- Location
- South Wales
I haven't been on the forum much in the last few years, but I'm back now to share some sad news with the people that Pongo and I shared many, many happy times with.
For the last few weeks, Pongo has been having trouble pee-ing. There wasn't an obvious cause, despite scans and X-rays, and various meds weren't having much effect. He had had to be catheterised a couple of times, just to relieve pressure. On Thursday I took him back for another catheterisation because there was still no improvement, and this time there was a problem inserting the catheter. A blockage. Ultrasound and then X-Ray confirmed it was a tumour. In a place that was not easily accessible. It seemed to be growing, and the operation to treat or remove it would be major, painful, with many many weeks of recovery and substantial discomfort. And even then there was no guarantee that it hadn't spread elsewhere. Meanwhile, they had managed to catheterise and relieve his bladder, but he'd need it done again in 48 hours, and then again every day or so.....with more stress and discomfort each time.
We made the hard, hard decision.
It was really tough, because in all other ways the Pongster was healthy, happy, bouncy, living life to the full, and carrying his 12+ years lightly. But all that was going to change, horribly, in a matter of just a few days.
The vet came to our home yesterday. Pongo greeted him with delight and joy, looking for treats. He had loads of warm roast chicken, and treats, and cuddles, and lay down on his own bed with his own people next to him. He fell sweetly asleep just after the last taste of chicken with a treat still between his lips. And then we let him go.
We know we made the right choice. Pongo has had more than 12 years with no pain, no real illnesses, no fear, no unhappiness... just joy in the world and in life. He has now crossed the finish line with that record intact. He left us as happy and content as the day he arrived with us as a tiny puppy.
I wanted to say thanks to everyone on this forum, which was such a joy to be part of in Pongo's first few years. He and I made so many friends here, and I learned an immense amount about pups, and myself, which made our lives so much richer and happier. The Severnside Walkies were Pongo's favourite outings! Somehow over the covid years I sort of lost touch - my fault - and never really re-connected. But this forum remains Pongo's favourite online place. If he could post a message himself, I'm sure he would.
Thank you all - and big licks and love from the Pongster.
For the last few weeks, Pongo has been having trouble pee-ing. There wasn't an obvious cause, despite scans and X-rays, and various meds weren't having much effect. He had had to be catheterised a couple of times, just to relieve pressure. On Thursday I took him back for another catheterisation because there was still no improvement, and this time there was a problem inserting the catheter. A blockage. Ultrasound and then X-Ray confirmed it was a tumour. In a place that was not easily accessible. It seemed to be growing, and the operation to treat or remove it would be major, painful, with many many weeks of recovery and substantial discomfort. And even then there was no guarantee that it hadn't spread elsewhere. Meanwhile, they had managed to catheterise and relieve his bladder, but he'd need it done again in 48 hours, and then again every day or so.....with more stress and discomfort each time.
We made the hard, hard decision.
It was really tough, because in all other ways the Pongster was healthy, happy, bouncy, living life to the full, and carrying his 12+ years lightly. But all that was going to change, horribly, in a matter of just a few days.
The vet came to our home yesterday. Pongo greeted him with delight and joy, looking for treats. He had loads of warm roast chicken, and treats, and cuddles, and lay down on his own bed with his own people next to him. He fell sweetly asleep just after the last taste of chicken with a treat still between his lips. And then we let him go.
We know we made the right choice. Pongo has had more than 12 years with no pain, no real illnesses, no fear, no unhappiness... just joy in the world and in life. He has now crossed the finish line with that record intact. He left us as happy and content as the day he arrived with us as a tiny puppy.
I wanted to say thanks to everyone on this forum, which was such a joy to be part of in Pongo's first few years. He and I made so many friends here, and I learned an immense amount about pups, and myself, which made our lives so much richer and happier. The Severnside Walkies were Pongo's favourite outings! Somehow over the covid years I sort of lost touch - my fault - and never really re-connected. But this forum remains Pongo's favourite online place. If he could post a message himself, I'm sure he would.
Thank you all - and big licks and love from the Pongster.
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