When I wrote this post, I wasn't ready to talk about his veterinary news, which might be bad and might turn out not to be as bad as we think. The easy part was that he had two cracked teeth extracted. He's in pain and is still a little drunk but that will pass. The hard part was that an abdominal ultrasound showed masses on an adrenal gland and one on his spleen. The spleen one is likely benign.
The bigger deal is the adrenal gland. The whole reason for the ultrasound was that he'd had bloodwork a couple of weeks ago that pointed toward possible adrenal gland cancer. Thus, finding a mass on his adrenal gland is a bigger deal than it would be otherwise. We found out about this last night. Today, I'll be consulting with vets and probably fighting to get him into the Colorado State University Oncology clinic sooner rather than later. I'm feeling a bit sad and worried but I'm going to try to enjoy every day with him while we go down this diagnostic road.
Enough of that - Here is the original post - an ode to R!
He might not know how much he has helped Shyla overcome many of her fears just by being her fun-loving big brother. In her early days with us, she'd follow his lead when he paid no attention to "scary" things and just had fun.
Sometimes he appears almost crazed but it's his pure joy in living every single moment to the fullest that is shining through.
Seriously, what else besides joy could motivate a dog to take a flying leap like this one for no particular reason?
Although there's nothing he loves more than running and jumping, he also enjoys snuggling in a sun puddle with his sister.
Here's to R! And I'm thankful that you have the CSU veterinarians (relatively) close at hand. Sending buckets of good thoughts to you all.
ReplyDeleteChris from Boise
PS That flying leap - pure joy! A good reminder to do as R does: live in the moment.
Oh no! Praying.
ReplyDeleteLove your tribute to R. and his lust for life. Sounds like he has already brought much joy to you.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you as you work with the doctors to figure out the best course of action to help him.
So sad to hear this stressful news, but hoping for the best; R is a real favorite of mine. POTP...
ReplyDeleteWe love R's joy for life, and we're keeping our paws crossed for good news!
ReplyDeleteWe know that R is a lover of everyday life.
ReplyDeleteHe came through elbow surgery and the rehab,
with his gust for running the Colorado mountains.
We will pray for him.
He makes me smile every time I see him.
We love him too.
xo Linda and Astro
POTP coming to R from all of us.
ReplyDeletePositive vibes, strength and hugs to you all.
Kiersten and co
Here's to Big Bros who confidently lead the way and to good health.
ReplyDeleteYou know how sorry we are to hear this news about R. But he and you are fighters. We know you will both put up the best power you can to fight this evil. We send you the most positive thoughts, prayers, and vibes we can. POTP!!!
ReplyDeleteA tribute to the exuberant R. He is always there, for you, and for Shyla, and this is a hurdle he should surely jump easily. Sending a heap of love via pigeon post. XXXXX
ReplyDeleteI can see that Superman cape on you as you are flying through the Aire and right next to your bestfriend Shyla, R. I am sending you TONS of AireZen and POTP and many many hugs for Shyla and KB and for the Runner♥
ReplyDeleteKeeping fingers and paws crossed you are able to quickly get into the CSU clinic. In the meantime, enjoy his exuberance for life is a good pastime. All the best.
ReplyDeleteYes, we dogs do enjoy the moment and hoomans need to learn that! We were so sorry to hear about R's report and we hope that the dogturs can help him out and give him many more years of quality life!
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
We'll keep our paws crossed that there isn't a serious problem, but we know that you will do the very best for him!
ReplyDeletePurrs and prayers to dear R from all of us here, we all love you handsome dude!
ReplyDeleteWere sending millions of POTP good thoughts for R,,,, and a million healing magic bubbles!
ReplyDeleteWe know how stressful it is to try to figure out what to do.
R shows us,, that he is happy! He is enjoying life,,, He is happy,,,,
and with all of our good thoughts,, he will be okay!
love
tweedles
Sending so much POTP for R. We know you will do everything you can to do what is right for him.
ReplyDeletehus
Hazel, Mabel & Mom
Stunning photos of a very special boy. We hope form the bottom of all our hearts that this is something that can be delat with efficiently.
ReplyDeleteA perfect post to pay tribute to the most handsome R - We are sending lots and lots of POTP and our very best vibe as you begin this uncertain journey with him. Know and never forget, you are not alone. We are all here sharing whatever is to come with you. Stay strong and remember that you are all loved!
ReplyDeleteR is one happy critter! I'll be keeping a good thought for his health, and keeping that image of a joyful spirit in my mind's eye, as a reminder of how to live in the moment :)
ReplyDeletecrap. Wells, you knows we are all here for you! And lookie at that handsome boy (don't worry Murph, he's just a pal ☺), you can just see the joy of life in his eyes! Sendin' good thoughts and lots of POTP and AireZens and {{{hugs}}}
ReplyDeleteKisses,
Ruby ♥
As Kim and everyone says.... were all in this together.
ReplyDeletelove
tweedles
Oh my gosh, we are so sad! The good thing is, no matter what the outcome, dogs are not worried and do leave that to the humans. We pray things will go well. Such a sweet pair you have with so much enthusiasm for their amazing lives!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your news. Many years ago our little terrier mix Sunny had a mass on her spleen. She was a senior dog, and the vet said it was probably cancer, but we had him remove it anyway. It was benign and she lived to be 15! I hope R's outcome is similar with his adrenal mass. Meanwhile those photos can't help but make me smile! He's so gorgeous and happy!
ReplyDeleteR is the perfect big brother for Shyla. Millie & Walter have their paws crossed for him.
ReplyDeleteYou can tell what a happy dog R is, and how he makes the most of every day. We are sincerely hoping and praying that all works out, and I'm glad you have what sounds like a great place to take him to get it all figured out.
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets