“Our Favorite Golden” – An Update
This is a hard thread for me to post, but one that I feel needs to be made. It is truly amazing how many of you have reached out to me, asking about our girl.
I tell her quite often that she is internet famous, and in the last week that has been proven to be true. There is so much love for Abby, who one of my guys affectionately refers to her as “our favorite golden”.
When we got home a week ago Sunday, Abby didn’t celebrate our homecoming and didn’t eat for 2 days. She also wasn’t talking and her breathing was labored. Our vet couldn’t get us in, so I had to call around to see who could see her ASAP.
Wednesday they ran tests and X-rays. At first he thought she had pneumonia and would need to be hospitalized for 5-7 days but after draining her lung and doing a biopsy to send tissue samples off to a pathologist, we got some devastating news Thursday.
It’s not good. She has advanced lymphoma that came on quick and very aggressive. He doesn’t think she’s had it for long. Surgery is not an option because it’s already spread and in her lymph nodes. Chemo treatment will prolong her life; without treatment she has days. 😭
He said he’s never seen anything like it. Most dogs have it on the outside, like in their neck or legs. Her cancer is in her chest and lungs.
He started treatment immediately, with one every 3 weeks through the first of November. She will be on prednisone for the remainder of life; he expects we’ll have 6 months to a year with her and she’ll be able to lead a normal life for awhile. 💔
Her appetite has returned, although eating at a much slower pace than we’re used to. We tell her the prednisone tablets are treats and she chews them before swallowing. I don’t imagine they taste good, so I have pill pocket treats coming with her next Chewy order. Until then, she does not disappoint with her ability to smile as she eats the “treat” because we tell her that she needs too.
Needless to say, I am struggling. As much as she is loved online, she is loved ten-fold by those that have met her. She is one-in-a-million, and we got lucky with her.
12 Comments
Detroit314
You know that everyone that knows you and Abby are pulling for the best for her.
I have talked to you before about this and you have all my prayers, love and compassion during your struggles there.
I am giving Abby, you and even Mtnman a very big virtual hug from Detroit. You’ll all be in my thoughts and prayers each and every day Angel.
Angel
You are an absolute gem, thank you. It’s crazy how she’s become so loved online, and by everyone that has met her in person. She’s just one of those sweet souls, and we love her for her spunky personality and talkative demeanor. I’ve always said, it’s probably good she can’t speak, or else she’d probably be saying “fuck” a lot… “fuck mom, another hug?”, “what the fuck, guys”, “I’m fucking hungry, where’s my dinner?!?” lol.
Molly Amber
Angel, That was i sweet tribut to Abby, Dogs are far more then pets, They are part of our lives, and in rich our souls. In my life I have had 6 dogs become a part of my family, Lucky as a kid. Later My Bandit, Who we lost 10 years ago on the 15th, Bandit was just Cool, I called her the Fonzy of dog, We taught her to barking 3 time was saying I Love You. When I got home from work there she was BARK BARK BARK, without fail, Then Priceness, She would stand by the kitchen cabnet with her tail beat one like a drum, BOOM BOOM BOOM. No madder how my day was, I came home to love, After we lost Bandit we got Joy, I told you the story about why Annie named her that, And it fit her so well. Then Luci came and with Her Joy and for a shrot time Priceness, We had a mom hed a three dog night with all three sleeping with her, We lost Priceness 2 years after Bandit, and you know we lost Joy last year, Then along came Bella. we love them all, When we talk about them we smileThier memory is as storng with us today as they where years ago, I know you know what I;m saying here, Just love on her all you can, Bottle those memories and keep them with you always, She will always be a part of you,
Angel
She is our kid, and a one in a million find. I am trying to appreciate the time we’ve been given and to enjoy each day that we have with her. She is loved and will live her best life possible to the end. Thank you for your kind post.
Zany
Angel, u did a great job of writing this and I know it is hard. Dealing with cancer in a loved one is always hard whether it is a person or furbabies! Thanks for letting us know what is going on with Abby! She is a loved dog 🐾🐕❤️
Angel
She is so loved! thank you for your kindness and support.
Wolfjb
I’ve lost 2 other dogs to cancer, and my last to renal failure. She was my favoritest bestest dog ever. So, I feel you. It’s been five years since I lost Lady, but her paw prints and happy soul still run loose in my heart. I’ve been blessed to have Rufus and, more recently, Lola adopt me as their person – I think Lola and Abby must have been sisters in a past life, they certainly are kindred spirits. And the blessing of Abby’s life reaches all the way over here as well. She is in our thoughts daily (I tell Lola all about Abby – I’m not sure if she understands what I’m saying though, but I get extra licks, so….), our collective hearts are just wrecked. So, from Rufus, Lola and I – we send our hugs and best wishes for happy and peaceful times ahead, and for as long as possible.
Angel
Thank you for such a sweet response. Abby has reached many people, far and wide. She does not understand just how internet famous she is! I do think her and Lola are sisters in many ways. They are so much alike, who loves life with excitement and spunk. Give those kids a hug for me, and I’ll give Abby extras today, from you and your crew. She’s a good one; we got lucky with her. Thank you, again, for your kindness and support.
Cliff
Angel, I’m so sorry to read this. I complain about my 9 sometimes, but still love each and every one to pieces. They all have their own personalities, but the one thing they all have in common is the love and devotion they show. As contentious as my dogs are at times, I’m sure they would become friends with Abby. Hoping you and Mtnman have many more memorable good times with your girl.
Hugs,
Cliff
Punky
Shadow
El
T-Bone
Stripe
Patchy
Deas (Dash)
Sasta
Trodai
Angel
Thank you, Cliff. It’s amazing, the unconditional love of an animal, especially a dog. Abby is such a sweet soul, who is full of spunk and personality. We’ll know if she’s responding to chemo on the 26th, and go from there. As much as we’re hoping for another year with her, we don’t want her to suffer. She does seem to be feeling better so we are hopeful.
Outlaw
I’m so sorry you and Mtnman are going through this. I will have a good thought for Abby.
Angel
Thank you, we really do appreciate that.