Straydog UPDATE posted WEDNESDAY 3/19/03 at ~8:28 p.m. CT

After a few fairly good and happy days (photo above taken this past Sunday) Davey let us know this morning he was ready to give up.

Pat Arnold's Daily Dog Log

WEDNESDAY MARCH 19 2003

Today we said goodbye to Old Davey

      Davey has had his good days and his bad days recently as we all struggled to help this beautiful old Shepherd overcome his battle with colon cancer. After many doctor visits, trips to two specialists and trying several medications and a special anti-cancer diet we realized, as the doctors had already told us, that there was nothing we could do for him other than try and make him comfortable and happy for as long as possible. And during these last two months Davey was happy, and sometimes playful, and sometimes sassy. Some days he played ball, and some days he was quiet. When Davey began to lose his appetite, we began feeding this beautiful old dog all the other types of foods that he loved, and for a few days this made him happy, and he regained some strength because of the meat.

      But overall Davey's health (especially his bowel movements) continued to grow worse, quickly, and we knew he had only some few days left to live. Early this morning Davey let us know that he no longer had the strength to go on. We could tell from the look in his eyes and how tired he was and how difficult it was for him to stand up that he was ready for us to help him now.

      It was very sad for all of us as Guy gently lifted Davey into the van for the trip to our vet clinic.

Our doctor helped Davey go peacefully to sleep forever

      Our vet gave Davey a very strong sedative, and while this wonderful dog was falling into a deep sound sleep, with Dr. Morton at his side, we petted Davey and talked to him quietly and told him again how much we all loved him.

      When Davey was sound asleep and feeling nothing, the doctor injected the drug that put him to sleep for forever.

      We will never know what this old dog's life was like during the 12 or more years before he came to our Happy Home for Strays. We could only assume from his rugged appearance that he had had a rough life.

      One thing we do know is that during Davey's stay with us he was very happy, much loved and very well cared for. He woke up to happy, fun-filled days, he loved his many play times in the park, the good meals fed to him twice every day, the fun tussling times with his companion dog, Heather, and he loved all of us who constantly gave him hugs and kisses and pets. And every night when Davey fell asleep in his soft hay bed, he had a secure feeling knowing exactly what his next day would be like.

      Goodbye, Davey. We will always love you.