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.

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

Thank you again. I think that's just how my DDIL feels now, she just can't imagine being without his constant attention. I hope the next dog has the same traits. But if she wants a shadow, she can borrow Bella anytime! She and Fudge could be sisters.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Sue, I've followed this post all along, but haven't had even a second to think through a response. I'm so sorry for you, your family, and especially your grandson.  This sounds so much like my daughter's experience with her first dog and a lymphoma diagnosis.  One day, Dixie is the picture of health and the next she can barely squat to pee.  My daughter was able to give Dixie some extra time with chemotherapy, but eventually she had to make that hard decision.  Losing a pet is never easy, but when the dog is still young and should have many more good years, it's that much more difficult!  Hugs!  

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

This really made us think Deanna, about what we would do if this were Murphy or Bella. We have insurance and the means to do chemo and prolong their lives, but would we? Knowing the outcome would be the same and watching a slow deterioration instead of such a fast one? Very hard to say, and I'm sure every situation is unique. And yes,the age of the dog certainly plays into that decision.
Either way, all of us have given the other dogs in the family, extra hugs and kisses today and are reminded of how quickly life can change for those we love.

[Pam and Ginger Snap]

so sorry for your family's loss.....I hope they are ok

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

What a sad day for everyone in your family.  I am so sorry.   May you find peace in knowing that Leroy "Bubba" knew how loved he was and how he showed that love to others.

[Jersey, Jasmine, Jypsy and Diane]

Sending prayers for your family as I know the pain of losing a  family member. I hope the many wonderful memories they have of Leroy will help heal the hurt they feel right now. Our dogs never leave us, they are always in our hearts, if not by our sides.

[Jennifer and Jack]

I am so sorry.

[Ginny Nightingale]

So so sorry--I am thinking of the family tonight. 

[Mike, Cedar and Reno]

Losing a pet is sometimes more difficult or as difficult as losing a family member.  When I lost my Maggie, someone sent this to me.  It helped as much as anything

"I explained to St. Peter,
I'd rather stay here,
Outside the pearly gate.
I won't be a nuisance,
I won't even bark,
I'll be very patient ... and wait.
I'll stay and chew on a celestial bone,
No matter how long you may be.
I'd miss you so much, if I went in alone,
It wouldn't be Heaven for me."

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I love this!

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

Very sweet. Thank you.

[Lauren, Scooby and Bella]

So very sorry to hear about this wonderful dog, Leroy.  I know how difficult it is to lose a beloved pet, as my Champ passed just about 5 weeks ago.  Wonderful memories of Leroy will help your family get through this difficult loss.  Keep his memories alive with lots of stories remembered of special days with Leroy.  God Bless.