Sad, sad day for my son and his best friend. FINAL UPDATE

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I have mentioned our son's Ridgeback mix, Leroy, before so some might remember him in some posts. He had been very weak and not eating over the weekend. Our son brought him in to the Vet on monday morning and Leroy was xrayed and blood tested and sent home to wait for results, thinking it was Valley Fever as it is quite prominent here.
The Vet called my son this afternoon to say, it's not Valley Fever, but worse, he has acute Leukemia and at best only a few days to two weeks to live.
As many of you may know this is a fatal disease and there really is no use prolonging the inevitable. Tonight he is very weak and having a very difficult time breathing. He can barely walk to go outside to go potty, so he is going downhill very quickly.

They are hoping he doesn't die at home as their 3 year old would certainly not understand why his "Bubba" won't get up and play with him, so they are considering taking him into the vet in the morning to help him pass without any suffering.

UPDATE: Sat. morning
My son and DIL are just in shock and feel this is just a punch in the gut, as Leroy is a strong, 98#, muscular, fit, running, hiking machine and we all expected him to live forever! He is only 6 1/2 yrs old. My son rescued him from someone who was on his way to bring him to a kill shelter when he was just a pup.
Leroy is his first dog in his whole life, as we never had dogs as the kids were growing up. He was his dog as he moved from apartment to apartment, as a single guy, as he met and then married his wife, as they had their dear little boy and woke up every single time that little baby cried and went to lay down by the rocker as my DIL breastfed, anytime, day or night. Leroy always lets my DGS crawl, grab,pinch, pull, poke, and play with him like the big gentle giant that he is. and because of how much my grandson loves his "Bubba" we used him as the theme for his 3rd birthday party in July. So we had a "Bubba Birthday" party.

 

Our son and wife are taking Leroy to the vet at 10:30 arizona tiime and unless the Vet can give them some time and Leroy can be very comfortable during his last days, they will put him to sleep today. I am getting my grandson this morning and saying my goodbyes to Leroy and then try to help them explain to this sweet 3 yr old, where his "Bubba" is. 

This is my favorite picture of Leroy and my grandson. Leroy weighs 4 times as much as Ethan and walks right by his side.

I guess I just needed to write this to make it seem real, and ask for prayers for Leroy and his family, at this difficult time. Thank you.

FINAL UPDATE: Leroy passed over the Rainbow Bridge at 11:20 Arizona time. Less than an hour ago. They are sad and going to miss him terribly for a very long time. Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts and words.

[Jennifer and Jack]

I am so incredibly sorry. I have to be honest, I can't wrap my head around losing my Jack.. I never had a dog before either, It must be such a horrible feeling.....

I pray that your son can know that he saved Leroy's life as a puppy and gave him the best life a dog could have.. i pray he finds comfort in knowing while it was short it was so filled with love.

I am so sorry for your son, grandson, and family.....

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I'm sorry, Sue. 

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Oh boy Sue, I don't know how much bad news we all can take.  I can totally feel what you are writing and am having a hard time to find the right words.  I am having trouble dealing with all the "right words" that are coming my way with Gracie Doodle so I can only imagine how this must be overwhelming you.  My daughter has a 5 month old little girl and a 3 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback so I know the bonding well.  Even though the baby is not yet crawling, Luna is 100% devoted to her and guards over her all the time.  They are already best friends.  Your little Bubba is really going to miss him.  I am so very sorry to hear of your and your family's loss.  I just want to cry for you all!  

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I know Nancie, especially with all you are going through at your house, it seems anymore bad news is just too much. Like Gracie Doodle though, Leroy is very loved and they are doing the best they can to keep him comfortable.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Sue~ I just read your post and am so sad that your son, his family and you are having to go through this.  It is such a difficult time. Leroy will always have a very special place in your hearts.  Sending prayers your way.

[Christine & Camus]

So very sad, I am sorry.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Sue, I'm so sorry and will keep your family in our prayers, especially your son and little grandson.  It sounds as if Leroy was blessed to have been "rescued" and loved so much. It's too young; it's too soon.  I'm so sorry.  Hugs and strength. 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Sue, I'm so sorry. What a horrible shock. I will be praying for your family. Hugs!

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Sue, I'm reading this when I should really be sleeping! I am so sorry and will say a prayer for your family. : (

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I echo all the sentiments already expressed.  Know that we will be thinking of you and your family and holding you in our thoughts and prayers. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Oh Sue, I am so sorry.  I wish I was there to give you a big hug and a glass of wine.  Your whole family must be heartbroken.  Leroy sounds like a very special dog.  Sending prayers that you'll all get through this and that all the wonderful memories can sustain you.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Thank you everyone. I know you all understand and this is the first place I think of when I need some support regarding our dogs, even if they are not doodles.