The cancer has been as aggressive as we feared. It's 3x as large as it was back in Feb, when we had most of it surgically removed. The cancer has stolen every ounce of food, and every ounce of flesh from her body. Despite being fed as much as we can get her to eat daily, she is starving to death before my eyes.
I had to go out of town this past weekend. My fear was she would pass on her own, leaving DH to deal with it on his own. I made a deal with Shi before we left--if she would hold on until we got back, I would make sure she didn't suffer longer. So, we have an appointment tomorrow with the vet, to grant her that release. Though she doesn't seem to be in pain, I know she is no longer enjoying life. I am well familiar with how well Ridgebacks can hide pain, but she isn't exhibiting any of those tricks.
She has been our girl since 2012. I think she was probably 4-5 years old then. That would make her 11-12 now. She should've had another 3-4 good years, were it not for this cancer.
I will miss her. The kids will miss her. But it is DH who will miss her most, I think. She has always been such a Daddy's girl...
I am weeping and am so very sorry.
ReplyDeleteSandra at Thistle Cove Farm
Prayers for strength. It is so hard to say goodbye.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. It's so traumatic to watch our fur babies succumb to age and illness. Our last pup's passing was so hard that it's taken me a good part of a year to feel brave enough to try this again with a new pup. It's easier when you have others to share the burden, including other pups.
ReplyDeleteI will no longer have pets. It's very hard when they die; but, as bad as it is for me, I'm of an age that I may die before my four legged friend does. I understand when they die, I'm not sure that s/he would understand where I had gone if I were to die before him/her.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post.
Paul L. Quandt