The decisions we had to make in the last few weeks of his life were heartbreaking. We had the option to amputate and give chemotherapy, use palliative radiation, or just keep him happy and comfortable. Because he had kidney damage from the lymes disease, anything but keeping him comfy was just too much for him to take.
He had his good days and his bad days, and of course on his good days I second guessed my choices for him. Thank goodness for our incredibly patient veterinarian who I called every time I was unsure. He reassured me that we were doing what was best. Dr. Duff had gotten Cody through some very dark days when he had lost 30 lbs, wouldn't eat or drink, and was completely dehydrated. Through IV's, acupuncture, meds, and daily weigh ins, he did everything he could for Cody...and it worked! Cody came running back gaining all 30 lbs back and was happy again. This is when the cancer set in...horrible decisions had to be made...
Never did I think the loss of a dog would take such a toll. But when I think about it, Cody, my 110lb yellow lab was always with me or waiting for me. He slept next to me, he ran with me, he ran errands with me, he was a constant for me.
Cody became a part of our family when he was just 6 weeks old. When he snuggled into my daughters lap and didn't move, we just knew he was meant to be ours. He grew into the most gentle, obedient, loving, tomato eating 110lb lab! He was funny, wild, calm, wise...he protected us, he made us laugh and play.
Cody loved life...He fought for life...only winning the fight once.
We took Cody to the cabin knowing the end was near. We had bought new stairs going into the lake so that he would be able to get out of the water easier, but he would not have it! He was struggling to get up the rocks that he had always run up, and he did it. Unfortunately the cancer had crushed the bones in his leg and his leg broke. This is when we realized his time had come. It was in his eyes. It was time to put him down...We gave him everything he deserved to have on his last day. Friends, Ice Cream, Tennis Balls, Sunshine...LOVE...And when it was time he laid on his blankets with a tennis ball and with the help from Dr. Duff, he fell asleep, his head in my hands... I will never forget the peacefulness in his body that had shook, limped, and broke. His soul was gone and it was just his body left.
His favorite place on earth was our cabin, and this is where he will Rest In Peace. We cremated Cody (with a tennis ball to take to heaven!) and we will spread his ashes at his favorite place on earth.
