I miss my sweet baby so much. But I am so glad that we decided to amputate his leg a year and a half ago. Yes, 1.5years!!! They gave him a 3-6 month estimate, probably closer to 6. Boy, didn’t he impress his doctor!!! She kept on calling him her miracle dog. The only treatment we did cancer wise was the amputation.
His recovery from surgery went very well and he was up and at it in no time. He was still able to steal food off of the counter and put his front paw up on my shoulder. He really didn’t slow down at all.
We had one scare when all of a sudden he stopped eating, threw up what he did eat and could barely stand up without falling down. We thought the worst and were preparing to say goodbye. Turns out all he had was an ear infection that made him dizzy and nauseous. Phew!!
Then at about June he started to slowly go down hill. He was growing a new tumor on his hip on the same side as amputation. This sucker was fast growing too. But he still was doing relatively well. His legs were getting swollen so they put him on steroids. They did the trick! The swelling was gone, he was able to get around a little easier and he had a new appetite for food that we hadn’t seen in a while.
While they were beneficial they also started to make his muscles in his head change and that in combo with the cancer was effecting one of his eyes. So the vet gave us some drops to help which did make an improvement. He was getting a little more sluggish and needed help getting up more often. Still we felt his good days were more than his bad days. The vet felt that we should make a decision soon but he kept on pepping back up. Then Saturday I noticed that he wasn’t as interested in food. He would take a few bites and had no trouble keeping it down, he just didn’t want much. Even bread (which he usually loves) wasn’t fully appealing to him. I talked to my husband and we decided that Monday would be the day. We would have our vet come to the house and put him to sleep after the kids went to school. They are so young and we didn’t want them seeing it. I read them a book about dogs going to Heaven that day. My husband and I both had to work Saturday evening. We got a text from our sitter that he was breathing hard and had urinated on himself. In the process of her getting towels under him, he took his last breath. She said it was only about 20 minutes from the start of the labored breathing to the end.
We came home after work and spent a little time with him before my husband transferred him to a 24 hour vet to await cremation. I brought back his ashes, paw prints and a lock of fur on Wednesday. Man I miss him so much already. I knew that this day was coming for a while and I feel like we had so much quantity and quality than we should have expected but it is still something that you are just never ready for. He was always there for us and was such a gentle and loving dog, a constant companion. He would have turned 15 on September 24th.
My heart goes out to you and your family. What a beautiful story of love and perseverance. Bailey was a rock start and to almost make it to his 15th birthday??? OUTSTANDING! What a testament!
{{{HUGS}}}
Thank you so much! And yes, he really was a rockstar! He was really a one of a kind dog.
We can’t say this enough…BAILEY IS SUCH AN INSPIRATION…SUCH A BEACON OF HOPE FOR EVERYONE STARTING THIS JOURNEY!!!
A senior pup of had 1 1/2 years extra bonus time of more loving and spoiling and pure joy..AND…all “natural”, no chemo..INCREDIBLE!!
BAILEY did, indeed, do things Bailey’s way! He really was victorious over that stupid piece of crap disease. It couldn’t touch his Soul or diminish his Spirit. He got to live his life to the fullest and yes, he slowed down at the end, but that’s what big dogs who are fifteen do!!
Many of us know all do well the gut wrenching grief you will be feeling for quite awhile. It seems like it will never stop. It will hit you in waves for a very long time. You’ll walk around in circles not knowing why. You’ll fix a meal and stare at rhe plate. You’ll want to rush home until to remember there is no reason to. You’ll find reasons to delay going home.
Slowly but surely, the thousands and thousands of days of happy memories will start to push the sadness further in the background. Bailey wants you to remember those happy days. That makes Bailey happy when you do!
I know it’s nard, but I do hope you can continue to stay on the site and share Bailey’s journey AND pictures! He has such a legacy of hope to share. We will ALWAYS remember Bailey here!! Legends like that are always with us!
I can hear him now at the Bridge telli g all the dogs what a great life he had with you as his humans!! Can you hear him? Listen! “Thanks Mom and Dad! I had a great time!”
Sending love and hugs..
Sally and My Chunky Spiritual Being Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
I am glad that his story can help inspire some who may think that there isn’t any hope. The grief does come in waves. I lost my brother 2.5 years ago and it was the same thing with him. You would be fine one moment and then feel like you couldn’t move the next. But eventually you remember the good memories. You will always have a sadness for missing them and would give anything to have them back but it gets more bearable. Thank you for the out pouring of LOVE!!
My heart breaks for you but you survived – BEAT – the odds and that is truly amazing!!!! You did everything for Bailey and he knew … he will always be right by your side, in your heart, guiding you. You will feel his paws pushing you and his spirit will always surround you.
He truly lived and embraced the life and we are all so proud to have gotten to know you AND his story!!! Hugs and love your way.
Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart (and little Jasper too)
Bailey did really beat the odds and was amazing for so long!! He was such a laid back dog that just went with the flow. Miss my sweet boy so much. Thanks for the love!
My heart broke when I saw your forum post guys, I’m so sorry.
Bailey was such a special guy, he defied the naysayers, he lived life to the fullest and he ROCKED on three legs! And you honored us completely by allowing us to go along for the ride and enjoy every minute of his inspawrational life….THANK YOU.
Always remember, his spirit is strong, he will never leave your side. True love never, ever faces.
Much love & condolences coming your way.