Anyone Who Knows Me....

My 13 yr. old Golden Retriever Buddy

Anyone who knows me, knows that I adore animals but especially dogs. Last night I took all four of them to the vet for their check up.  They got their shots and were examined.  I had been talking about Buddy to her for some time about his collapsing and inability to walk. He was constantly monitored because he had tumors on his body but it was never anything to worry about....until now.  It was obvious his body shape had changed and the last time he collapsed was in my driveway when I tried to help him up he yelped.

My vet noticed the spot on his side and touched it.  It was a large hard mass.  Poor baby.  He goes to the vet regularly....but this thing just grew quickly.  I refused further testing because he won't even take a pill for his thyroid disease.  He has had shots and pills since he was 6 weeks old.  His body was riddled with allergies and skin diseases.  Buddy had a dermatologist! And now my friends....Buddy just will not take any more meds.  He made the decision, and I respected it and stopped his meds about 8 months ago.

I wish I could take a picture of him walking around my house with the three cock a poo puppies hanging on his ears or mouth.  He is a gentle giant with such a sweet heart and I think his will to live is very strong.

His hips are failing but every night he waits for me to give him a little push up two flights of stairs.  Once in a while he puts his front paws on my bed and I lift up his back and he sleeps the day away on my temperpedic. He purrs like a kitten when his big body lands in the cushy foam mattress...then he settles in for a good long sleep. Sometimes I cuddle him and hold his paw.  His big brown cataract covered eyes look at me with love.

For now Buddy is still happy and reasonable well.  I know what to watch for and I have been prepared how to handle his situation.  It's simple. I just want to love him the same way I always have.  What he's given me is not something I could put into words.  Suffice it to say that he has taught me patience and unconditional love and for that I will always be grateful.