Ozzie refused food he had eaten yesterday; the combination of the lymphosarcoma and renal failure was too much. One wants to be a responsible pet owner and make these decisions when the time is right. The timing is never right, but one knows when it needs to be done.
Ozzie had a peaceful day, making the rounds in the backyard to see who's been there, and he got lots of kisses and petting while we waited for the vet to come in the evening.
I started this web log in August of 2006 because all the other web logs ended with the dog dying, and I wanted a dog to live. But I knew there would eventually be an end to this one, and now it's here. Ozzie turned 85 yesterday; it was good to be able to celebrate one more birthday.
But there is good news, and that is that a dog with cancer can be treated and have many happy, quality months ahead. We had Ozzie for eleven months after he was diagnosed; I cherish the many memories I have of Ozzie. The house is very empty tonight. We heard from other dog owners and made friends through this blog. Many pet owners cannot afford the treatment. Please, if you are able to help others, there are web sites that can refer you to places where you can donate money to directly help pets who need treatment, and there are web sites that support dogs with cancer. Ozzie's web pages have these links elsewhere, but here they are again:
and there are more.
My thanks to all of you who sent Ozzie prayers and kept him in your thoughts. Your kindnesses are very much appreciated. I gave him many kisses this afternoon on your behalf. If Ozzie touched your life, please pass it forward and make a difference to someone else or another pet in need.
DOG is GOD spelled backwards.
Quoting Senator George Graham Vest from 1870, in his eulogy to his dog Old Drum, "The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog."