Jim,

I am so sorry to hear about Rowdy. Can you ask a friend to take pics of you and him? I know it is tough right now to think about losing him and the emptiness you will feel at his passing, but in a while when the ache of missing your best friend is softened, you will cherish the photos.

Pj

so sorry - it sounds like he's been an amazing dog.

Teresa,
he continues to be an amazing -- and a happy -- dog. We've been able to keep his breathing under control with the lasix and he's eating very well although the menu has been adjusted to include penne pasta with meatballs (our favorite) and mac & cheese .

Here a pic I took just a few minutes ago of Rowdy laying in the hallway with his favorite girlfriend, 17-year-old Melanie Leon. They've shared a lot of wonderful times together including a lot of Therapy Hours. When she's here, he lights up.



Now I ask you: does that look like a dog that's unhappy?

Rowdy may not have much longer but his life is anything but over. He's living it every day. And he's enjoying every minute of it. There's a lesson there for all of us.

Jim

Yes, he seems very happy!

There is definitely a lesson there.

Dogs deal with thing so much better than we humans. From Rusty who is missing a foot to Sam who was paralyzed to one degree or another over his last three years to countless other dogs who adapt so much better than we do I'm still not sure the lesson will ever sink in.

Glad to so Rowdy looking great and having a ball.

Jim,
Rowdy is living his life every day. He has no concept of "terminal cancer" or "not long to live". He knows he's here; he feels pretty good and it's time to enjoy another day.

I watch him with his grandson Sundance and I smile. Rowdy growls at Sundance every time he gets too close but every night, he and Sundance sleep next to me with their bodies touching. That closeness makes them both feel better. I rub their tummies in the middle of the night. Because that makes me feel better. Rowdy still asserts his status and Sundance still gives it to him. What a wonderful pair!

I still have hopes that Rowdy can imprint on Cassidy's next litter due September 20. That may be too optimistic. But I'm going to hope for it until there is no more hope.

Hug your kids. I hug mine every day and every night. But then I'm a mush!

Jim