Henry Jones, you deserve a miracle. December 6, 2010 08:38 50 Comments
Saturday, on the way home from the grocery stores, we noticed Henry Jones was not himself. At all. He couldn't get up in time to see sites that usually arouse his interest outside the car windows. Like doggies and their people strolling. When we got home, he didn't want to get out of the car. His Bertness put on fish in parchment paper. Henry remained enervated. I called the vet, thinking Henry had a simple stomach ailment that would easily be healed with medication. Oh, sweet innocence. Dumb bliss.
When His Bertness returned with Henry what seemed like hours later, he was crying. "Henry is dying." That's what he said. "Henry is dying." Cancer. I simply could not comprehend this. He said the vet had done X-rays. A sonogram. Drawn blood from Henry's stomach. Henry might not make it through the night. I was distraught. Could not stop sobbing. Did not eat the fish in parchment. Drew hope from the fact that the on-call vet made the diagnosis and not own own beloved Dr. Dow. Alas. Dr. Dow called Sunday morning. His news was worse. Not better. The cancer was in the lungs, as well as the spleen.
So. I have not picked the giveaway winners. I will do so. Be patient. For now, for now I am spending every moment with Henry. Henry who feels tired. Crummy. Henry who sleeps. Fitfully, at times. Henry Jones, who has been the unfailing bright sunlight in this town that longtime readers know I want to flee. Dr. Dow says we will have to make The Decision. Right now, I await a miracle. Please come soon. Please.
Comments
Miet on May 20, 2015 12:24
Oh I’m so sorry to hear that. Hugs xxx
K-Line on May 20, 2015 12:24
This is just horrible! I’m so, so sorry, Denise. I’m praying for a miracle for you all.
Renay on May 20, 2015 12:24
Sorry to hear that about your beautiful little pooch. xo
PepperReed on May 20, 2015 12:24
I am SO very Sorry. :^( I’ve 2 old buddies (14 each) and am not anticipating the day I need to make that Decision either. However, to not let them suffer is that Last, Best Decision you can make for them. I’m so Sad for you! Savor the last bit of time you have and Peace be with you and yours.
Nina Suluh on May 20, 2015 12:24
I’m so sorry! When our beloved Marty (Feldman) passed, he had a glass of red wine and a steak and then went to sleep. My mom was going to have to make The Decision the next day, but Marty (blessedly) didn’t make it that far.
Praying for a miracle – and if not a miracle – then a peaceful passing.
Tasia on May 20, 2015 12:24
So sorry to hear about your family crisis and difficult weekend, my thoughts are with you! xo Tasia
Bill on May 20, 2015 12:24
That’s terrible. I’m so sorry.
Jennifer Starman on May 20, 2015 12:24
Oh, dear, I know how badly you feel. My 12 year old puppy Shiloh just passed away two weeks ago Wednesday. We knew it was getting to be his time to go, and he sat down in front of the truck and couldn’t get up when DH started driving again. The vets did all they could, but he didn’t wake up from the surgery.
The love (or “luff” as Shiloh said it)you feel for Henry will help you make The Decision, and know that he will always be in your hearts and those who he touched forever.
A.J.A. on May 20, 2015 12:24
So, so sorry to hear about your best four legged friend. I lost my lab mutt love Jack earlier this year, and I still miss him every single day. The only consolation I had was knowing that I gave him the best life a dog could have, as I am sure you have done for Henry. I hope that your pain, as well as your husband’s and Henry’s, is soft, and I hope for restful sleep for you all.
patty on May 20, 2015 12:24
so sad. so sorry. what a sucky thing for you. thinking of you and his bertness. lots of hugs.
Ame on May 20, 2015 12:24
Thoughts of love and health and peace for you and Henry and Bert.
Debi on May 20, 2015 12:24
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear about Henry! Sending my good wishes your way!
Lisa Carver on May 20, 2015 12:24
I am so very sorry, sending good thoughts your (and Henry’s way).
Daisy on May 20, 2015 12:24
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Summerset on May 20, 2015 12:24
I am so sorry! I have had to go through this with my boy kitty, Max, a few years ago.
Courtney on May 20, 2015 12:24
While I am a newer subscriber to your blog, I just wanted to say I feel for you. I lost my very first dog to cancer, and it was difficult to let go. I really hope you get your miracle. You are doing the best thing you can by spending time with him. I’m sure he knows he is loved.
Shannon on May 20, 2015 12:24
Your love for Henry comes shining through with every word you wrote. There is nothing more difficult than saying good-bye to a dear companion. I well know the sadness and the helplessness that you feel. I wish there were words to truly comfort you at this time. You all are in my thoughts.
Jane M on May 20, 2015 12:24
I write this with tears in my eyes for you and that sweet looking Henry. You are all in my heart and prayers. I’m sure he knows how well he has been loved and what joy he has brought you.
SewLindaAnn on May 20, 2015 12:24
I’m so sorry for your pain and for his illness. I know Henry is grateful that he has been loved so well.
Farah on May 20, 2015 12:24
Oh I am so sorry to hear that. He obviously means a lot to you. My thoughts are with you, and your family.
Heather on May 20, 2015 12:24
I’m SO SORRY. It’s so hard to lose a member of your family, pet or human.
J on May 20, 2015 12:24
I am so sorry. Thinking good thoughts for you and dear Henry.
Mary on May 20, 2015 12:24
My heart cries for you and sweet Henry. May you all find peace and comfort.
Kat White on May 20, 2015 12:24
I’m so sorry. I hope you get your miracle. I understand the pain that everyone in the family must be going through. I recently had to make the decision. It’s hard, but sometimes we have to. If it’s any consolation, the actual making of the decision was much harder than the follow through. I told my beloved pet that I was giving her peace and truly believe that is what I did.
gMarie on May 20, 2015 12:24
Oh poor dear sweet Henry. I’m sobbing as I read and write this and am so sorry for what you all are going through.
Having recently found out that our dear Dudley had cancer this summer and making The Decision – it was the hardest thing I have ever done. I wish you peace as you make the decision. g
Kara on May 20, 2015 12:24
I’m so sorry to hear that. My thoughts are with you and Henry and His Bertness.
paisleyapron on May 20, 2015 12:24
Praying for the miracle and comfort for your sadness.
Karin van D. on May 20, 2015 12:24
I am so sorry to hear this terrible news. I will keep you and Henry in my thoughts and send you lots of love and strength. Hugs to all of you. x
Elaray on May 20, 2015 12:24
I’m so sorry. Pets are so amazing. I can see Henry is a good friend to you.
Ange on May 20, 2015 12:24
Thinking of you.
Denise Calhoun on May 20, 2015 12:24
I am so touched by everyone’s comments. Both the good wishes, prayers and shared stories of your own experiences. Thank you all so very much. Thank you. This is such a difficult time.
Lucie Q on May 20, 2015 12:24
I’m so sorry. Even if I knew english better, I believe that in my own language there are not right words as well. My mind is on you both.
Sox on May 20, 2015 12:24
I am so sorry to hear about Henry. A sick dog makes yoiur soul ache and losing a pet leaves such a hole in your life.
lsaspacey on May 20, 2015 12:24
Oh, Denise, I am so sorry. I thinking good thoughts for him too. Good luck.
Weaverbec on May 20, 2015 12:24
I’m sorry for your pain and Henry’s pain.
God Speed to you all.
Kyla on May 20, 2015 12:24
I’m really sorry. I’m sending you all my comporting thoughts. I have a dog and simply adore her so I can’t not imagine what your going through right now… and dread the day when I do. So very sorry.
Rita on May 20, 2015 12:24
I am so very sorry to hear such sad news. Like so many others, I have been there too; but that doesnt make what you are experiencing any easier.
Ellen on May 20, 2015 12:24
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about Henry. We went through a eerily similar diagnosis with our yellow lab, Jenna, last year. When the time is right, you’ll know what to do. Still makes me cry. My thoughts are with you.
Gorgeous Things on May 20, 2015 12:24
I’m so sorry to hear about Henry. My sewing lab, Otto, died of hemangiosarcoma (sounds like what Henry has) at age 14 1/2. When we got the diagnosis, we asked the vet if we could give him chicken. “Sure,” she said, “You can give him whatever he wants. It won’t hurt him at this point.” So we started giving him all sorts of treats. He’d have episodes, then recover, and he’d eat chicken, ice cream, boeuf bourgignon and whatever we were having that night. Well, let me tell you – typical Lab, he wouldn’t die! Otto lived quite happily for 4 months after he was given days. So enjoy your time with Henry. You may not have much left, but you may have more than you think.
Hugs to you and scritches to Henry.
Patrice Marcks on May 20, 2015 12:24
Henry looks like a sweet old boy. I’m sorry.
Patrice
JEANINE on May 20, 2015 12:24
Oh dearie…that’s so hard. My thoughts will be going your way.
bunny on May 20, 2015 12:24
Don’t worry about anything else than your faboulous friend!! Hope he will find peace in a way or another!
B.
weirdrockstar on May 20, 2015 12:24
Wishing peace to you and yours. And a lot of strength.
Angela on May 20, 2015 12:24
I am so sorry. The miracle is the joy Henry brought to you and the love you gave to him. Unfortunately, there are many who’ll never know and experience such loyalty and devotion. I’l keep you and Henry in my prayers.
Angela
Diana on May 20, 2015 12:24
I am so sorry.
Beth on May 20, 2015 12:24
I am so sorry to read this. I know the pain, I have had 3 Boxers die of cancer, it is crummy. Just be with him when he let goes, he needs his people than.
karen on May 20, 2015 12:24
I am so sorry. I know how extremely painful it is to lose a well-loved pet. I hope the next few days aren’t too awful.
Susan on May 20, 2015 12:24
Oh, I’ve been there. It’s the worst. I am so sorry. It is now 10 December. It was the worst for me, as with Kat above, to make the decision. I had a friend help me (over the phone, he’s not in DC) who asked all the right questions, said all the right things that were tough to hear. He’d been through it many times as well. I am so very sorry, Denise.
jane on May 20, 2015 12:24
so sorry to hear this. we still miss our furry friends. 2 visited after death to say I love you still. hold on.
Sz on May 20, 2015 12:24
Oh dear, I am ever so sorry to hear this. We lost Otto the Attitudinous a few months back, so I know how your heart must be rended and torn asunder.