Pappy's Sudden Death from Liver Cancer

Pappy's Sudden Death from Liver Cancer

by Bill McAvoy
(Overland Park, Kansas)

Pappy dog - collie shepherd mix

Pappy

Pappy with sunglasses on

Pappy resting on couch

On December 7th 2011 Pappy seemed just fine. That evening we played, rough housed and everything seemed perfectly normal!

Early the next morning he became sick - vomiting, heavy breathing and weak. I checked his gums and they were grayish white in color. I rushed him to the veteranary specialty emergency care and he was found to have blood in his abdomen.

A sonogram revealed that there were a few tumors on his liver. This was at around 10 a.m. I made the decision to put him down on the advice of the doctor. I stayed with him for about 2 hours before we did this so I could say goodbye and just love him!

This was so devastating because he was only 5 and 1/2 years old.

Pappy, rest in peace my friend; and thanks so much for taking care of me for 4 and 1/2 years!!!

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Pappy's Sudden Death from Liver Cancer

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Jan 25, 2012
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A beautiful soul
by: Linda

I'm so sorry to read about Pappy. His picture came up when I searched images for Collie Shepherd mix because I am missing my boy. It is coming up on 1 year since I lost my beloved Indiana who looked very similar. My heart goes to you in losing such a young and beautiful soul so suddenly. They teach us so much in the short time they are with us and I hope you have found comfort in your memories.

Jan 05, 2012
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So sorry for your loss
by: Mary Doherty

I was so sorry to read of your sudden loss. He was a beautiful baby.

I wish you comfort going forward because it is always tough to lose your best friend.

Jan 03, 2012
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I am so sorry for your loss
by: Sharon (aka shihtzu801)

I saw your post and I am so sorry for your loss.

My first thought when I saw your post, was what a beautiful dog. Then I read what you wrote and my heart just broke for you.

It has been 1 month today since we had to put down our beautiful Princess Mighty Dog, who was 11 yrs young, in shih tzu years. She had malignant melanoma of the nail bed. I was so devastated when the time came to let her go that I couldn't accompany my husband to the vet because I was so hysterical and I knew it would not be good for her. I spent most of the night before cradling her little body in my arms wrapped up like a little baby in her favorite blanket and rocking her in the chair like I did when she was a puppy. This is so heart wrenching even now 1 month later, so I understand.

We have asked ourselves should we have done it sooner? We have come to grips with our loss and we know that it was her strong will and love for us that kept her with us as long as it did. She outlived all predictions several times over.

Usually when a person dies from illness, it was on their terms and was not dependent on another's decision. We have so much control over our faithful friends, that we have to sacrifice a comfort level when it is time for them to move on. I also have a post on here about my precious Princess Mighty Dog.

I hope that time will bring you peace in your heart and with your decision. Though the pain of losing your friend cannot be overshadowed or underestimated, heal at your own time and at your own pace and in your own way, whatever it may be. Know that my thoughts are with you.

Sharon

(Editor's Note: You can read Sharon's post here: Princess Might Dog has Malignant Melanoma.)

Jan 03, 2012
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Pappy
by: Hazel, Site Editor

Hi, Bill,

I am so sorry about Pappy.

It is tough to deal with the loss of a much loved friend and companion, especially when the friend was so young.

It's OK to grieve and feel sad; over time it will get better little by little. Just treasure the happy moments and joy that you had with Pappy in the past 4 and a half years.

Please read this poem submitted by a visitor to this forum. Hope it helps ease your pain a bit.

Take care.

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