Back in December, I posted about my American bulldog, Rooney. Many of you have emailed and asked how he’s doing (which I truly appreciate), so I figured I’d give an update.In November, after a surgery to remove a questionable mass, Rooney was diagnosed with cancer. The vet recommended chemotherapy. They wanted to inject poison into my baby, over and over. Or we could do nothing and hope for the best.
As tough as it was, I chose chemo. I wanted to give him the best fighting chance possible.
I cried. A lot. Through many tummy aches, weak limbs, scratching his eyes and face so much it caused infections (chemo made him itchy), and lots of hair loss. But he’s still here.
He’s still wagging his tail, playing with toys, and smacking me with his mammoth-sized paws when we wrestle. He still snuggles up beside me as I type on my laptop for hours, still gives his sister, Moby (lab/border collie mix) lots of kisses, and he still snorts with happiness and jumps around when I ask him if he wants to go for a walk or ride.
(See that blur where Rooney's tail is, that's him wagging cuz he's cuddled up with his sis.)
If he hadn’t gone through chemo, I’m not sure I could report any of the above. I don’t know if he’d still be here. The vet estimated 2-6 months without chemo. I can’t fathom that. Not after all we’ve been through together. Rooney endured a rough existence before I rescued him. I want him to enjoy a long, happy, love-filled life. With each day that passes, and with each night I get to kiss him goodnight, I say a prayer that we will have many many more together.
Just like I said in my original post, Rooney and I have learned…
Where there is love, there is hope.
And that hasn’t changed.
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32 comments:
Dogs...gotta love 'em. Hope Rooney continues to do well.
So glad to hear he's doing well! I completely understand. My dogs are my babies!
Oh thank goodness! I'm so happy to hear he's doing better Karen. Here's to hoping that he continues to improve, and you get to enjoy as long a life as possible together.
That's amazing Karen! I'm so glad to here Rooney's doing okay.
Rooney is such a sweetheart! I'm so happy to hear that he is doing well!
Get well soon, Rooney! He's so adorable. I'm glad he's doing well!
Oh, I am SO HAPPY to hear that he's doing well. Thanks for the update, Karen. I hope he keeps wagging that tail for a super-long time to come. :-)
He's a cutie! Hope you have many more years together.
YAY ROONEY!
That is good to hear that he is doing better. I agree that where there is love there is hope :)
Aww -- what a sweet, sweet boy. Hugs to you both. :)
Sweet dreams and many happy walks wished for both of you.
<3 <3 <3 <3 times a million, Karen. I'm so happy your baby's doing well!!! I think about Rooney frequently and this post just made my day.
Hang in there Rooney!! We're rootin' for ya!!!
I'm very happy to hear it, m'dear. Really, so glad. *hugs*
So happy to hear he's doing better, Karen. You made my weekend. Hugs to both of you!
I stopped by your blog today. What a tough decision. My dog had cancer a couple of years ago and seems to be back to his normal self now after surgery. It's hard when our precious pets are not feeling well. Glad you're both doing well.
Ann
this post made me want to cry. i'm so glad he's okay. hooray for rooney; what a brave and beautiful dog. and, of course, well done karen for being so brave yourself. x
He is a cutie. So sad he has to endure the chemo but if lots of hugs and walks are on the other side I am happy for both of you.
I'm glad Rooney is still with you. Dogs do amazingly well with chemo - much better than us humans :)
I'm so sorry about your dog. I love my dogs, I can't imagine anything like this happening to them!
I'm happy that Rooney is surviving. I know what you mean about wanting the best for one's pets--I probably would have also made the decision for chemo. I hope you enjoy Rooney for years to come.
That's great news!
I know he's not a pitbull, but I saw this book announcement and thought of Rooney...
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/46978-one-of-michael-vick-s-dogs-gets-a-second-chance.html?utm_source=Publishers+Weekly%27s+Children%27s+Bookshelf&utm_campaign=0c3fe6e91a-UA-15906914-1&utm_medium=email
-sara
Lovely. So sweet and so happy that you've been able to report good news.
Horray for Rooney! I'm so glad to hear he's doing ok.
I'm so glad he's still with you! Poor puppy!
I've been away for a while, in selfish pursuit of my writing career. I just read this. Thank you for the report. It was your story on Rooney that brought me to your blog in the first place. I am glad he is alive and well. Hooray for Rooney! And you, too ;-)
-E
Its great that he's doing well! Your story is inspiring :)
So happy to hear this!
That must have been so tough to go through, watching him feel so icky and uncomfortable, but you did the right thing and you were always by his side. The way our furry friends deal with pain and discomfort so courageously, never complaining, still wagging their tails for us, is heartbreaking to watch. Glad to hear he is doing much better now - G
PS. - Have you thought about writing an extended article or story about your experience? I'll bet there are a lot of people out there who have faced similar tough decisions about their pets and just don't now what to do. Your story could be huge source of comfort for them. Hugs.
Excellent post. I am happy to hear this. be happy always...:)
Sorry to be so late to the post, but I'm happy to hear that Rooney is doing well!
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