If you are looking for something uplifting or seasonal, please move on. If you are going to read this, you might want your Kleenex close by.
My oldest daughter adopted a senior dog a little over six months ago. She figured that a senior deserved to be loved just like a puppy. The dog she adopted is Boris. He is part bulldog and part Shar Pei, he was left tied up in a driveway when his previous owners moved away. They estimated that he is about 8-9 years old. My daughter went to where he was being fostered and went through filling out applications and trying to adopt him, particularly after meeting him. A little over a year ago, she had to have her beloved German Shepherd euthanized when he became seriously ill. She adored him and was sure she would never be able to love another dog. When she was chosen to be Boris’ new forever person, she picked him up and they had a rather rough adjustment period. He had separation anxiety for obvious reasons. She got him a large crate thinking he would be alright while she went to work. He destroyed it. She bought another one and he destroyed that one. She spent as much time as possible with him, trying to reassure him and finally, he was not out of his mind if she left the house. He did sleep with her every night, she had to lift him onto the bed, he could get his front paws up but his behind needed help. He greeted her when she got home from work, excitedly jumping up and down and snorting. I was often on the phone with her and I could hear him in the background.
Last Saturday, she called me because they took Boris to the emergency vet. He had coughed up some blood and they were obviously concerned. The vet examined him and took x-rays and came out and told them that he had a HUGE tumor on his lungs with fluid around it that was likely compressing his heart. They told her there was nothing that could be done and that she should take him to her regular vet and have him euthanized this week. They left and called their vet Monday to arrange an appointment. They were devastated. Today was supposed to be the day. My daughter told me that he was acting fine, not like anything was wrong. She said that made it much harder. I can relate to that. I remember every single animal I have ever had and how hard it was to make that decision. I would so like to be spared from ever making it again, I would give anything to spare her.
In any event, the vet’s office called her this morning and said that his travel plans had changed, and he is out of town so it will not be today. I think of that sweet dog and I want to cry…AFTER I beat his previous owners into the ground. I know this blog is not in the spirit of the Holidays and I apologize for that. IF you have a pet, please care for it like the family member that it is. My daughter said she will forever be grateful that he showed her she COULD love a dog again.
Thanks,
Ellen
