This is the hardest post that I’ve had to write thus far. I don’t even know what to say. Carly is a great girl. She was sure one to envy. I envied her strength, her determination, and her unconditional love for all of us. I honestly thought we were in the clear. She beat all the odds, a year and a half! But, I guess that is what cancer does best, tricks us. Carly spiked a fever out of nowhere on Thursday, April 13th. She seemed very lethargic, and just not herself. We also noticed some swelling in her paws, which is probably why she was not as active. She was still eating, drinking and going out to the restroom. We took her to the vet on Friday the 14th, and they drew blood and took an xray. It showed the spot on her lung had gotten bigger, so we knew the newest chemo drug Palladia was not working so we stopped it. We waited for the blood work to come back, and they called us Saturday, the 15th at 7 am, letting us know there were no signs of infection in her blood, that it had to be a condition called HO which is related to metastasis in her lungs. They said it is very painful, and even steroids would not ease the pain enough. We had every intention of getting her the medicine, and spending more days with her, as long as she was not in pain. We were not prepared to make that decision, but we knew she was hurting, and we knew that was the one thing we did not want. So, called the vet and scheduled for us to take her in. We spent the afternoon with her, treasuring every tail wag, and ever cuddle we could. I fed her her favorite chicken sandwich and fries from Wendy’s and Gatorade ice cubes, and my husband gave her some strawberry pie with whip cream. As you can see from the above pictures, she was still so happy. As painful as it was for her to walk/hop, she still did, right out to the car. She loved her rides so much. On Monday, April 17th, we took her on her last ride. I never want to go through that again. She was still wagging her tail and so happy as she drifted off to sleep. It’s not fair. Our lives will never be the same. We spent the last 2 years, since her diagnosis, tending to her, babying her, changed things around the house so she could get around better. Our world revolved around her. I held the bowl for her while she ate, every day, twice a day because I didn’t want her to have to lean over after her surgery. Made sure she got the right medication, every day, 2-3 times a day. From the day she started limping, I have not slept without her, besides when she had her surgery and was at the vet. My husband made me a bed in the living room so I could be with her. She has been our life for so long. Everywhere at the house, everything we do, reminds us of her. I know that she is happy, and pain free now, up in Heaven, with all 4 legs, playing with her mom and dad, but it is still so hard. I’m not sure if I will be able to post again. Thank you all for your kind words, and support and advice throughout Carly’s journey. It helped more than you know.
11 comments so far
12:21 pm - 4-20-2017
I am so sorry that Carly had to move on. But you had two wonderful years after diagnosis and in the end, you did everything you could to make sure she left this life happy and well loved. No dog could ask for more than that! Your love for her and hers for you will always be in your heart. Wishing you peace and love,
Martha, Codie Rae, and the Oaktown Pack
9:48 pm - 4-19-2017
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Carly. I hope that time and memories will help to alleviate the pain you feel.
Tracey & Tai
9:27 pm - 4-19-2017
Carly knew she was loved right up to her last second. You created a beautiful life for her. She’s looking down at you right now and saying thank you.
I went through it almost a year ago (May 13) with my beagle butt Kasey. She was doing ok for a little over two years after her amputation. Then out of nowhere everything completely changed. My heart goes out to you and I am so very sorry for your loss.
Danell
9:20 pm - 4-19-2017
My heart goes out to you. Carly clearly was loved beyond words.
4:26 pm - 4-19-2017
Crying with you today. I am so so sorry! Carly was a mighty Warrior for many months. She and you her family fought right with her until the end when you had to love her enough to let her go so she would not suffer. Carly knew you loved her you showed her everyday. What a beautiful celebration of her life you and your husband shared with her before you gently let her go with such love. The void beautiful Carly leaves is deep and hard to navigate with your broken hearts. Thinking of you at this hardest part of the journey and sending you healing light and peace. Fly free newest Angel!
Linda & Spirit Mighty Max
2:57 pm - 4-19-2017
Ohhhhhhhh my dog my heart broke when I read this, I am SO SORRY. We have only had a few members come down with HO and we know it’s the dx nobody ever wants. I’m so sorry.
How I wish she could have gone on forever and not left in such a sudden way. I can only imagine how much it hurts your pack right now, and I wish we could do something to help.
Just know that Carly fought so hard, and she did great. You will always be the amazing trio that showed the world what a large breed Tripawd can do. For that, we remain forever grateful.
When and if you ever want to talk, we are always here for you OK?
xoxo
3:44 pm - 4-19-2017
Thank you Jerry. I’ve tried to find some information on HO, and not really having any luck. Could you enlighten me please?
2:50 pm - 4-19-2017
I am so sorry as I know you are shocked and reeling from that. What a gift those two years were, though, and how often you were able to show her and in how many ways, large and small, how loved she was. How special. How wonderful. And her good nature even in the face of that pain makes is so very hard to act on the decision you know is the best and kindest and most loving one. I felt like Pofi, despite pain and immobility, still just wanted to be with us. He wanted it fixed, though, and there was no fix, but to let him leave behind a failing body. To leave us grieving, but knowing his pain was over. Sending you comfort as you adjust to such change after 2 years of making her the highest priority. And wishing Carly the sweetest dreams.
Lisa
1:36 pm - 4-19-2017
I am so, so sorry. Carly is a beautiful girl and beautiful soul.
She is out of pain now and running free having the best dog time possible at the Bridge. She knows and will always know how much you love her.
Wishing you peace
Love
Teri and Angel Isa
12:47 pm - 4-19-2017
I am sorry to hear of your loss. This is hardest part of our journey. No one can tell you when that hurt will end. It is a very personal journey. We all can support.
Run Free Carly until you meet your family again
Hugs
michelle & Angel Sassy
11:54 am - 4-19-2017
Just shaking my head in disbelief and tears flowing. So very, very, very sorry to hear that gentle Soul Carly had to head to the Bridge. So sad to hear this.
I need to come back when I can quit crying so hard. There are no words anyway, but I just want you to know that everyone here was rouched by Carly. And almost every here knows the heartbreak you are going through, and will continue to go through for awhile.
And I will come back, but please know this…yiu did EVERYTHING ppssibke for Carly! You keft no stone unturned and no dog could be loved more! And as hard as it was, your love was strong enough to release her before suffering and pain could take over. And it would have very quickly. Carly knew she could count on you tomlove her that much when she needed it most.
I’m just so sorry. I’ll be back my friend
With love
Sally and My Chunky Spiritual Being Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie