Feb 18, 2011

Its Cancer



I took my sweet companion Hunter to the vet today. Hunter is merely 6, but has had a hard life.  We rescue/adopted him from the Humane Society 5 years ago when he was one.  Seems he was trouble for his first owners and they had enough of his destroying their home. He was perfect for us, when he came there were only 3 children in the family.  I begged my husband for a big dog, because I knew as we grew in family size that a dog would be the last thing I would convince him of. 

Hard to believe that in 5 short years we also added 5 children to our family...
along with the enormous dog with the fuzzy Polish chicken feet.

The first tumour came in 2007, since then we have battled this strange mass, but today it decided it wanted to take control of all of us.

We were hoping they'd be able to remove the tumour growing in his mouth.  Once before we had surgery for it, this time they said they were positive it was cancer and inoperable.  

I was thankful that my girlfriend Beth insisted to go with me to the appointment.  I didn't think I needed her, but was so glad she was there, because my mind was not working...

The people were talking, I could see there lips moving, but the words didn't make sense.  The receptionist asked me to put my dog on the floor scale.  I didn't know what she meant.  Beth pointed kindly to the huge new floor scale for Hunter to stand on.  How would I get him to stand (he is 125 pound of muscle) on it.  She said, "Didn't you put cookies in your pocket for him Kimmie?"  I was like, "Oh, yeah, thanks Beth."

Beth asked the questions, she dug a little deeper, when my throat just felt thick and tears wanted to pour out on the floor.  This is my dog they were standing there moving their lips about.  All those big words meant that soon I would be without him.  Too soon.


My heart hurts, as there are no other options for us, but to decide when to make his final trip to the vet.  He isn't suffering (yet) but we know he is beginning to feel uncomfortable, as the tumour has grown considerably. 

If you think of us, would you pray.  I am so sad. I know he is a dog, but he is mine.  I love him, even if he is a lumpy dog who doesn't listen so well. 

In a lot of ways, I think we are a lot alike.


15 comments:

Tammy said...

{{{Kimmie}}} I'm so sad to hear about your sweet dog....

Blessings,
Tammy ~@~

Ron & Maria said...

Sorry to hear about Hunter. I just heard of one of my best childhood friend's dog being diagnosed this week as well. It's not 'just a dog' he's your family companion. Hope he's not in any pain. I dread the day I walk in your shoes, until then I pray for your peace as you reminance in the memories of his faithfulness in small resemblance of HIS faithfulness.
Love,
Maria

Leslie said...

Aww Kimmie, I'm so incredibly sorry. :( Hunter isn't "just" a dog, he's a part of your family, a companion and a friend. We have 2 dogs, and I know I will be devastated when it's time for them to leave this earth. I pray that God would comfort you and your family.

Mrs. Sew and Sew - Karen said...

Kimmie, So sorry to hear about your companion Hunter. I am praying for him. Also praying for you and the family. Hugs, Karen

Rob said...

I know what you are saying Kimmie, I'm glad you took your friend with you. I can't really say any more because I know there is nothing anyone can say to make the next part easy. You just have to think about your dog and not yourself then at least afterwards you will know you did it for a good reason. I guess the one good thing is that all dogs go to heaven.

Unknown said...

My heart breaks for you. I have a Golden that just came into our lives but she has already stolen everyone's heart. She's an old dog, but so filled with love and trust. Praying for you and your family as you make some hard decisions.
Michelle

Shonni said...

Ohh, I am so sorry!!!

Debbie Doughty said...

Oh Kimmie, I just read this. I am so sorry. We have loved and lost many pets too, even a Golden Retriever like your dear Hunter. They touch our lives in so many ways and we are better people for it. You will know when the time is right and God will be there with you. Praying for you, Hunter, and your family.

Amrita said...

This is making me cry

SF said...

I too feel like crying after reading your post Kimmie. I'm so sorry to hear this news. Will be praying for Hunter, and for you my friend. xxx

Unknown said...

Kimmie - so sorry to hear about your dog. We had a black lab named Hunter. We had to put him down a couple years ago after spending 13 years with him. It was so sad! Praying for peace!

Angel

Renata said...

I am so sorry to hear this Kimmie. Praying for you all....
Renata XO

The Browns said...

Kimmie,

Coincidence... no, Providence...

My family's dog, a beautiful black lab named Hank, died on January 24th. He, too, had a tumor, a very large one. His death occurred later on the day he had surgery to remove the tumor (which the vet was quite shocked to find benign). He died from a seizure that night, while on the way to the Emergency Animal Hospital. It was hard. And totally unexpected. But, I can tell you now (only a few weeks later) that, as always, it was for the best. Not only did he no longer experience all his former aches and pains, but we also experienced so much love and care from each other, friends, family, and mostly our Comforter.

Seek Him, seek His peace and grace, and he will be faithful to turn your mourning into JOY!!

I know what you are/will feel; indeed, I have just recently experienced it. I will be praying for your husband to have strength and wisdom in making hard decisions, for you as you care for your husband and children during this time, and for your children, that they might be open and share their feelings so you and others can pray for them, and mostly that the Father would comfort you all.

Let me encourage you:
Pray together.
Cry together.
Laugh together.
Remember together.
And see God's hand in all things. He is always good and gracious.

Katie :)

Rebecca M said...

Delurking here to say that I'm so sorry about Hunter! He looks so very much like the dog/family member in my own home growing up whom we lost to something similar a few Christmases ago. Her name was Mackenzie, and I can still feel her silky ears when I see those pictures of your Hunter.
I pray that Hunter's passing, when it does happen, will be peaceful and comfortable for him.

Expat Mom said...

:( That's very sad. It really hurts to lose a pet, even if you haven't actually lost him just yet. They may be "just" animals, but they have a special place in our hearts. It's the main reason we refuse to get any more pets for our family, it hurt too much to lose our dogs.

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