Author: jeanetteg

Our sweet & crazy Boone was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in December 2016, and amputation was performed January 24, 2017. Five weeks post-amp a mass in his chest and lung mets were discovered. He left us way too soon on March 14, 2017...tail wagging in the peaceful sunshine of our living room. His big heart and personality is missed.

Trying to smile through the tears

Boone’s condition went from over the top awesome to rock bottom last week. Monday and Tuesday he was his usual demanding, energetic self, but by the weekend we thought it was time to say good-bye. A trip to the 24-hour clinic Sunday morning told us the story we didn’t want to hear this soon.

The cancer spread quickly – there’s a mass pressing down on an airway causing him to cough and there are spots on his lungs.

We brought him home with prednisone which has helped restore his appetite and attitude, but we know without Divine intervention, we’re likely spending our last days and weeks with him.

So we’re getting in as many happy hops as the weather allows, giving Boone whatever treats and toys he wants, and appreciating the time we have left.

Keep on smilin’

Boone’s 3 week and 1 day ampuversary is today and he celebrated by having 45 staples removed! Wahoo!! He was such an awesome and patient patient – giving us several tail thumps while Dr. Wilson searched through Boone’s quickly growing hair to find all 45.

He decided digging for a rock or stick in the fresh snow was the way to top off his afternoon.

https://www.facebook.com/AKJeanette/videos/10211991449359978/

Saturday Boone decided he was streamlined enough without that front leg to fit through a small opening in a baby gate (propped up to keep him off the bed) and found his way onto our bed. Note to self: don’t turn your back on an overachiever. I had to keep him there ’til my hubby came in to help him hop down.

And our bad dog bundle showed his true colors by mooching at the table, while giving me the stink eye.

He knows how to melt my heart and keep me smilin’ through this cancer journey.

Dryer ball dash…and other signs Boone is on the mend

Boone celebrated his 2-week ampiversary on Tuesday this week with a nice little hop, topped off with a “drag mom across the street to visit one of his favorite people.” He was SO happy :-).

Unfortunately, his over exuberance resulted in a sore rear leg (on the amp side) so the rest of his week has been quiet. He seems better today, but I’m not taking any chances. He’ll be resting ’til his staples come out on Wednesday.

He may not be able to hop right now, but that doesn’t stop his tail from wagging.

https://www.facebook.com/AKJeanette/videos/10211926149127513/

Every day we’re seeing glimpses of the old Boone that we know and love.

Last night I was taking clothes out of the dryer, while Boone rested on his ortho bed in the living room. I wasn’t paying attention and one of the wool dryer balls bounced out and rolled across the floor. Boone was up like a shot and the dryer ball dash ensued. He was in heaven. And I was laughing and scrambling to grab a cookie to exchange for the dryer ball (we never taught Boone how to give up a toy – or what he thinks is a toy – without bribery).

After a rousing game of dryer ball dash, Boone decided belly rubs were in order.  It’s so much easier to reach that belly from this angle without that pesky leg. It won’t be long before he returns to adjusting the recliner with his head.

And this morning, to really let me know he was on the mend, Boone popped up from his resting place when he heard me prepping hubby’s lunch. Apples are a favorite treat for our bad dog bundle, and he’s always sat patiently (well, not really) while I peel and slice. Today was the first day in several weeks that he actually got up from his resting spot to wait for a slice or two.

I haven’t posted about further cancer treatment, although some people have asked privately. We are not pursuing chemotherapy. Boone gets incredibly stressed going to the vet so we’re opting for a holistic route with our wonderful vet that makes house calls. We’ll keep him as happy and as comfortable as we can for whatever time he has left with us.

Thanks for cheering Boone along on his new journey. He send a virtual kiss and propeller tail wag :-).