Tuesday, February 5, 2019

The Hardest Part - Update on Joy

For me, there is no way to articulate the rewards that have come from fostering the senior dogs for both the Golden Retriever Rescue, and Lab Rescue.

Last week, Joy met Mobile Vet for follow-up blood work. Her previous vet had been concerned about her high white blood cell count, and Mobile Vet was concerned about her elevated lymphocytes. I was hoping now that she is past being so ill, there would be improvement from the previous tests done just 2 weeks ago. But below is an e-mail that I woke up to this morning.
As Dr. R suspected, the blood work is consistent with lymphoma/leukemia.  He can add on another test to help confirm, but it may be best to see an internal medicine specialist for ultrasound, chest reds, and consultation...And/ or an oncologist for consultation.
Sorry for the bad news
This is truly the hardest part of fostering senior dogs like Joy. Especially when it's a dog like her that you've practically just met, and have hopes and dreams for. Knowing those dreams cannot be, for me, is heartbreaking.   

31 comments:

  1. Oh Kim....! God put her where she is for just a time as this. My heart & prayers go out to both of you, for strength. Love, Andrea xoxo

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  2. Sending BIG HUGs and LUFFS to you.
    Aunty Kim, you do such a fantastic job looking after these dogs and making a wonderful home for them, you really are a very special peep
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  3. This is truly heartbreaking, and I'm wishing you strength. Joy ended up where she needs to be...

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  4. That beautiful Joy was given the opportunity to spend her last days with love is the gift you gave to her. I am so sorry that her time is short and you will have this sorrow.

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  5. We remember the sinking feeling when the vet said Kyla and melanoma in the same sentence.

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  6. We're so sad to hear about Joy. What a beautiful doggie!

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  7. I'm sorry that your are hurting. Thinking about Joy though, she could not be in a better place of love. Sending hugs.

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  8. Sending positive thoughts to you and to Joy.

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  9. My heart goes out to you and Joy. Thank goodness she is surrounded by your love. (((HUGS))) for both of you.

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  10. Sending lots of hugs to you and Joy. Just remember...one day at a time.

    Loads of Love.. ♥♥♥♥♥

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  11. We're so sorry to read this sad news and are sending hugs to you.

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  12. Once again I will say a thank you prayer for special people like you!

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  13. 💔 May she be surrounded by love.. hugs to you.

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  14. We believe Joy made her way to you for a reason - please give her lots of love and hugs from all of us.

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

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  15. She is in the right place at the right time. Sweet baby.

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  16. Oh this is sad news. sending you tons of pug hugs
    hugs
    Hazel & Mabel

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  17. So sorry for this bad news. Even late, I'm glad she has gotten to be with you all surrounded by your love. *huggs* to you all!

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  18. I'm so sorry, but I'm glad she has you.

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  19. We are so sorry to hear this. Our hearts break with yours.

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  20. Sending love and prayers, so sorry to hear this report, but glad that Joy knows the love that you will give her.

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  21. No matter your spiritual beliefs, this is a bitter pill to swallow. Knowing she was abandoned is so heartbreaking, but knowing Joy is in the the very best place she could hope to be is so peaceful for her.
    But, Kim,I am so sorry for you and your giving heart. The hardest part for sure. Take heart in the love Joy is receiveing because of you.
    Hugs and prayers,
    Gus’ Mom

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  22. your strength in loving these precious souls in your care...
    knowing the heartbreak that it also brings... especially with news like this... there are just no words good enough. bless every one of you. sending you love darling girl. xoxo

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  23. That is why I admire you so much. You hope and dream for every single soul like Joy. I know that you will make every single day be bathed in love and joy for Joy. Hugs to you, Kim.

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  24. Hello, sending my prayers and hugs for sweet Joy! So sorry about the test results. I know Joy is happy to spend her last days with you!

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  25. Hi hi hi! Ojo here! We are sad to hear this about Joy. Joy, you are very lucky to be where you are for this last little while before you walk over the rainbow. You have a very pretty face, but I'm sure your soul is prettier.

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  26. The important thing is you're there for her when care and someone to trust and rely on are all important.

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  27. As a front line dog rescuer for over 40 years I totally understand your pain. I have a story called Darby's healing on my old website -
    www.PamperedPawSwiimSpa.com . I treated Darby holistically for Lymphoma with great success and veterinary oncologists were amazed. Feeding a species appropriate diet instead of feeding the cancer with cereals will give her every opportunity for an extended life. Blessings.

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  28. Thank you for being willing to put yourself in this place over and over, so that Joy and other dogs have a loving place to spend their last days.

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  29. Kim, this is heartbreaking news. I so wish Joy had long happy years ahead of her. But this beautiful girl is where she is loved and will receive the best care. What a blessing for her at this time. Your heart is big and I know that means there are many sad times; it's the price we pay when we give away our hearts. May God bless you all and this darling girl. Stephanie in Northern California

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  30. I know this is such a deep blow to you Kim.. You hoped for so much for Joy.,
    I know your love for her is felt in every bone in her body.
    I am so sorry for this news
    love
    tweedles

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!