Tango! TERRIFIED senior! **HAS FOSTER, NEEDS TRANSPORT

[Heroes K9 Rescue]

I have very sad news regarding Toby. I noticed that he seemed to be losing weight, and when I was petting him, I noticed his lymph nodes were enlarged. I took him to the vet, and a few days ago he was diagnosed with lymphoma, and it is a more aggressive kind. He only has a few months left to live. I am opting NOT to do chemo, as it is a lot to put him through, and instead have started him on prednisone (a steroid), and already I can see improvements in the way he feels.

The reason that this is particularly sad for me, is that I KNOW that Toby has had an absolutely horrible life. His teeth are worn down to the gumline (even though he is NOT a chewer, which led me to believe he was cruelly confined), he was terrified of most people and only recently has become more at ease with strangers (even though I have been working on this with him for a year-and-a-half....it took THAT long for him to start to trust again), and he used to bite everyone who came near him. He was scared to death. I don't normally keep my rescue dogs, but he was so traumatized and I felt so sad for him, and it took SO long for him to trust even ME, that I knew it would be detrimental to adopt him out and make him have to go through all of that adjusting, all over again. So I kept him. And I know he has had a great life with me. He loves me. He loves my dogs. And he loves our daily outings for an off-leash romp at a local park or at the golf course. But the thing is, I was hoping to have him for 4 or 5 years, where I could make him so happy, to make up for the years and years of abuse he endured. Bus sadly, I have only gotten a short 18 months with him, and several of those months were spent just trying to rehabilitate him. He's such a terrific dog now! He no longer bites people....in fact, if you go slow, he'll let you pet him even if he doesn't know you. He would NEVER do that when I first got him. He likes to hang out in the tv room with us now, instead of always hiding behind the wet bar. He gives me kisses, and OCCASIONALLY, he'll even give a kiss to my roomate. I never need a leash on him. He follows me everywhere I go. He never complains. He is no trouble at all. And I love him.

This is such sad news. Fortunately, all my rescue dogs have been adopted, except for one small Cairn Terrier mix that is going to a potential home tomorrow. And I have no out-of-town trips planned any time soon. So I have the luxury now to spend all my time and attention on him. I can't believe I'm going to lose him already. 18 months went by so quick. It is absolutely heart-breaking.

I love my Toby.

[Anna]

I know this is such terrible news for you lacey, but I look back at his original post, and I think wow - after such a horrible life, isn't is so lovely that he had 18 months to spend surrounded by love and care? I'm sorry too that it wasn't for longer . . .but I'm glad he had this time with you

[andrehereboy]

Those are the most heartwarming photos of Toby and I KNOW he had the greatest, most fulfilling life with you. He is most fortunate to be with you until the end.

I am posting info on the National Canine Cancer Institute. They are doing a lot of research on early detection and prevention of cancer, esp. of lymphoma. Local chapters are starting in many major cities.

"National Canine Cancer Foundation" http://www.wearethecure.org/

Hello Everyone,

As always I want to thank everyone of your for your continued support of the National Canine Cancer Foundation. And I want to take a few minutes of your time to share with all of you some great things happening at the NCCF!

New Clinical Trials and Possible Treatment for Dogs with Lymphoma - Helia, LLC, is working on the targeted nano particle laser irradiation project for canine lymphoma and looking for dogs with stage 1 through 3 canine lymphoma for clinical trials.

Leigh J. Mack Product Development Manager says “We are looking for patients in the Midwest or South East sections of the US but would look at all areas. We prefer tumors that are smaller and not a mass tumor located near the surface. The tumors should be close to the skin but we could work with ones that are internal also. And we will work with the local DVM on the case and we can provide most of if not all the funding for the treatment.” If you are interested in participating please contact Helia at ljm@heliamedical.com

[dggyluv]

Oh Lacey...how sad! But, fortunately dogs live in the "now", and he "now" looks as he's been happy his entire life. I have a feeling the only thing he remembers of his life, is the past year and a half. Dogs are like that! He looks beautiful, cared for, and he knows he's loved. If you hadn't rescued him, he may have died never knowing that .

So, enjoy the time you have left with him to the fullest (I know he will) and remember you gave an old, sad dog a happy retirement!!! The majority of dogs never get that opportunity.

Bless you for caring for him!

[Heroes K9 Rescue]

I am writing this in a state of complete and utter sadness.

My sweet Toby is now in Heaven. I had him put to sleep on Wednesday - the day before yesterday. The last few days of his life, I could tell he felt absolutely miserable. He was so weak that he could barely walk, and I had to hand feed him. I finally realized that keeping him alive any longer would have been cruel.

I miss him so much. He was always the first to greet me at the door with a wagging tail. He almost seemed to smile at me. He also would get so happy when I woke up in the morning, and his tail would start going as soon as he saw me sit up in bed. And he would join me in the car on my daily errands too. What a wonderful, wonderful, sweet dog. I was so blessed to have him in my life. The house feels so empty without him.

This was one of our final pictures together, taken earlier this week.




Rest in peace, sweet Toby. I miss you so much.

[andrehereboy]

R I P Toby. You had the best of everything in your elder years. Wishing you eternal peace

[Rebecca92630]

So sorry about your loss, Lacey. Thanks for loving him!

[Anna]

Oh Lace - I just saw this. I am so sorry

[Heroes K9 Rescue]

I just wanted to tell everyone "thank you" for all your kind words and support. For some reason, that does seem to help....I think it's because everyone here knows how hard it is to lose a beloved canine "child", and for whatever reason, when people understand and sympathize, it IS comforting.

Paula, I also wanted to give you a giant "thank you" for the info on the researchers that you gave me. I actually did call them, and they were very, very nice, and took the time to speak with both me and my vet about Toby. Unfortunately, by the time we realized Toby had cancer, he was at a very advanced stage. And the types of things the researchers are working on is only something they want to experiment with on dogs who's cancer is not as advanced as Toby's was. But it was definitely worth a shot, and now I know about them if I ever have to go through this again. So thanks again, Paula for that information.

And Anna, Rebecca, Paula, and Roxy, again I want to thank you for your kind words and support. I truly appreciate it.

RIP sweet Toby.

[morticia]

What a gorgeous photo... He clearly was so happy and loved with you.
So sorry for your loss Lacey, but take comfort from knowing what you were able to give each other in the short time you had together

He'll be smiling still at the Bridge as he waits for you x