April 28, 2010
Douglas
My Douglas was diagnosed with bone cancer yesterday. (I say my because I’ve had him since before Amy and I were together and because he is mine in the sense that some dogs choose you and will have it no other way.) I adopted him when I was going through one of the more difficult times in my life, and there are moments I wish I had back, a chance to do things differently, to do things better, to somehow make amends. The cancer is in the front right leg and, if it hasn’t spread, we will have to have it amputated. He blew out the tendons in both back legs a few years ago, and we were only able to have the one repaired. I don’t know how well he will be able to handle the stress of the loss of the front leg with the existing debilitation of the back. Right now, I’m at a loss.
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Oh, Deron!
Animals are very resilient. I’m sure if the operation is viable then Douglas will manage. He is surrounded with a lot of love.
Sad news. Hard decisions. I will hold you in mind.
Aw, fuck, Deron.
We spent $3K Canadian when our beloved but apparently idiotic one year old cat decided to eat half a yard of acrylic wool and damn near died this past Christmas Eve.
We didn’t have the money to do so, and we ended up having to borrow from family to do so, and have been unable to repay so far. Having the conversation with people that you want to spend that much money on what some would consider an extra, not a necessity, and yes, it came up when having the conversation about borrowing from our relatives.
I couldn’t tell them that he came into our lives on the very same weekend that something profoundly changed for the better in our family (a really personal matter that I can’t and won’t get into) and that he, well, let’s just say we’re very sentimentally attached to said beast.
I know where you’re at. You have my concern and sympathy, of course.
Phil is right. Animals cope pretty well with what they are dealt — plus Douglas has got not only you and Amy but Franklin and Jasper. Especially Jasper.
I’m so sorry, Deron.
thanks, y’all. I’ve had a night to sleep on it, and am feeling much more settled.
Deron, shit. My heart breaks a little for y’all. Douglas is lucky to have you.
Douglas is a good dog.
I have only had the pleasure of being around Douglas three or four times, for only moments, but I love him too. Such a good dog, so well-set in the world of bountiful affection and great smells to explore. I think he will be a bit perplexed for a few days, and then will get on with looking for the good things that have always been around.
thank you. I think that’s true.
And you just know Jasper will assure him that it’s all right.
Franklin won’t be so direct as Jasper, but he will look out for Douglas in his own way.
Jasper will wonder why Douglas doesn’t hump him after dinner any more.
Jasper may wonder. But after-dinnertime may be calmer.
I envision a whole new family dynamic.
goddammit I love that dog.
In order of perceived calmness:
Franklin
Douglas
Jasper
Jasper is not calm. But that’s okay. Much love to dear Douglas, hopefully things will be better than the Vet predicts.
Jasper is not calm, and that is a fact. But he has a heart full of soul.
(And I say that as one who has a fierce crush on Franklin.)
I love all them dogs. And Amy. And Deron.
I have a pretty insane crush on Franklin too, but that’s because he’s my type. But I liked all the dogs very much, and of course Amy and Deron.
There is a feeling in that house. Of peace. Different from other places.
Look at all my italics, who am I, Rick?
we all love you back.
Amanda Mae, don’t you love it when Franklin stands out on the back steps and traces aerial aromas with his beautiful nose?
I’m not meaning to distract from Douglas. He feels like the solid beating canine heart of the household.
Amy and Deron, my thoughts have been and will be with you during this tough time. Only a few months ago I almost lost Nina in a matter of hours and the experience makes my sympathy that much deeper right now.
thank you, Kelsey.
Deron, I read your post this morning just before leaving for work and thought about it off and on all day.
There’s no upside to your situation, but pet owners have to accept this when they sign the contract with their little furry sidekicks.
I don’t know your animals personally but it is always sad when a good person loses a friend.
But he’s not gone yet!
thank you, Michael. I agree. he is still with us, and hopefully the surgery will allow the continuation of that.
So sorry to hear about the situation. We will keep you in our mind and prayers, because we have pets and have been through the pain of losing them before.
It may sound cynical, but it really isn’t: let Douglas’ quality of life guide you to the best decision of how to handle all of this. We went through a lot of procedures with one of our pets but at some point it became clear he was simply not able to enjoy his time with us anymore. It’s heart-wrenching, but we know he couldn’t take the pain anymore.
I hope Douglas will overcome this terrible situation and enjoy a long long time with your family.
thank you, Francesco. that is good advice.