Abby the Golden: Until the Next Forever
Abigail. Abs of Gail. Abby. Abbycadabra. Abby Labby Do Dah. Our Favorite Golden. My Girl. Our Kid.
Unbeknownst to her, she was internet famous and loved worldwide.
As most of you know, because you’ve checked on her almost daily, in July she started choking when she would eat. Not all the time, but enough that we were concerned. A call to her doctor advised us to call around because they couldn’t get her in, and it sounded like an emergency.
We called another vet and were able to get in the next morning. They admitted her into their hospital, thinking she had pneumonia and would need to keep her for 5-7 days. After scans and a couple biopsies, they found a huge mass in her lungs.
A rare cancer, because dogs generally have tumors on the outside of their bodies and it’s usually manageable. Hers, unfortunately, was inside her lung, and pushing against her esophagus, explaining her trouble eating.
With 5 doses of chemo (administered once, every 3 weeks), they gave her 6 months to a year. We opted for that. We wanted as much time with her as possible. She was our kid.
The first three doses went as expected. She was tired and had no desire to play with her buddies, or chase the ball for MtnMan. But she still woke up wagging her tail, trotting through the house to say her good mornings, and would celebrate when going to town with us.
All in all, her doctor was happy with her progress, with no concerns.
A couple days before her fourth dose, one of her lymph nodes in her neck became swollen and was the size of a golf ball. Another scan was taken and the vet was happy to say it did shrink a little bit, and she seemed perkier than she had been.
After her fourth dose, her lymph node swelling was reduced, which gave us all hope that she was going to start feeling better.
That was not the case. Two days after her fourth dose she became violently ill and had to be admitted into the hospital overnight. She had the vet worried, but halfway thru the next day she started eating and was feeling better.
Back at home, she was perky, happy and celebrated in her usual fashion. She was living her best life possible.
Her next five days were rough. She was not improving; it was clear to us that she was tired. We had hoped to give her one more winter of fun in the mountains, but it was not to be.
Sunday, October 15th, we took her on her final mountain drive. She stuck her head out the window for a couple minutes, before laying down to rest.
We stopped along a stream, and let her get her paws muddy, while getting a drink of spring water. MtnMan threw a stick for her, and she retrieved it, slowly making her way back to the truck for a rest. She was ready. It was time.
We had an appointment with her doctor at 1145a, and it was heartbreaking, but she peacefully went to sleep while we hugged her, saying our goodbyes.
She chose us, and did not have a favorite. She was a mama’s girl, but as soon as Dad got home, she would gravitate to him, playing and forgetting about me, unless he played too rough or she wanted to be a drama queen. And she was a Drama Queen; I would always fall for it, just for her to run right back to him for more fun and games.
I always said, “Where I go, she goes.” She will be loved until our next forever.
She was the best golden, full of spunk and personality. We lived in Abby’s house, and now it’s quiet and a little lonely at times. She was our kid.
Abigail July 21, 2018 – October 15, 2023
16 Comments
Buddy
I’m so sorry. She wasn’t my dog but it doesn’t stop the tears from flowing. I e looked at so many of your pictures of her. She was absolutely perfect. The ultimate family member.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Angel
Thank you. She stole our hearts and it’s been a pain I’ve never experienced before. It sucks, but I’m also thankful.
Jayman
The memories you made with her and her personality will always be remembered! Xo Jay
Zany
I am so sorry Angel and Mtnman about Abby. You both gave her a very happy life of love and adventures! You will always have the memories she gave you even when she gave you a hard time about a bath. I will miss the stories about her in the snow! I think we all fell in love her. Take care. XOXO
Angel
aww, it is amazing how everyone fell in love with our favorite golden. She was the best. xo
Angel
Her personality was the best and one we will never find in another. xo
Mike
I am so sorry Angel. It’s always hard when we lose a loved one. I wish I had more encouraging words.
Angel
aww, I appreciate that you took the time to comment. Thank you.
Detroit314
My heart breaks for you and Mtnman. Always loved your updates about Abby and your stories of her.
She will be missed. My heart and prayers are with you both.
Much love from Detroit 💓
Angel
Thank you! She was internet famous and didn’t even know it. lol. I enjoyed sharing her with everyone, and the stories always made me laugh as I was sharing them. She was a personality all in a golden puff of antics. lol
Molly Amber
I’m so sorry to hear about Abby. You know we lost Luci. the week before and I share your pain. I hoping that both Abby and Luci have meet up with Joy. Bandit. Pircness, and Lucky. and have a bone together. Take some comfort in knowing she out of pian, and can live to good life. Sorry I wasn’t there when she passed. But I need time to myself after Luci. XOXOXO WOOF WOOF.
Angel
She lived her best life possible.
TonyM
Sorry very sorry for your loss, it’s so heartbreaking. So glad you got to take her on her last adventure, a memory to treasure. She definitely knew she was loved by both of you.
It’s absolutely the worst part of being a pet owner, the fact that you have them for relatively a short time but we do fall 110% in love with them. Letting them go is so so hard.
Angel
It has been the hardest experience as a pet owner; she stole our hearts and was an anomaly. She had a spunky personality and was a talker with a sweet soul, but with an attitude at times. We are heartbroken.
Thank you for taking the time to respond. xo
Taxman
Hi Angel,
I am so sorry to read about Abby. She is in a good place and will be with you forever. My thoughts with you and Mtnman for your loss.
Taxman
Angel
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, and to comment. I appreciate you!