NortonsMom
Boxer Pal
I just wanted to drop in an update everyone on the condition of our terminally ill Boxer Murdoch. We brought Murdoch and his brother home this time last year and soon found out that Murdoch was terminally ill with Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia and we were told by many experts that he had no chance of making it to his first birthday. (His brother Dempsey, a white Boxer, was completely healthy) Well, we were heart broken and I shared our grief with everyone on the Boxer world board. I know to come to these boards anytime I need to understand things about my Boxer as it is filled with very knowledgeable people. Anyway, there was nothing that would save poor Murray so all we could do was love him until it was time for him to leave us. We got so many touching responses from other Boxer owners that I often cried while reading them. Even my gruff exterior hubby was touched by the kindness of complete strangers.
Anyway..... it is now July 2005 and I am happy to report that Murdoch is still alive and although he is limited from too much exertion, he is living a happy little life with us. Most of his time is spent just leaning on one of us to rest his bloated belly and such, but he is a happy dog. Just drop a piece of chicken and see just how fast he can move when he wants to!! Both of his brothers *Dempsey and our Boston Terrier Otis) seem to understand his physical limitations and treat him gently. He seems to get alot of joy watching them run around the coffee table and recently he has taken to joing in their games by barking loudly from the couch as they speed by.
For the 4th of July, Murray got to take a trip we were sure he would never make when we brought him to the Outer Banks to sun and see the ocean. He seems to revel in the summer sun (although we are careful to limit his time in the heat because of the stress on his heart).
No one is pretending that he is still not terminally ill, we know it is only a matter of time until his poor heart gives out but we just feel blessed that we were lucky enough to beat the odds given to us by all the vets in Sept when we were told he would not live to see 1 year old.
Thanks for the kind wishes and prayers--- maybe they work after all!!
Best wishes to all your 4 legged friends too!
Anyway..... it is now July 2005 and I am happy to report that Murdoch is still alive and although he is limited from too much exertion, he is living a happy little life with us. Most of his time is spent just leaning on one of us to rest his bloated belly and such, but he is a happy dog. Just drop a piece of chicken and see just how fast he can move when he wants to!! Both of his brothers *Dempsey and our Boston Terrier Otis) seem to understand his physical limitations and treat him gently. He seems to get alot of joy watching them run around the coffee table and recently he has taken to joing in their games by barking loudly from the couch as they speed by.
For the 4th of July, Murray got to take a trip we were sure he would never make when we brought him to the Outer Banks to sun and see the ocean. He seems to revel in the summer sun (although we are careful to limit his time in the heat because of the stress on his heart).
No one is pretending that he is still not terminally ill, we know it is only a matter of time until his poor heart gives out but we just feel blessed that we were lucky enough to beat the odds given to us by all the vets in Sept when we were told he would not live to see 1 year old.
Thanks for the kind wishes and prayers--- maybe they work after all!!
Best wishes to all your 4 legged friends too!
keep on living life.