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

I must have missed the post that preceded this, but I share your love of dogs and understand the love, acceptance, humour, attention, etc. that they bring.
You've done a good thing for Dillinger and now the outcome is up to "the powers that be" . 
I, too, have had a life that was shared with a large dog who loved me unconditionally.  He was my companion, my side kick, my rock during cancer treatment and so much more, and I know that if it weren't for him, things would be much different in my life.  He died at the age of 8 two years ago and I miss him to this day.  Dogs don't know how much they bring into our lives just by being their silly, sometimes goofy, loving selves.
Here are some hugs for beautiful  Dillinger and his companion who loves him so much.
Margaret

Many hugs and much love to both you and Dillinger!!

Oh the power of prayer!!

Hugs....connie d

am so glad to see these positive words, laureen....continued hugs and prayers for you both!!!!!

You have done more than enough for Dillinger. You gave him a home and love and he, in turn, gave his heart to you. I know you will do all you can to keep him comfortable for whatever time he has left. I grew up with a dog so I know the love of a dog, but now I have cats. Nothing against dogs, just cats were much easier for me to care for (and my editor's wife begged me to take two kittens ... and then they curled up inside my heart ... since then, I've had cats).

I'm glad he made it through the surgery.

Laureen & Dillinger,

You are fortunate to share so much love with each other. I hope your fella improves each day.

Please pass another box of tissues? Your brave sentiments made my eyes leak.

Big SMOOCHES
Nettie

I am so happy to see that Dillinger is going to come home again! You must be elated even though his prognosis is guarded. Every little bit of time is precious. When can he come home?

I am glad you were able to get Dillinger his much needed help.  I hope you have many more years with him.
I don't have any animals, my husband is not much into animals, that is to have one at our house.  Sometimes, I wish we did have a dog, but then in cases like this I see the heartache.
I know they are a lot of company and they listen to you when you need someone to talk to.  I remember the dog I had as a teenager.  He probably saw me cry alot but was always there when I needed a hug.
Take care
Mickey

Dear Laureen and Dillinger:
I'm sending lots of love along with thoughts and prayers for you both.....our furry friends are just like our children....so loved and a part of our lives.

Best wishes,
Pat R.

I also love my 4 legged furbabies, so I feel your pain.  I hope Dillinger fully recovers, and keeps you wonderful company for many years to come.  You will always know you did your very best for him.  He has had a wonderful home with you, whereas, so many animals never get to experience that.  It must be part of the reason I'm always wanting to adopt them :)  Good luck and keep everyone posted on his progress.