I’ve been away for a little while here with non-fur baby issues, but with all the support and guidance I’ve received from everyone here, I wanted to let you know what’s going on.
Casey started slowing down about 6 to 8 weeks ago, and was developing a cow hop, typical of dogs with hip dysplasia. He also had a couple new, hard, subcutaneous lumps. I took him to a new vet for a PT evaluation, and she identified a few things. First, he was suffering from laryngeal paralysis that she believed was migrating down his spine and causing his unusual gait, as well as some atrophy in his hind legs. She also aspirated one of his lumps and while she saw nothing definitive, thought she was seeing cancer cells under a microscope. Bottom line, she was amazed that Casey was doing as well as he was ten months after diagnosis, but while he might enjoy an underwater treadmill, she did not feel he was strong enough for physical therapy.
We continued our walks but they kept getting shorter, and Casey was much less active around the house. The hard lumps are multiplying quickly, and while he was able to jump onto the couch ten days ago, and get off the couch and climb the fifteen steps upstairs last week, we are now helping him stand, and carrying him in and out to tend to his business. He has great difficulty maintaining his balance when we set him down. Yesterday, Ann carried him down from upstairs, and when I went to the foyer to take him out, he was all smiles and excitement, with his tail wagging, but today, not so much, and he’s whimpering when I pick him up. As Ann puts it, he really can’t dog anymore, and he’s telling us it’s time.
Casey was diagnosed on 12/16/2017, and became a TriPaw almost a year ago on December 29th. We were told maybe a year with amputation and chemo (possibly more), and we got a very good year. It’s notable that, to our knowledge, his lungs are still clear (his one osteo vaccination perhaps), and while his recent difficulties may be cancer related, we now know that he’s dealt with the laryngeal paralysis for years (we always told him he had locomotive breath the way he’d pant whenever he got excited). While he fought the good fight against osteosarcoma, at twelve and four months, he can’t fight the calendar.
So, a difficult day. I plan to put together a collage to, as his primary care vet puts it, the quintessential Golden, and I’ll share that here once my emotions settle down.
Finally, thank you again, all of you in the TriPawd community, for your support and guidance over this last year.
Tom
So sorry to hear this, I know your hearts are breaking. Run free, Casey, until you reunite with your family once again.
Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro
This breaks our hearts too to read this today. And believe me, our tears flow with yours.
To give the gift of release is so darn hard on us hoomans. . You loved Casey enough to give him the beautiful gift of extended QUALITY time to be Casey!! And he knows you love him enough to set him free when he can no longer be Casey.
The fact that you got those tail wags and that little burst of excitement was Casey telling you he was ready for his next adventure. I truly have no doubt about that!
Casey has delighted us with all his adven6 and victories. Please, please, please know he will inspire so many starting this journey. Casey is the Ambassador of Hope AND Fun! That dog sure knew how to rock three legs!
Many of us know far too well the rough road ahead as the grief and void gut you for awhile. We also know, eventually, the grief will be pushed further into the background as all those joyous happy memories of your quintessential Golden Casey come to the forefront more and more. We promise you that will happen…mot soon enough of course…but it will happen. And we also promise you Casey will send you a sign to let you know he is okay AND still present in your lives.
I think Casey times is trip tp rhe Bridge perfectly. He knew Santa would need help herding all his deer as he let’s them out to pasture until next year. I’m sure he assigned Casey to watch over Rudolph most of all. Special dogs get the cream of the crop assignments.
Surrounding you with our love
Sally and My Chunky Spiritual Being Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too
Thank you Sally. Having you here is a true blessing.
I am so sorry that it is time for Casey to shed his earth clothes. My heart is with you, it has been such a challenging year for you and your family.
You are right, Casey was most definitely an Angel here on earth. And the love that you give your furbabies is nothing shy of amazing.
My heart is with you, Casey’s will always be. He will be your Guardian Angel and will watch over his family from now on.
Fly free Casey, young and whole again with no pain.
Big hugs,💖
Jackie and Huckleberry
I am so sorry to hear about Casey. This is the hardest part of our journey. No one can tell you when the hurt will stop. This part is so personal.
I am so sorry for your loss.
hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Tom and Ann, we’re so sorry to hear about Casey. I know the hurt you’re feeling.
One time you wrote on our blog about Dog Heart–I am hoping your heart finds peace and comfort soon at this really hard time. I am sure Casey has filled your heart a generous amount.
Yeah, he leaves a pretty big hole, as did Jake. We spaced our pack out three years apart, but never planned on losing two in one year.
We’ll start rebuilding in the spring (depending what might show up at the shelter post-Christmas.)
I am so sorry. It is never easy, even when we know in our heart that it’s time to let go.
Will light a candle to help Casey across the bridge to wait there for you.
God Bless.
So sorry to hear about Casey…he was very fortunate to have you. Thank you for the update and best wishes during this difficult time.
My heart aches for you, I’m really sorry. Casey had the best life ever thanks to you, and in his new status as Chief Angel in Charge, he will forever be by your side to thank you.
All of us are keeping you in our hearts.