Lee needs our support as he found out over the weekend that Rudy has cancer in his liver and bone marrow. Rudy is still with Lee but his time is limited. Please show him some support! Thank you in advance!
My heart is with you Lee! Your Brat family is here for you as well as the rest of the nest!
Here is his original blog content:
My dog Rudy is fourteen years old. The past week he has turned real bad for the worse. He has not eaten and does nothing but lay and sleep. He cannot even climb my stairs anymore. This morning I dreamed I woke up and he was gone. He is nothing but skin and bones.
Tomorrow I am going to take him to the vet and see if there is anything we can do or find out if its time. This is real hard for me to do. I have owned many dogs before, but this one has been special. Everyone that has met this dog raves about what a great dog he is. He has touched many lives including my own. I know he has lived a long life and had a very good life.
I am not ready to let go of him yet and I feel I am being selfish. It is even hard for me to write this without crying 
. I have not ever felt this bad about losing a human family member. And I know this is going to crush my other dog not having him around.
I just wanted to get this out. Rudy I will always love you.
© Copyright 2010
17 comments
Truly breaks my heart. I can not imagine what I would do if it were me and Cali in his situation. Brings tears to my eyes.
My best thoughts go with Lee and Rudy ... I lost my Molly earlier this month to cancer...she was in same shape as described here and we had her put to sleep to forego further suffering...she was almost 14 too. She was a jewel Pomeranian.
ay
Rudy, may you soon RIP and Lee be comforted by having known a real "best friend". My best, Wally
Sending Rudy and Lee much love. I was dreading hearing this news and have tears for you all. Lee, I know how difficult it is for you, as I said in your original blog, I also went through this. Shannon is playing in the meadows at the Rainbow bridge, and will be there to greet Rudy when the time is right. We'll all be together again at some point, we have to believe that.
Heartfelt {{{HUGS}}} to you both, please don't hesitate to pm me anytime. I wish I could take away your pain but I do share in your sorrow. Our furbabies are forever with us hun. BIG HUGS
Lee, i know how u feel. We lost our two within month's of each other. ZinZin who was a 16 year old Peek, and Syndney who was a 14 year old Pug.
There deaths put us in a major funk. We swore we would never go through so pain again. Well never say never. We now have a Chiwawa (spelling suxs) named EL LOBO (the wolf). He has brought sunshine to my wife's face, and a huge smile on mine.
I know it will be the hardest decision of ur life, but you must consider the quality of live Rudy has now.
We will keep Rudy and yourself in our prayers.
BLAH BLAH BLAH
Peace out
On or off the felt, I am here for ya.
Thanks everyone for the support. I just couldn't put him down today. I took him to a canine cancer specialist and also back to the vet. I had an appointmentment where I was going to have him put to sleep and I just couldn't. The vet gave me some Prendisone which she said works as a painkiller and anti inflamatory.
The vet told me that Rudy could make it three to six months on this medicine and eating a high fat diet. I was told a high fat diet keeps tumors from growing slower. I guess he will get a cheeseburger and fries for each meal as long as he likes them. The vet also told me salmon is good too so I am broiling him some salmon for dinner tonight.
This dog has been loyal to me for longer than anything in my life, including my family members and I owe him as much as I can.
As long as he is somewhat active and not suffering I am going to not put him down. I feel he is not showing me all the pain because of his alpha dog in him, but I am going to keep an eye on him.
I will keep everyone informed on how he is doing and I will post some pictures I took today.
I had a German Shepherd, Max. Loyal, beautiful, heroic friend. He "got" brain cancer or something similar, according to the vet. They wanted to put him down, we asked what the options were. He prescribed painkillers, etc, so we fed him Ice Cream (which he absolutely LOVED) and anything else he wanted and would eat, dosed with the pain killers plus some from a friend who owned a pharmacy (statute of limitations has run out).
Max lived (stoned and happy) for another month, never in pain that we knew of, and died still a proud member of our family. He'd still wag his tail when we talked to him, petted him, etc, even though he went blind in a short amount of time.
I remember it broke my heart...but none of us could "pull the plug" on our friend and little brother. The decision you have to make is a tough one. My opinion is, last I checked, McDonalds had those doublecheeseburgers on the dollar menu. Spend these days making him feel loved and comfortable, to the best of your ability. After all this time, I reckon he's earned it. And Lee, he is fortunate to have a friend like you...
RH
It would painful when a pet gets sick & even as bad when its unexpected when one dies suddenly as we lost one only 8 months ago.
We are all here for you Lee
Hun, I'm sending you and Rudy love and prayers. This helped me when it was shannon's time, I read it over and over as I watched her, unable to get up. I never read these types of things, but I was searching the net, trying to find some health advice for her and stumbled upon this. I still believe she led me to it, and I hope you can find a little peace in your heart when you need it.
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done,
for we know this last battle can't be won.
You will be sad, I understand,
but don't let grief then stay your hand,
for this day, more than the rest,
your love and friendship must stand the test.
We've had so many happy years,
what is to come can hold no fears.
Would you want me to suffer? So,
when the time comes, please let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend,
only stay with me until the end,
and hold me firm and speak to me,
until my eyes no longer see.
It is a kindness that you do to me,
although my tail it's last has waved,
from pain and suffering I have been saved.
Do not grieve, it should be you,
who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
Author unknown