About a week ago I wrote the poem below. Rosie seemed to go down faster that we thought and coming back from the trip to LA, our wonderful home visit vet came over and helped us determine that she still has some life in her — she is still eating and moving around, has a twinkle still in her eye — although her leg is very painful. Vet said she will kind of let us know — stop eating, stop responding…. so we have a little reprieve.
Then we found out today that Rosie’s buddy, Skeeter, is gone suddenly too… also cancer. Julie and Michael, now in Colorado, shared the joy of the four dogs: Maggie, Skeeter, Rosie and George — on the land many times.
Yesterday we learned
Rosie is dying.
I have seen the signs for months
The slightly unfocused eye
The limp
All belied by her eagerness for a walk
And when she reverts to puppyhood
Barking insistently for a biscuit
Yesterday they said bone cancer
Common in Goldens
Heroic measures, amputation, chemo might give her 6 more months
We are saying no
We will spoil that girl and keep her safe and happy as we can
Last night I wept into her fur
And sat quiet in my chair
And thought about all the dogs
Who loved me
And whom I have loved
Dell, Bean, Ruffy, Tess, Freddie and Rosie
George, the big lunk, will be here a bit longer
God willing
April 26, 2013