If I haven't been working, I've been dividing my time between taking my boy, Sym, to the vet's or just simply spending as much time as possible with him.
He'll be seven years old in April.
Born on a South Wales farm, just outside Merthyr Tydfil, he was one of six pup's. His 'parents' were both working border collies.
As a 'baby' he and three of his siblings were small, grey and white bundle of fluff with a domino pattern of black spots running down their backs. Two of them, Sym was one, had almost completely pink noses.
Most of the puppies ignored us as we tried to stroke them; they were too busy playing. Sym, however, seemed to find us fascinating and tried to engage us in a game of tag before settling at our feet and accepting some fuss.
It was a done deal!
Shortly afterwards, the new member of out family was sitting in a small cardboard box on my lap as we drove home. In between fuss and hugs, he watched the scenery fly by as we headed back down the A470 towards home.
He was, and has been ever since, a perfect car passenger and loves looking out of the window.
 |
| This is how he likes to spend his evenings! |
One week from today he will finish his second round of treatment. We thought he as doing well and that his Lymphoma was in remission, but last week (his penultimate treatment) the vet noticed a small swelling in his neck. The ran the tests and, as we feared, the lymphoma was already making a return.
We have no idea how long he will be with us. His treatment costs our insurance company approximately £3600 for a course of treatment. If he has to start a third round of treatment BEFORE September (when his policy automatically renews), we will not be able to afford it!
It will then, sadly, be an everything-crossed waiting game.
I have a bond with Sym that I have never had with and other pet and, I think it is fair to say, that no one else shares. I like to believe that it is a two-way bond and that Sym loves me.
I love Sym too!
He is my boy!
I feel for you. We lost our beautiful "Miss Socks" to lymphoma. In the end it was a hard decision but the kindest one. I cried for days!
ReplyDeleteI hope I will know 'the right time', but pray it will be a long time in the future.
DeleteTheres not much I can say, and surely noting that would actually help but you should know that we lovers of our pets are all with you, hoping for the best.
ReplyDeleteEveryone is hoping here too.
DeleteSym is one handsome dog.
ReplyDeleteI really hope he holds out for as long as possible.
Hugs to Sym
Thanks! Hugs passed on!
DeleteI can certainly sympathize with you. Dogs are more than pets. They give us so much and ask for so little. We lost our Ellie, a Pembroke Corgi, awhile back to the same disease that troubles your Sym. Wishing you both many more days of togetherness and happiness....
ReplyDeleteThanks for the good wishes!
Deleteohh George
ReplyDeleteas you know we lost our darling Jodie to lymphoma ........ you'll know when the time is right , but in the mean time just enjoy your boy & just take comfort in knowing just how wonderful his life has been since coming home with you in that cardboard box !!!
take care julie & Alan xxx
We like to think we've given him a very good life. I hope he agrees.
DeleteOh, I know how this feels. I knew Tate didn't feel good, he had suddenly lost his pizzazz and started giving me that sad look. When we found out he had a tumor on his spleen, we were almost glad that that was what it was, at least they can live without their spleens.
ReplyDeleteWe did not hear the bit about not living but a few months without their spleens.
We had the surgery in April last year and I was so happy that he seemed to rebound so well. In a month he was his old self, but then he started to decline.
In August he died .. he was 12 and that seemed too soon to us. There is never a right time, never a long enough, never time for one more ball game and what we all wish for, for them to stay with us forever.
I hope Sym stays longer, I hope he feels better soon and that you can throw that ball over and over for years more.
Sending love and all the get well wishes available.
C
Thank you! Sym only gets ill after treatment. It knocks him for six! afterwards, he's his old self and likes nothing better than chasing his ball. When the Lymphoma rears it's ugly head again properly then we will see a change ... or so we've been led to believe. We will keep on giving him the love and activity that he needs for as long as it is possible.
DeleteWhen Tate passed, Sym was at the beginning of his treatments and we were so full of hope ... we still are, but the reality is that he isn't responding as well as everyone hoped.
Such a cute puppy! All dogs are puppies in my eyes!
ReplyDeleteDitto! I greet all dogs with a "Hello puppy!" when I meet them in the park.
DeleteOh, George, but I thought he was getting better?? Poor pup -- and poor you. :-(
ReplyDeletePearl
I will send you and Sym the same hope that I had with Tate, that this will be the exception and he will revive and stay around longer than expected.
ReplyDeletePlease do give him a kiss and a whisper in the ear .. something lovey , from me :)