OT: Dillinger Update - Thank YOU ALL

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your kind prayers and support today. . . and from Dillinger too!   I just want to give you a small idea of the life of Dillinger and I will try to keep it very brief, some know of his story, for those that do not, I got him when he was just 2 weeks old, along with two surviving litter mates, he was the sickest of the 3, I eye-dropper fed him for 3 weeks, sneaking him into work in a backpack, keeping him in a box under my desk, when he was 3 months old and a healthy pup, he went to live with a co-worker who wanted to give him to her husband, her husband’s name was John, he named the puppy Dillinger, 8 months later, I got a call that after repeated hospitalizations, they had to find a home for Dillinger, as no matter what she tried, she could not overcome her allergies to him, I drove out and here came this big old boy, licking my face, like Mom, where you been, let’s go for a ride in that nice car outside, by the time we got in the car, my mind was made up, I would be keeping him. For the last 11 years, he has shared my happy, sad and sometimes lonely life, he has brought joy into people’s lives that were normally afraid of his breed and he does not have a clue that he really is a dog. . .   For the record, his health has been excellent, I got health insurance so that I would never have to make a choice based on the financial aspect of his care and it has been worth it, hopefully for this event it will be too. . . At 12 years and 4 months, his only ailment was arthritis which he recently went on Rimadyl for and for which he has responded wonderfully, so when I went home to what I did last night, it was sudden, it was scary, but if you are an animal lover, you understand the signals and communications from your animal, his were, ok Mom, help me, I’ll do my part.   The surgeon called an hour ago, he underwent 2 hours of surgery, they removed an “ugly" spleen and it was sent for biopsy, he came through the surgery as well, if not better than the surgeon anticipated, however, his liver has “several" lesions which due to the possibility of blood loss, were best left untouched. His prognosis, guarded, but his vitals are all good and stable, pending biopsy and recovery, he should come home and be able to give and receive massive amounts of love for whatever remains of his life and I pray that will be the outcome. If not, I did what I could, all that can be asked of someone who loves a 4-legged best friend, I will do no further heroics, other than to keep him comfortable and the next time he becomes lethargic, it will be time to let him rest in the heaven that can only be full of love and wonder because that is what our 4-legged friends are, wonderment and love!   Thanks, Laureen & Dillinger

Laureen,

I have been waiting for this update all day.  I am glad he came through better than expected.  He is one lucky dog to have such an incredible mom!!  I will continue to keep him in my prayers. 

HG

Wow Laureen, that was an incredible post.  I'm glad he is doing well right now, and will continue to keep both of you in my thoughts and prayers.

Pam

LAureen - so glad that he came through the surgery better then expected! Here's to a rapid recovery so he can come home and be in peace and comfort with his Mom!

I'll keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

Liz

PS  I balled my eyes out when I had to get rid of a kitten I had for 2 weeks - I can't even imagine 12 years! Chyenne was 10 when her time came

*hugs*

Okay, crying my eyes out....what a beautiful post.  I was so scared opening this, because I feared the worst.  But as I read more and more about this sweet animal, I knew all was well.  I'm so glad that you will still have some time with him.   I just got in from having dinner with friends and I immediately came to the computer to see if there was any news, so thanks for the update. 

Hi Laureen glad to hear Dillinger is doing better & has  made it thru the surgery. Wishing Dillinger a speedy recovery
Susan

Give Dillinger a big hug and a kiss from me, too!  Glad to hear he is doing better than anticipated.  You're such a wonderful Mom!

Dee

Laureen,
Your post was so touching - I could feel how much you love Dillinger. I am a dog person and totally understand what you are saying. I have been crying my eyes out. I will keep praying for both of you.
Tammy

Hi Laureen - I hope all continues to go well for your and Dillinger - we do what we have to for our furry friends. We had a 12 year old Yorkie who became severely diabetic and everybody said 'put him down' - well, we found a wonderful vet who showed us how to give him insulin shots and keep his blood sugar under control - this precious little dog would actually come to you when you said 'Bruno, its time for your shot' - and stand there like a trooper getting it. After about a year he became totally blind but still had a great quality of life and could get around the house like he had sonar!! And he still loved going for walks, totally trusting us to make sure he was safe - they are amazing creatures. We were able to give Bruno 3 more GOOD, QUALITY years of life - it wasn't cheap but it was worth every cent we spent on him. Eventually his body just gave out from the diabetes so we did the humane thing and sent him over the 'rainbow bridge' with much love and tears. Took several months before we were ready to bring another furry family member into our home but eventually we realized life was just too quiet without one! And now we have our precious little Jude but will never forget our beloved Bruno.

You will know in  your heart if and when the time is right to say good-bye to your beloved Dillinger...until that time enjoy every moment you have with him - he trusts and loves you like no one else ever will.

Kathy