol for pesky squirrels, or an offending possum that may have come into the yard during the night....maybe those yapping min pins next door would be out for him to race the fence with. He had his breakfast, and took his place at Dad's side next to Holly for the morning petting and talk. Dad always told him he was such a good puppy dog.
Dad had errands to run by lunch time...and Buddy went into his giant sized crate on his dog bed to take a late morning nap...so we thought. Truth was, the tumor was not only seeping but about to rupture. I noticed he was not himself, and was disoriented. The stumbling was back and breathing was not normal. I called our long time vet letting them know we were having another episode....Dr. Tom Knappenberger said to come in. Getting this big boy to the car was not hard. He saw the leash and was ready for a walk. He fell down the front steps, and it was apparent something was incredibly wrong. He was not getting oxygen to the brain, and by the time we got to our vet...we did EKG, blood panel, his gums were white, and his breathing was so labored...panic was setting in that we were losing him.
Our good vet called emergency and let them know we were on the way...I stopped by to get his Dad, and we made the journey to the emergency room. His Dad put the back window down a bit, as it was 67 degrees, and the old boy sniffed the air by putting his nose up towards the open window. He always loved hanging that big old head out the window....this was a dog that exhumed pure joy at all times. We got to emergency, and he could no longer walk, head slumped off the back seat onto the floor....His Dad and I met the hospital staff in the parking lot with a stretcher. It took 4 of us to lift 75 lbs of dead weight and wrap with blankets. He lifted his head slightly. They ran him into the critical care unit and we went to a private waiting room.
Our vet had sent the EKG, xrays, and blood work with us. He had an IV and oxygen immediately administered. Within 30 minutes, a very good vet Dr. Hoh came into the room....Buddy had a huge mass in his abdomen...his spleen had ruptured. It did not compute, then she said the most agonizing word....Cancer.
But he had no symptoms...how can this be? What were our options? Disbelief, agony, helplessness, then the grave prognosis.
Buddy had a silent aggressive cancer, Hemanigosarcoma. Cancer of the blood vessels. Dr.Hoh explained that symptoms come by the time it is too late in most cases. There were no options for us...surgery and extensive chemo may provide some patients 1-3 months. But with Buddy, it had already spread to his heart, and most likely all of the organs now. How long was he sick?
Dr. Hoh said most likely no more than a month....that is how aggressive Hemangiosarcoma is.
Dad was by this time sobbing, and I made the decision with Dr. Hoh's help to let our big boy go...
His Dad was inconsolable, and I asked him to please wait in the car...I wanted our last moments to be peaceful, calm, and it was time for Buddy and I to have that final conversation. Which he agreed would be for the best.
Buddy never left the stretcher...he was wrapped in beautiful hand made blankets. When he was brought to me, his head was up...I remarked he "looked better"...Dr. Hoh explained he had gotten oxygen since being there, and it was temporary. He was coherent...I was so pleased he knew who I was. Our eyes met and he smiled...I began to talk to him, and rub that big old head...he sighed and put his head on his paws.
I had watched the movie "Marley and Me" the night before, and had never watched the ending...that night I did. Was this God's way of preparing me? If so...a big "Thank you" God.
The scene was much the same...different dogs, parents, and words....but much the same message. He relaxed and I spent time rubbing his head and back...when Dr. Hoh left us for a time, she came in and checked on us. He had closed his eyes, and was not gasping for breath. It was calm, quiet, relaxed and he was so very tired....it was time.
Buddy went peacefully, just melted away in my arms. No sobbing from me until I hit the car, and I have been sobbing for two days now. This is not the first dog we have lost...doing rescue for years, we have lost a few...but this was different.
As I said, Buddy and I had ten years together, lots of obedience classes...he learned a "few" things, he was sort of like Marley come to think of it...you couldn't help but love him. Everybody loved him...We have received ecards and letters of support from all over the world since Buddy left us not even a week ago. He has touched so many lives and raised awareness of Hemangiosarcoma. I have received support from so many people sharing their stories of the loss they have experienced regarding this terrible form of cancer. The caring and outreach from so many people has been such a comfort. Thank you for that....
Chase Away K9 Cancer is a 501c3 organization dedicated to finding a cure and treatment for canine cancer. Please see their website, it is inspirational, and I will be taking the time to explore it and hope you all will too. I would like to make this Buddy's Cause...as he would want it this way.
I am assured the sting will go away in time, getting involved raising money in Buddy's name to help others not suffer the way Buddy did, offer research into treatments so that there is hope will probably be the way healing can take place....as I said, Buddy would have wanted it that way.
Chase away K9 Cancer has donated funds to help and Research Buddy's Cancer...Please see the link below
http://www.chaseawayk9cancer.org/breakthrough-technology.html
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