Friday is here, and it has been quite a week. Monday saw the need to rush Bailey to the Emergency Care Clinic in San Antonio. She was continuing to deteriorate, and we needed some advanced tests and scans that were not available locally. They kept her and did all the testing to confirm the diagnosis. Baily has stage V Lymphoma. As you can guess the prognosis does not include a cure. The best we can do now is focus on her quality of life which we intend to do with additional treatment. We will be concentrating on continuing the drugs that make her feel the best she can for the time we have left.
Thank you for all the good wishes we have received since Bailey’s illness became known and know we appreciate your kindness.
As those of you who have faced the loss of a pet know, it is a hard road that requires courage to do whatever is in the best needs of your loved one. We hope Bailey has the six to ten months of relatively good health that the vet has projected. None of us are ready to say goodbye. We feel blessed to have the time to continue our love for her. When the quality of her life is in jeopardy though we will need to be strong and do what is right for her.
Today’s JohnKu talks of responsibility. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Responsibility by John W. Howell © 2018
The news is not good,
Whose welfare needs protection . . .
Yours or the loved one?
Very insightful Haiku, John. Sometimes the choices are heartbreaking. Thankfully, Bailey is home where she is loved. Blessings to you all…
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Thank you, Gwen. She seems happy and we are grateful for that. 🙂
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Lovely JohnKu, John. Bailey is blessed to be back in such a loving home. ❤
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We are blessed to have her. Thank you, Jill.
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Then we will be as upbeat and positive as possible! Your beautiful girl deserves that. As I wipe my tears away . . .
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Thank you, Pamela. Upbeat is the word and that is how we will carry forward. 🙂
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Sorry to hear that. It does look like Bailey is happy to be back and I hope she’s happy for the duration. Good idea on focusing on the drugs that make her feel best.
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Thanks, Charles. She is happy to be in her yard again. 😀
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As hard as it was to say goodbye to Dixie Rose, everything happened so quickly — in the space of four hours — that there was no time for extended internal debate, and no question what needed to be done. In a way, I’m glad of that now. Being in your situation would be hard. But your haiku points to the critical issue in all these situations: what’s best for the loved one?
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Thank you, Linda. We had a similar situation with our Silky Terrier and she had two wonderful years. We will be watching Baily’s quality of life for sure.
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A strong, intuitive JohnKu. I’m so glad Bailey is back home, and of course I’m very sad. I have been down your same road with our beloved lab. ❤️
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She is feeling much better and that is all that is important. Thanks, Jennie. It is a hard road for sure. I’m sorry for your loss as well.
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As long as she is feeling better that is definitely what matters. Thanks for your kind words.
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Your decision is a wise one, John. I hope you do have those extra months together. —- Suzanne
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We do too, Suzanne. Thank you.
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That question has to be asked, John. They trust that you will do the right thing. It’s never easy. I hope you enjoy the time that remains.
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Cheers to Bailey being home! … Bummer on the news. Dealing with ailing pets is so difficult, so best wishes and strength to the you and Mrs.
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Oh, John – I’m so sorry. I’m glad Bailey can be home with you, and hope she has some good months ahead of her.
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Your haiku speaks of strength. Your focus is Bailey, as you come to terms with the news. My heart goes out to you and Molly. ♡
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Oh, no. I was so encouraged yesterday, and now I’m in tears. I commend you for your devotion to her. I know her last months with her family will be filled with love and compassion. I will pray for you all to find strength while you come to terms with her diagnosis. ❤
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God bless Bailey… My golden ‘Toby’ has a beautiful spot for you only when you’re ready! ♥♥♥
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Oh, John, this breaks my heart! Poor Bailey. Poor Lucy and Twiggy. Poor you and the Producer. Everybody suffers in a situation like this. The best thing you can do is, like you said, make her final days/months/years as happy and pain-free as possible, and to gird yourselves up for the inevitable. God bless, my friend.
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Yeah. We have been through the inevitable so many times and we never get used to it. (I guess the whole idea is not getting uded to having to say goodbye to those you love.) Thank you, Debbie.
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So sorry to hear about Bailey, John. At least she’ll continue to live out the rest of her life in the presence of those who love her dearly.
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Thank you, Phillip. A very kind thought.
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Always the loved one, John. Prayers for peaceful and easy last days for Bailey.
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Thank you, Jan.
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Sorry to hear about Bailey. Hopefully she has a great 10 months plus in front of her.
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Thank you , Guy. Our thoughts exactly. Happy Weekend.
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I”m sorry to hear this John. My heart goes out to you, but I know you will make Baily’s time good for her.
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Thank you, Denise. We will make Bailey’s life as easy and happy as possible.
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I’m sitting here crying over this news. You have given Bailey a great life, and she has blessed yours in return.
Give that beautiful girl a hug for me.
Peace and love.
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I will, Marc. Thank you for the kind words. Hopefully she will be well and happy until her time is up.
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Blessings John.
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🙂
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John, my heart goes out to you. I understand. Far too well. Great big hug.
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Thank you, Teagan. We all can use a hug. 🙂
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Thoughts of peace, love and freedom of suffering sent for you all, John. Special hugs to Twiggy and Lucy, Baily’s dearest companions.
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Thank you for the beautiful words, Cheryl. Hugs passed on.
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Dearest John,
I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. It is not easy, ever, to lose a member of our family and that’s what our pets are, aren’t they? Knowing the end is within reach will give you the chance to be as loving as you can and avoid any suffering on her part. This means her time with you and the gang will be filled with love. Hugs from me and mine.
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Thank you so much for your kind thoughts, Dale. Although it is heartbreaking for us all, we feel blessed to be able to have more time. We will be stewards of that time to make it the best possible. 🙂
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I’ve no doubt at all.
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🙂
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So sorry to read this. It brought back all the memories of my old pitbull. The situation was almost the same. Fading, noticing that something was wrong, and a number of months left. Seems like you guys just lost Stella too.
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We did lose Stella after 17 years. Bailey is only nine which makes it seem harder. Thanks, Craig.
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I *like* what you wrote, the feelings behind the words, but not the message that Bailey’s time is limited. The only good news is that at least you know what ails her. A pet’s suffering is unbearable when you don’t know the cause and, thus, don’t know how to help. So, although I’m sure it’s small comfort, at least you have a diagnosis and can move forward. Make her comfortable. Shower her with affection and love. Know that she had the best life with you, and that she had time to nurture Twiggy. I know you’ll do the right thing when it’s time. I just hope it doesn’t come too soon. Love you.
xo
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Thank you so much, Marie. Your words are very comforting. 🙂 Big Hug
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I am sad to hear this news about Bailey. May she live out her days in sunshine surrounded by love. You and the Producer have given her a wonderful life. You will know when it is time to let her go and know you have done your best.
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Thank you for the lovey thoughts, Jo.
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Reblogged this on Where Genres Collide.
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Thank you for the reblog, Traci
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You’re welcome, John. Again, so sorry!
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Aw. Thank you, Traci. We will be fine.
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Sorry, I didn’t “like” the post. Such sad news. Hugs to all.
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Thank you, Traci. 🙂
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