It's been an exceptionally busy year in the family, with new ventures and schools to wrap into the routine. And Buffy? Well let me tell you about her eventful year;
Last Christmas (2019) I discovered that she had a mammary tumour that was growing very quickly. Our Vet told us the success of removing the entire tumour was small as tendrils often weave into stomach and lung tissue and it would be a difficult operation for a 13 yr old dog. The tendrils would be difficult if not impossible to remove.
The forecast was that this operation would probably give Buffy another 8 to 10 months of life (with medication and Veterinary support). After some debate, we thought that this was worth it to give her the chance for more life and time with us. So it was an easy decision in the end, albeit an expensive one.
It was a very anxious few hours while we waited to see if she would survive the surgery. The house was quiet and pensive, everyone went to their own spaces and waited. I was concerned that she may not survive the long operation, but kept my fears to myself.
When we eventually got the call that she was not only alive but thriving there were tears of happiness and we couldn't wait to get her home. The Polish Specialist Surgeon who was called in to do the operation did an amazing job removing all the cancerous tumour and most of the tendrils. Thank you, is never enough in situations like this, nor is a big box of chocolates but everyone in that Vets Surgery knows Buffy and knows how grateful we are for the work they do.
Buffy quickly settled back into the family routine, but only a couple of months later the cancer was back. Not as vigorous, but now spread through-out her system. We were warned that this may get into her brain and spine.
We thought that at one of her monthly appointments in July of 2019 that the Vet we saw was going to insist that we let her go (our normal Vet was on Holiday). He finally understood having read her record that Buffy was no ordinary dog and still had lots of life and spirit in her. He adjusted her medication and said gravely she would probably pass away naturally by September 2019.
Fast forward to Feb 2020 Buffy is still here and sleeping by my feet as I write this. She is still eating like she always has. Any Border Terrier owner will tell you the first sign their dog is unwell is when they don't want to eat or drink. Buffy will soon let you know if you're late putting her food down! She eats heartily and her routines are normal. She has decided she will not go out for walks anymore although she is happy ranging around our garden, sniffing out and checking the hedgerows..
Buffy sleeps (and occasionally snores) 20 out of every 24 hours, waking only to eat, check out the garden and have her medication. She is coming up to her 14th Birthday on 3rd March 2020 and although she is frailer than she was, she still wants to be part of our family and we love her.
With the help of our Vet (who loves her as much as we do) she is enjoying her twilight time sleeping in the sunshine (she has always loved lying in the sunshine).
Her sight is failing as is her hearing, but her spirit is still strong.
Thank you for following my stories of life with our Border Terrier(s). If you think this article is useful you can make a small donation to me here Thank you for your support.
Last Christmas (2019) I discovered that she had a mammary tumour that was growing very quickly. Our Vet told us the success of removing the entire tumour was small as tendrils often weave into stomach and lung tissue and it would be a difficult operation for a 13 yr old dog. The tendrils would be difficult if not impossible to remove.
The forecast was that this operation would probably give Buffy another 8 to 10 months of life (with medication and Veterinary support). After some debate, we thought that this was worth it to give her the chance for more life and time with us. So it was an easy decision in the end, albeit an expensive one.
It was a very anxious few hours while we waited to see if she would survive the surgery. The house was quiet and pensive, everyone went to their own spaces and waited. I was concerned that she may not survive the long operation, but kept my fears to myself.
When we eventually got the call that she was not only alive but thriving there were tears of happiness and we couldn't wait to get her home. The Polish Specialist Surgeon who was called in to do the operation did an amazing job removing all the cancerous tumour and most of the tendrils. Thank you, is never enough in situations like this, nor is a big box of chocolates but everyone in that Vets Surgery knows Buffy and knows how grateful we are for the work they do.
Buffy quickly settled back into the family routine, but only a couple of months later the cancer was back. Not as vigorous, but now spread through-out her system. We were warned that this may get into her brain and spine.
We thought that at one of her monthly appointments in July of 2019 that the Vet we saw was going to insist that we let her go (our normal Vet was on Holiday). He finally understood having read her record that Buffy was no ordinary dog and still had lots of life and spirit in her. He adjusted her medication and said gravely she would probably pass away naturally by September 2019.
Fast forward to Feb 2020 Buffy is still here and sleeping by my feet as I write this. She is still eating like she always has. Any Border Terrier owner will tell you the first sign their dog is unwell is when they don't want to eat or drink. Buffy will soon let you know if you're late putting her food down! She eats heartily and her routines are normal. She has decided she will not go out for walks anymore although she is happy ranging around our garden, sniffing out and checking the hedgerows..
Buffy sleeps (and occasionally snores) 20 out of every 24 hours, waking only to eat, check out the garden and have her medication. She is coming up to her 14th Birthday on 3rd March 2020 and although she is frailer than she was, she still wants to be part of our family and we love her.
With the help of our Vet (who loves her as much as we do) she is enjoying her twilight time sleeping in the sunshine (she has always loved lying in the sunshine).
Her sight is failing as is her hearing, but her spirit is still strong.
Thank you for following my stories of life with our Border Terrier(s). If you think this article is useful you can make a small donation to me here Thank you for your support.
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| Buffy waiting for "Mum" to come in from the car, one sunny day in Sept 2019. |
