Lymphoma

[joeys mom]

So happy to read all is good. Joey has had diarrhea a few time but nothing that a little sweet potato didn't help with right away. You might try that with Gus when u don't want to do antibiotics. I just cook them and give joey about 2/3 tbs. he loves it and thinks he is gettjng a treat. I avoid antibiotics if possible too, Joey is on 3 other medications for his seizures so when I can I do something natural. So far we haven't seen any signs of a uti and hope it stays that way. Poor Gus I know how miserable that is.

Thank you for the Update. I have loved the info I have gotten here on boxer world over the last several years and now I need it more then ever. I HATE that we have to go through this but it helps to know other people's experiences. Thanks again, ask me anything that might help you and I will be looking for another good update soon.

 

[joeys mom]

It has been a couple of days and just wanted to see how Gus was doing?

 

[Gus's Folks]

Alas, he could not keep up the fight anymore. My wife and I took him to the vet today and he went peacefully. A lot of tears and a lot of hugs, but we knew it was the right time.

I noticed the lymph node in his throat was bigger on Sunday - groin too. He wouldn't eat that night. He ate a bit of chicken and rice the next morning but nothing the rest of the day or this (Tuesday) morning. He (we) did not sleep well the last couple of nights and by late this morning after we had made the decision, he started having trouble holding down his water. It was time. His muscles had atrophied quite a bit and he was becoming wobbly, too. Nevertheless, he was bright-eyed and ready to go if I got anywhere close to the leash or front door! Bless 'em.

What a horrible disease. Nevertheless, I'm thankful that the Prednisone gave us a good six weeks or so where his quality of life was good and we could make the best of the time we had left. We enjoyed our walks around the neighborhood. We made sure to get a few good games of frisbee and soccer in at the park. And we made sure our three-year olds gave him big hugs and kisses every morning and evening. On top of it all, he ate like he never had before in his 8.5 years!

We are really going to miss him though. I work from home so we were constantly together. There is a big hole that's not going to fill anytime soon.

I'm grateful to Boxerworld and its members for being such a great resource and source of support. You are very right about that. I'm particularly thankful for all your kindness over the last few weeks. Gus and Joey got diagnosed at the same time, so they and we were in it together. I hope Joey is still doing well and beats his prognosis all to hell! Keep me posted. I'll also keep checking in. All positive vibes your way now!

 

[Lisa H]

I know how the hurt you are feeling right now...I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family....Hugs.

 

[Jan]

I am so sorry! Gus is now running pain free at the Rainbow Bridge.
Run free sweet boy!

 

[Tuff Love]

I'm so sorry for your loss :(

 

[furrykidmom]

I am so sorry for your loss

I feel horrible for you. It is both difficult to see them suffering and difficult to see them go. I am praying for strength for you and your family to get thru this difficult time.

For us it was as painful as losing a family member because that is what they are. Only dog people seem to understand this pain and mourning.

 

[joeys mom]

:(

I am so so sorry :( my heart is broken for you..... I know there isn't anything I can say to make you feel better but do know I will Be thinking of you and your family and saying prayers. Gus is now running free at the rainbow bridge cancer free and waiting for you to throw him a frisbee and give your kids some slobbery kisses. Yes, I too felt we were in this together and appreciate all of the check ins and info you shared with me. May your hearts heal and Gus's memory live on forever in your hearts.

I will post an update on Joey in my thread so you can read it when you feel like it.

 

[chrystel]

Oh I am so sorry for your loss of gus :(
My heart goes out to you and your wife

 

[Gus's Folks]

Thanks so much, everyone. In these situations we all say "I know there's nothing I can say..." but in reality you've said just the right things. We've appreciated all the kind words. Just knowing there are others out there who've experienced boxer sweetness and love and can empathize with what the loss feels like is comfort in itself.

Gus has been gone about a week. I still do a double take at the spot where his dinner/water dishes should be and I catch myself at night stepping over a dog bed that is no longer there. When we wake up in the morning we still expect to hear the clicking of his toenails on the floor as he gets up. Then there are the countless reflexive thoughts throughout the day reminding us of the space in our life that he held. Worst of all, there's no one to take me on my nightly walk through the neighborhood!

We're sad, but we have no regrets about any of our decisions these last couple of months. I'm just a little angry that he wasn't taken from us at such a young age; that's what seems most unfair. Our three-year olds are doing fine. They've asked about him several times. The pediatrician suggested we simply say "he's dead" and then talk about our favorite memories of him. Concepts like doggie heaven and rainbow bridges are a bit too abstract, evidently. It's been working fine and it's nice to hear what memories of him they bring up.

I'll get over to the rainbow bridge section soon and write a little tribute. Thanks again, all. What a great community.

Jason