Barbara Duke
@bfd122953
Active 2 years, 6 months ago
I come tonight with a heavy heart. January 4, 2024, I had to say goodbye to my senior girl, 16 years old Apache Princess. I adopted her when my last original senior dog, Rose passed June 14, 2018. I adopted Apache Princess, June 16, 2018, she was 11 years old, I had no doubt she was the one and no regrets of adopting her two days after Rose passed. Single, living alone and no close family, I knew I needed a family. My dogs had been my only family since my parents passed in 1996 and 2003. And Apache Princess was a special girl. Five months after her adoption, she was diagnosed with a non-spreading cancer sarcoma on her right side and a smaller one on her right rear paw. She had surgery May 25, 2019. They got clean margins on the side but had to leave a trace of cells on the paw to avoid reconstructive surgery. For five years she was a picture of health and cancer free. She even got a clean bill of Health July 2023. But sometime after apparently tumors started to enter her lungs, no breathing issues until the night of January 3rd, I noticed a change, but nothing alarming, she had an appointment for January 5th. But the morning of the 4th when I woke, I noticed it had gotten worse. So, I called her vet and told them she needed to come in ASAP. They said to head their way and they would treat as an emergency. We arrived at 8:25 AM CST and a couple of techs came out to get her. Once inside they started tests and a few minutes later her vet of five and a half years came to tell me the news. I knew by her face, it wasn’t good. X-rays revealed tumors in her lungs. She had celebrated her 16th birthday October 7, 2023. Her vet said, “It’s time”. The past couple of years even though she did great and was still active, had a quality of life and loved life. We knew with her age; we knew it could come at any time. But she always bounced back and wasn’t one to give up. The past couple of weeks she wasn’t herself, but with arthritis and a torn rear left naturally healed […] View
thumbnail_IMG_20221113_085548547-apache princess noc 2022
Barbara, As a fellow adopter of senior animals, I thank you for sharing your experiences, insights and knowledge with our Community. If we can help others, we’ve done a good thing. One thing I’ve learned and take to heart is that, while we love them so much we don’t want to let them go, we love them enough TO let them go, especially in a peaceful fashion if we can. Apache Princess is so fortunate to have you by her side as she ages, a loving companion who pays attention to her needs and provides the best of care for her. You are really a gift to her, too. You must keep us posted about her, and please share more of your experiences, and kindness. I am sending you both {{BIG BIG HUGS). Toni Oh, please try to join one of our online group meetings.