Apologies for this belated post. The Fall months flew by with us adjusting to life back in the USA and enjoying time with Porter. An introduction to those of your who don’t know or remember us. Porter, our 12 year old golden retriever, had an amputation of his left front leg for osteosarcoma in July 2013 while my husband and I were living in Germany. My husband was on Sabbatical for 8 months. Our son, a college student, was caring for Porter during our absence. Porter recovered from his surgery with the usual ups and downs and we kept in close touch via skype. We discontinued Porter’s traditional chemotherapy after 2 doses due to severe diarrhea and weight loss and he switched to metronomics and alternative therapy of low dose cytoxan and I’m Unity (polysacaride) with some intermittent appetite issues. He enjoyed the Fall with trips to our lake house in upstate NY and wading in the lake where he used to be a great swimmer and duck chaser. Now he was content to watch the activity and enjoy lots of treats and pets. In January his chest films were clear and we celebrated 6 months post amputation. Sadly, last Friday he had difficulty walking and refused to eat. His declining condition happened very suddenly and we were unsure of its cause, but knew it couldn’t bode well. A trip to our local Vet revealed severe anemia and it was decided to make the trip to our oncologist for restaging the following day. An ultrasound revealed yesterday that Porter had a large amount of internal bleeding from tumors in his liver and spleen. We are at home today with Porter who is resting on his bed and eating small amounts of hamburger and canned food. He is taking a Chinese drug to help stop the bleeding, rimadyl and tramadol. He does not seem to be in pain but is weak. His Ruff Wear harness has been a God-send especially now in his weakened state. Tomorrow we will talk with our local vet re: scheduling Porter’s euthanasia. He’s certainly had a great run!
So very, very sorry to hear this. So sorry.
Porter needs no re-introduction around here! That sweet pup captured our hearts with the first picture!
I know how devoted your son is to Porter and how he helped him recover. Porter became part of or famiy. He has shown strength , courage, determination and heart as he faced this challenge and overcame every obstacle put before him.
NOTHING can touch his gentle spirit! NOTHING can break the eternal lovng bond you share.
Six months pain free is an incredible gift. Six months in dog years is over three years of the most intense lovng and spoiling a dog could ever imagine possible!
Porter’s presence here touched us all. He will NEVER be forgotten! His life matters! Just as you felt privileged to have him in your life, he was absolutely thrilled to have you in yours!
Be fully present with your sweet boy and let NOTHING interfere with this special time together.
Holdng you gently in our hearts tonight and surrounding you with Porter’s eternal grace.
Love to you all.
Sally and Happy Hannah
Oh Porter, my heart breaks for you and your family, we are very, very sorry to read this update. How we all wish that the news was different.
Please know that your courage has been an inspawration and will never ever be forgotten in the Tripawds Nation. Your story matters, and will bring support to others as they look for help, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being here to share it.
Your folks are wonderful, amazing people who love you so much, when you earn your wings I know you will never leave their side. Watch over our heroes OK Porter? We love you.
Well, this isn’t the update anyone likes to read. I’m sorry to hear that Porter’s journey is coming to an end. He has been an extremely brave boy who fought a very tough battle. And you guys have been brave and fought right alongside him. Please know Porter and your family are in our thoughts.
What a sad start to the week it has been on Tripawds…..Our pets are so strong, brave, and loving while going through this really tough battle……he will always be in your heart. Keeping you and handsome Porter in my thoughts, as you go through this last journey together…
{{Hugs}}
Bonnie & Polly
I’m so sorry. Porter is such a lucky guy to have been loved and cared for by such a wonderful family. He has truly been blessed.
Sending you love strength.
Hugs,
Carol
That sweet boy has been a fighter for quite a while now…. give him a rub behind the ears for me… tell him that there are many, many dogs and cats waiting at the bridge to show him around. Tell him to lok for the goofy liver and white springer spaniel with that huge smile on his face.. that would be my sweet boy Franklin. He’ll know who he is if he stands downwind!!!
No one knows the pain that we feel in our hearts when we let that leash go for the last time. No one.. unless of course they have been there. There is something about a Tripawd running for the bridge that just hits home deeper… they dig a hole deep, deep in our heart and bury their love for us there, while they live life to the fullest on three legs. We learn so much from them in their time with us…
Porter will always be with you.. he’ll lie beside you peacefully and quiet… he’ll follow you where ever you go. He’ll lean against you while you weep. He’ll always be around you. You see… he will wait for you to open your heart and feel him.. he’ll be there… always will be.. and nothing can take that away.. not even that nasty “C” word!!!
Our hearts are with you at this time… we understand.
Christine…. with Franklin in her heart♥