On Monday, I took him to the vet because he just wasn't right. She found that he had a kidney infection, prescribed an antibiotic, and he should have been better within a day or two.
He wasn't. I called the vet on Thursday morning, and she told me to bring him in right away.
As soon as she put her hands on him, the look on her face changed. His abdomen felt normal on Monday, but Thursday it was full of a very large spleen. Ultrasound confirmed this. His lymphoma was something different now, extremely aggressive ... and it wasn't something that we could fix.
I don't remember much about how I drove home through rush hour northern Virginia traffic that afternoon. It took forever, my mind was racing, and my heart was breaking.
Friday morning, it was obvious what had to be done that day. I called my vet, made the appointment, and spent the rest of the day spoiling Daniel with attention and treats.
Daniel left this life, cradled in my arms, as I whispered in his ear. I promised when I adopted him that I would be with him forever ... and I was.
Godspeed, my sweet boy.
Forbes Nakdaniel (6/12/2001 - 5/17/2013)
Forgive me if I am unable to reply to what I am sure will be very kind, caring comments. I don't know if I can do it right now. Please accept my sincere gratitude in advance.
Run Free sweet Daniel.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.rainbowbridge.com/
Linda and Cinnamon
Please do not feel the need to reply. I just want you to know that I am thinking of you and crying with you tonight. Hugs to you my sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sad and sorry about this Connie. Bless your heart -- I know it must be breaking right now. xo
ReplyDeleteConnie, this such hard news. Take care, dear one, take good care.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. He was a special guy. Thanks for sharing him with us through your posts. They are so easy to love, and so hard to lose. RIP sweet Daniel.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss Connie. And oh that beautiful face. You and Daniel made me smile and cry. ... No need to respond.
ReplyDeleteConnie I know your heart is broken. I just want you to know I am praying for you and your family. Sweet Daniel is with you always also. Sending you much love!
ReplyDeleteLinda
Connie, I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. Sending up prayers for comfort and strength.
ReplyDeleteRest in peace, Sweet Daniel.
Our furbabies are just that, "our babies". I'm very sorry for your loss. What a sweet boy.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. My heart is breaking for you. I understand all too well what you've been through. And I also understand why you can't respond to comments. It's just too hard. Daniel loved you in this life and he loves you still because dogs really do go to heaven.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you across the miles,
Cindy
Connie, My heart is breaking for you. I recently said goodbye to my Roscoe so I know what you are going through. It's so hard to say that final goodbye. Daniel will be missed by all of us.
ReplyDeleteYou have my very deepest sympathy. I am so sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself. Mary Ann
ReplyDeleteDear Connie and Steve,
ReplyDeleteMy heart is full of sorrow. I am here when you are ready to be comforted by a friend. Until then, keep in the folds of your loving family. RIP dear Daniel.
Hugs...Janet xox
tears for you and Daniel, my friend. xo
ReplyDeleteWhat a dear fella Daniel was indeed.I am so very sorry! My deepest condolences to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteConnie, so so sorry for you loss. Both of you were lucky to have each other in the time you did. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteConnie,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about Daniel. What a sweet dog. You are right - there is never enough time. Rest in peace, dear Daniel.
Take care,
Kathleen
No replies necessary. I always enjoyed anything you share with us about your furry family. My heart still misses my dog and he's been gone over 17 months. They truly are forever in our hearts.♥♫
ReplyDeleteConnie- my heart breaks for you. People who truly love pets understand your sadness. We've been there-- I know that pain. He was beautiful and so blessed to have you as his Mama. Making the hard decisions is all part of loving- but it still hurts. I'm so sorry---
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Vicki
I am so sorry about Daniel. He knew he was loved and loved you as much as you loved him. You did the right thing.
ReplyDeleteI lost my beloved Princess on April 15th.
I'm so sorry...
ReplyDeleteConnie, I know how much Daniel meant to you and I am truly sorry for your loss. Sending you big hugs,
ReplyDeleteSherry
my heart is breaking for you...you loved him well...he was a lucky boy to have such love.....
ReplyDeleteSo sad, crying now, reminded me of when we had to let our dog pass due to cancer. My heart is with you...
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry Connie. That is such a sad, sad loss. I hope Ruby is able to bring comfort to your family.
ReplyDeleteOh, Connie, I am so sorry. There are no words at a time like this.
ReplyDeleteHi all. Connie may not feel like posting to her blog. If you would like to do something nice for her, she posted this on Pinterest. (Sorry no picture ~ I’m technically challenged : This is TJ. He is a 3-yr cancer survivor and an active working therapy dog. He is nominated for a Hero Dog Award in the Therapy Dog category. Follow the link to vote for TJ ... one vote per day per email address until July 30, 2013 ... this is a marathon, not a sprint, and TJ needs consistent support to win his category. Show your support for TJ, and his charity partner, and vote, vote, VOTE! (spread the word by passing this along and repinning it to your own boards.) TJ thanks you.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.herodogawards.org/vote/?nominee=95365448
Oh my gosh, this is so sad. I just mentioned in a reply how I have always enjoyed posts on Daniel, but not this one... I am crying too and know exactly how you feel. My thoughts are with you. He was a beautiful boy!
ReplyDeleteMy heart hurts for you, but you will be together again. He is waiting for you and will be there forever. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteOh my, you have my sincere sympathy! Daniel looks like he was a wonderful companion. Having just gone thru a day like yours, with my own dear Charlie, I understand how you are feeling.
ReplyDeleteVic303
My heart is absolutely broken fOR, and, wITH you---because of how you've shared your love (Daniel) with us.
ReplyDeleteIt is sO difficult to lose a pet.
They steal a part of our hearts that we can nEVer get back. And we are inCREDibly lucky to be on the receiving end of so much unconditional love aren't we. . .
Catherine
Oh Connie -- how did I miss this? I am so, so sorry. And you know how it is -- hearing of a friend's loss of a beloved pet brings back your own losses, and the tears start . . . for you AND for her.
ReplyDeleteHow lucky Daniel was, to have found you, and kept you for his forever. But it is so very hard to say goodbye, and it is NEVER the right time for you.
Martin Luther was asked by a little girl if her dog would go to heaven, and he patted the dog's head and said, "Be comforted, little dog, thou too in the Resurrection shalt have a tail of gold."
I hope I also get a big lap in Heaven, because I'm going to need it to hold all my dogs.
I am so sorry, my friend.
Love, Cass
Dear Connie,
ReplyDeleteThose of us who love our dogs understand all too well what you're going through..... I'm SO very sorry for your broken heart.
Daniel looked like quite a smart gentleman. I hope that smiles from happy memories will soon ease the sadness you're feeling.
Grace
I am so sorry Connie.
ReplyDelete