nancy in AZ Posted March 20, 2013 Report Share Posted March 20, 2013 This is very painful for me to write. Boo was euthanised late this afternoon as I stroked him and told him how much he meant to me. Last evening he returned to the vet to have an aggressively growing lump at his lymph node re-examined, and we agreed he should immediately have surgery to remove it. He hadn't been responding to medication. Prior to surgery, we were expecting a diagnosis of an abscess caused by a foxtail or an impacted salivary gland, because the original histology report came back neg for malignancy. But when the vet called me post-surgery, she told me she was concerned due to necrosis that had spread to the lymph nodes and salivary glands which she described as shockingly enlarged. She confirmed that what she saw was consistent with lymphoma. This morning after much reflection, I decided to forego further diagnostic and treatment measures. Some of you old-timers may recall our long journey together. I'd found him abandoned in the national forest 7 years ago, emaciated and panicked. I had adopted him with the intention of re-homing him myself when he went unclaimed for over a week at the pound. But from the first moment I brought him home, he wouldn't let anyone near me, and it became clear that re-homing him was out of the question, which and sent me into a panic. Several times he bit the self-styled Cesar Milan wannabe that a local vet had referred me to (I even have it on videotape), and quite deservedly. A few months after that I was offered the opportunity to have Cesar Milan work with him, and I declined. With lots of research/reading, and generous help from knowledgeable folks on these boards and elsewhere, a couple of consults with a vet behaviorist, a short stint on psychotropic meds, he became willing to let others into his world. Folks who had seen his ferocious side were shocked at how loving and gentle he was. He was always the first to welcome my foster dogs with a play bow and game of chase me. He was my devoted companion, my protector, my dancing partner, my hiking buddy, my mama's boy, my sweet wiggle butt, and despite the grief I feel over his loss, I'm so glad that fate brought us together so unexpectedly those many years ago. Rest in peace my precious boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mdaniels Posted March 20, 2013 Report Share Posted March 20, 2013 He is beautiful. I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved and beautiful friend. Mary Ann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rufftie Posted March 20, 2013 Report Share Posted March 20, 2013 I think he was waiting in the forest just for you. sorry to hear of his passing, happy for his time with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted March 20, 2013 Report Share Posted March 20, 2013 I'm so sorry to hear this but also very grateful that you had a long time together, and that you loved him enough to do this one last thing you could for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G. Festerling Posted March 20, 2013 Report Share Posted March 20, 2013 I am so sorry. I can only imagine the emptiness. He was a lucky, lucky boy to have been found by you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcnewe2 Posted March 20, 2013 Report Share Posted March 20, 2013 Run free Boo. So sorry for you loss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz P Posted March 20, 2013 Report Share Posted March 20, 2013 So sorry for your loss. It sounds like you made a huge difference in his life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildFlower Posted March 20, 2013 Report Share Posted March 20, 2013 Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. Run free Boo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcv-border Posted March 20, 2013 Report Share Posted March 20, 2013 So sorry for your loss, but you did the right thing for Boo -- again. It sounds like each of you had a great impact on the other's life. Jovi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrisK Posted March 20, 2013 Report Share Posted March 20, 2013 I am so sorry to hear about Boo. He was so fortunate to have had you in his life and it sounds like he gave you his heart and soul. He will never leave you since he lives on in your heart. Run free at the Bridge Boo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rushdoggie Posted March 20, 2013 Report Share Posted March 20, 2013 I'm so sorry, it just hurts so much. May your many memories bring you comfort during this awful time. Godspeed, Boo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urge to herd Posted March 20, 2013 Report Share Posted March 20, 2013 Nancy, I'm so sorry to hear of Boo's passing. I remember your posts about him. He was lucky to have you, you were lucky to have him. Rest in peace, sweet Boo. Ruth and Agent Gibbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloria Atwater Posted March 20, 2013 Report Share Posted March 20, 2013 What a beautiful boy. You were his angel of mercy and he was your angel of love. I am so sorry for your loss. ~ Gloria Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewie'sMom Posted March 20, 2013 Report Share Posted March 20, 2013 Nancy, I'm so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cody & Duchess Posted March 21, 2013 Report Share Posted March 21, 2013 So sorry for your loss, you were both lucky to have found each other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShoresDog Posted March 21, 2013 Report Share Posted March 21, 2013 I'm very sorry for your loss, Nancy. But I'm glad it was you who found Boo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSmitty Posted March 23, 2013 Report Share Posted March 23, 2013 I'm so sorry for your loss, Nancy. Run free, Boo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrecar Posted March 28, 2013 Report Share Posted March 28, 2013 I am so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancy Posted March 28, 2013 Report Share Posted March 28, 2013 Boo is waiting for you in another forest. And I know there'll be a dull ache in your heart until you meet him again. Bless you for giving him 7 loving years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted March 28, 2013 Report Share Posted March 28, 2013 I'm sorry Nancy. As someone else noted, fate brought you together, and thanks to you Boo went from being a scared and defensive dog to one who knew love and happiness. I know it's hard to lose him, and I hope that in time your memories will bring smiles instead of tears. J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beach BCs Posted March 29, 2013 Report Share Posted March 29, 2013 I'm so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassidy Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 I'm so sorry. You did everything you could for him, and he did everything he could for you. You changed his life when you found him that day in the forest, and I think you were the one he was waiting for. In time his memories will bring smiles, and eventually you will be together again. Until then, he will live on in your heart. Run free, Boo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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