Late in the evening of July 10th Buffy suffered a seizure, something I had never witnessed before, and it was as scary as all hell. Not just for us and Odin but Buffy as well. I can’t tell you how long it lasted because it seemed to go on forever, which of course isn’t possible. She was very disorientated for a good 10 minutes afterwards and then very scared and unsettled. It took me about an hour and a half to settle her and for her to finally go to sleep.
A visit to the vet the next morning showed no signs of any permanent damage. We had a chat about what could be done if she had another, which would likely mean more in the future, although the likelihood that the cancer had spread to the brain and a tumor was the cause, was also discussed. I knew in my heart that medication wasn’t going to be the answer to this new problem but I took her home hoping it was an isolated case.
We went back to life as usual and she got excited each morning, as usual, about going for her 1k walk.
Exactly a week later, almost to the hour, she suffered another seizure. Not as violent as the first and it didn’t seem as long but still scary and disorientating for her. Although I was worried I didn’t panic this time and calmly sat with her trying to comfort her through it. She didn’t bounce back as well after this one. I kept a close eye on her and as visits to the vet stress and panic her I decided to give her a day’s rest before taking her in.
I rang them on the Friday and after talking to the nurses the visit was scheduled for the Saturday. Unfortunately about an hour before her appointment she had another one. It seemed mild in comparison to the other two she’d had but when she couldn’t stand, couldn’t even sit up and continued to have mild shakes that could have been mini seizures or strokes I knew it was her time.
Surrounded by family, including Odin we said our goodbyes and Buffy passed quietly on the 20th July 2013.
In remembrance of our girl – http://youtu.be/mcXWdT0bFyI
I’m sorry I didn’t think to say this before when I posted –
I’d like to thank the Tripawds site and community for all the support we received from the moment I found this wonderful site just after Buffy became a Tripawd. It was extremely cathartic for me to be able to post our journey and I hope helpful to others just as other blogs and the forums were helpful to me.
Good luck to all the Tripawds out there.
Tags: bone cancer, Cancer, Canine, Dog, Great Dane, K9, Oncologist, osteosarcoma, Tripaw
By: tanksmom on July 30, 2013 at 10:15 pm
I just watched your video and have tears streaming down my face. I am new here and my great dane Tank had his front leg amputated yesterday. He is still at the hospital so I have not even really started my journey but am already blessed to have found this site. Buffy was a beautiful dog!! I am going to go back and read her story but I am so glad you shared her tribute with us. I am so sorry about Buffy, my thoughts are with you.
Lisa and Tank
By: Christine on July 30, 2013 at 10:21 pm
Absolutely beautiful tribute… and a beautiful song to honor a beautiful girl! I sit with tears on my cheeks knowing exactly what you are feeling and going through. The bridge just became more beautiful with her arrival.. *hugs*
By: maximutt on July 31, 2013 at 12:36 am
I’m so sorry you have lost your beautiful girl. She was a true Tripawd warrior who fought a very brave battle. Sending healing thoughts to you.
By: benny55 on July 31, 2013 at 12:50 am
Merilyn, this was not the post I was expecting. Our hearts break with yours. Believe me, we are all crying right along beside you.
She was surrounded by love and co fort as she exited this life. Shae live a wonderful quality of live ight up untile SHE decided to make the transition on her oown terms her way
Buffy is so beautiful! She is such a gentle soul with a HUGE heart! Tall, lanky, graceful—jist a lovely dog. Everything she did she did it with such eloquence…. sitting sta dng, lyi g on ner back, laying n her pillow in tne sun….all so eloquent ly!
I’m so glad you and she…and Odin…and all ner pack were avle to have these mosts precious of precious months together. All those treasured memories and loads of loving and spoiling will be with ner forever……just as it will be with you forever. You will ALWAYS be connected tnrough love.
Ner tribute was s well done—it captured the essence of who sne is AND how much she loved her family.
I love how, as huge as sne is, she loved her stuffed toy (teddy bear?) and held kt, or laid on it, ever so gently! What a sweet, sweet soul.
Every photograph shows a happy and content pup! And such a beautiful shiny coat too! And those GORGEOUS eyes just melt your heart!
Buffy knows how loved she is by you and how youdid everything possible to give her the best life ever!
She is a true hero! Such an inspiration! Her life had meaning and purpose and we are all so privileged to be able to be part of her extended family.
Thank you for sharing her life and legacy with us. The video and all her photos will always bring you the life affirmng joy of seeng a life well lived.
We are ALWAYS here for you. We understand your loss like most cannot. We also understand the incredible hapi ess and joy and depth of love you all shsred. And, because of that, your Buffy will be with you forever!
Now, go outside and look up towards the clouds. She’s picked one out to lay on today. See if you can see which one it is. She’ll do a lot of cloud hopping though because there are so many luxurious ones from wnich to select! The song you picked for her tribute was perfect, by the way!
If you look closely, you’ll see that the cloud she icked out for today…..it has something on it next to her….what is that? ..Oh my goodness, it’s “stuffed cloud” in the shape of a teddy bear!
Heartfelt hugs to you and Odin and all your pack.
Sally and Happy Hannah
By: jerry on July 31, 2013 at 4:18 am
Oh guys, my heart just breaks for you, I”m so, so sorry. How I wish the cancer would just stop playing so unfairly, it just hurts so much to know that a beautiful dog has to be hurt by it.
Please know you did the most compassionate, loving thing you could for Buffy. Some day you will meet again. Until then, hold her memories close to your heart. And know that her story and inspawration will always be a part of this community.
With many condolences,
Spirit Jerry, Rene, Jim, & Wyatt Ray