Laureate Shelties Blog

A bit of this, a bit of that...with a lot of free spirits.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Some very sad news

When we have the dogs in the house, I have a large entourage. All of them will follow me except for Tira. Tira chooses Pete. She follows him and sleeps by his side of the bed. She adores him, and Pete just loves her to bits. Her nicknames are Tira-MA-soo, or Tip-toe Tira, which was shortened to Tippy.

Tippy has been not quite right for a little while. She was a bit pear shaped in her body...her stomach seemed droopy. When we returned from Toronto her stomach was huge, yet we could feel her spine. Mark, our Vet, was concerned when he saw her and weighed her in at 22 pounds. Not overweight, but her stomach was distended. On exam, he was guarded. It didn't feel good, he said. He felt a mass on one side, but wanted to confirm with X-rays and ultrasound. I left her there for an hour and returned to the news I didn't want to hear. Tira has about 7 tumors and has very little time left. They are inoperable as they involve the spleen, the small intestine and maybe the liver. I saw the X-ray and her body is full of very large tumors. She rode home on my lap and I drove with tears in my eyes. So for the rest of her days, she will be loved and spoiled...she'll have all the treats she wants, even ice cream, that's her favourite.

I was looking through my files for pictures of her on our walks, but couldn't find many. That is because she's usually by my side or a little behind. So this was taken a half hour ago in the kitchen with her grandmother Gabrielle...looking for some cheese.

Damn this is hard.

11 comments:

Shannalee, Akadia Shelties December 8, 2008 at 9:04 PM  

Wow, that is hard. My heart goes out to you and Pete. That little Tira is lucky to have such caring owners that love her so much.
take care and bless you

Geneius91 December 8, 2008 at 10:13 PM  

That is sad news, so sorry to hear that. Our prayers are with Tira, that she doesn't suffer and our thoughts are with you and Pete during this difficult time.
I'm glad you are going to enjoy every day you have left together.

Aspengrove Shelties Fantasias Collies December 8, 2008 at 10:17 PM  

IM so sorry hold her and give her lots of kisses and ice cream. Shes a very pretty girl. Good luck and sending hugs your way

Cammy

Acadia Shelties December 8, 2008 at 10:48 PM  

Pete & Kim,
Sorry to hear your sad news. It never gets any easier. This is the worst part of breeding dogs, but the best part is the love and all they add to our lives. She has obviously added a lot to your life, and you to hers.

Lacewood Shelties December 9, 2008 at 12:22 AM  

I'm so sorry to hear about your very loved little Tira. I'm sure your life has been much more rich for having had her a part of it. She has obviously been loved and had a wonderful life with you. It is just never easy to let them go is it. Please know that you have friends out here that care about you!!

Irish Hill Shelties December 9, 2008 at 7:00 AM  

So sorry to hear your latest news. my prayers and thoughts are with you, Pete and Tira. I know her days willl be filled with love and she will have all the TLC you can give her. They are such a part of our everyday life and your heart breaks when they are ill. Enjoy her kisses and cuddle alot. Take lots of candid pictures like you posted and put them up on your computer screen in a slideshow that is what I have and I allways have a different picture to see it is great.I forgot about some of them and seeing it brings back nice memories. Keep us updated Bless you Pat

Mont'Alves December 9, 2008 at 9:58 AM  

Dear Kim and Pete, do be strong and take all the opportunity to spend nice quality time with Tira. Always remember the good moments with her as this is the best tribute that a onwer can do.

Our thoughts in Portugal are with both of you.

Rui

Laureate December 9, 2008 at 10:48 AM  

Thank you all for your kind words. While the tumors are pushing on her stomach, she is for the time being perky and has an appetite. She'll turn nine in January, so this was unexpected. She's our house pet and as I mentioned, Pete's most faithful and dearest friend. It is going to be a tough few weeks. Thank you all for caring.

Natasha December 9, 2008 at 11:41 AM  

Oh no...that's really hard news...we'll be thinking of her. Keep us updated on how she's doing.

~Nat

Sherri December 9, 2008 at 3:42 PM  

Kim I'm so sorry to hear about your girl; difficult when they are old but unbearable when they are not seniors. Thinking of you.

Sherri

Heather December 9, 2008 at 9:08 PM  

Kim and Pete,
I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face. We were so shocked and saddened to read the news of Tira, and hear of her prognosis. This sweet little one has given so much of herself; both as a constant companion/friend, and with the legacy of her beautiful puppies. Usually, I look forward to my daily visit to your Blog site... today was difficult. I know your hearts are breaking with this news. I'm glad you are taking some private time to be with Tira. Reflect and cherish all that she has given you, and you have given to her. Tira knows she is loved dearly and deeply. Hugs to all of you. Wishing you comfort and peace in the days ahead. You are in our thoughts, Heather, Keith, Shelby, Mackenzie and Lanie.

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