It is with a very heavy heart that I write this post tonight..I said good-bye to my best mate yesterday morning
The reason I am posting under success stories is because despite my broken heart, the last few months of Toby's life were a success and I feel so blessed that I was given this gift. I thought it might give some hope...The last time I posted months ago, we were having a terrible time. We had just started on bromide after 3 yrs of pheno and Toby seemed miserable. The grand mals were monthly but focals were daily and the drugs seemed to have taken away his spark. His quality of life was slipping and I was afraid the time had come. We decided to play around with the doses and give him a chance. After some supportive words from this group and a lot if hope, we finally seemed to get it right - my boy was back! He began running again, wagging, jumping around like a pup at dinner times. He was happy and smiling, affectionate and content. His focals were virtually gone and he had only one grand mal seizure since August until now. I felt like we had been given another chance. I savored every single glorious minute, to see him happy made me the happiest I'd been in such a long time
On Monday night, Toby was galloping along at full speed with a smile on his face and his ears flapping - he was doing what he loved. unfortunately, he stumbled and fell, breaking one of his back legs. We raced to the vet where they kept him for the night to take xrays and consult with a surgeon. In my mind, the worst case scenario was that he would need surgery with some pins and plates and some months of
rehabilitation... But it was not to be. They discovered early onset of osteosarcoma, there was no way they could repair his leg. The only minor hope was amputation and chemotherapy. My big strong brave boy could handle so much, but he couldn't have handled that.
The vet assured me that as he was still running these last few months, he would not yet have been experiencing the pain from the cancer. That gave me some comfort. I took my boy home and spent one more very special day and night with him. Although immobile, he was happy and content and took great delight in all the chicken we cooked for him and endless tummy rubs.
My heart is aching right now. But I was so very very thankful that I had those last few months with him and that he wasn't in pain. He was my best friend, a gentle companion who came everywhere with me. I feel like a part of me is missing
But I know in time it will be easier to smile and I'll be happy that we triumphed over epilepsy, albeit only for a few months, they were the most important ones.
Thank you for all the support you have always given me here. You are wonderful people. Please hug you furry friends extra tight tonight and send a smile up to heaven for my Toby.
Rest and play happily in heaven my sweet boy - Sarah xxxx