Spike has gone to puppy heaven

by Tia
(Toronto)

I just recently (May 5th) lost my beloved Spike, a 10 year old golden retriever, to lymphosarcoma.

I took him to the vet as I felt lumps in his neck, the vet diagnosed him with lymphosarcoma and told us he was advanced and could not be treated.

I cannot understand how this could have happened so quickly, as he was at the vet in Dec for his annual checkup and vaccinations. He had been on thyroid medication for several years, but otherwise, he was in excellent health.

The vet said he had 2-4 weeks to live and we had him put to rest 2 weeks from the day of diagnosis. The last few days were difficult and it was so hard to let go.

I read this poem to Spike before he went to rest.
We have made a garden for Spike in the backyard for his resting place.

It is just not the same without him, his love was unconditional and his loyalty unbroken. It has been 9 weeks and I still get teary when I think of him.

A SPECIAL LETTER TO MY BEST FRIEND

“Please let me go”

When it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then please, I ask, do what must be done
For this last battle of mine cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
Its nothing you or I could have ever planned…
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We’ve had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears.
You’d not want me to suffer so,
The time has come to please let me go.

Take me where my need they’ll tend
But please stay with me until the end.
Hold me tight and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see…

I know in time that you will see,
The kind things that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I will be saved.

Thank you my friend for all you have done
To show me what it means to be truly loved.
My love for you is unconditional and pure,
You have been so loyal and I have been so secure.

Please let me go, and do not grieve
It’s only you who can do this for me
It is one of the kindest things you can do
For me, whose love has been so true…

Spike Burton
September 3rd, 1999 to May 5th, 2010

Spike- We Love You


Looking back, he did seem to have slowed down, but he would have been 11 in Sept.