Saturday, March 01, 2008

In Memory of Barney 1996 - 2008



It feels like months since I've last posted here. After posting to the blog in the morning I went into work and got results from blood tests I'd run on Barney the day before. He'd just been lethargic and a bit off his food and radiographs hadn't shown anything. When I got to work and read the blood results they gave a diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, which is very rare and also has a very short lifespan. He was also very anaemic and had very low platelet numbers (which are important for blood clotting). Dad ended up bringing Barney in that day for a blood transfusion. It picked him up a bit over the weekend and he had a really good day on Sunday, but on Monday night he collapsed when coming in from the toilet so we took him into work, and one of the other vets put him to sleep.

We knew from the diagnosis that he didn't have long, but it was terrible to watch him deteriorate so quickly. In the end though, he had a wonderful life and gave us so much joy. We still have his brother Deefa, who has such a different personality from Barney, but is equally loveable. He's obviously missing Barney, but seems to be coping alright at the moment.

9 comments:

librarylass said...

Sorry for your loss, I'm amazed you had the intestinal fortitude to post this, given that the memories are still so fresh.

Take care, grab yourself a cuppa.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful boy! I am sorry, Lindsay.

Dy said...

So sorry to hear the sad news Lindsay.
*Hug*

Elizabeth said...

:( My sympathies for your loss. It's so hard to lose such special friends. :(

Rosie said...

I'm so sorry. He was a really lovely dog, with sych a lovely disposition. Sending hugs and best wishes to you and your family xx

cinzia said...

Sorry to hear about Barney. It is hard to lose someone who has become such an integral part of the family.

Unknown said...

That is such a lovely picture. Losing a pet is always hard, but it sounds like he had a lovely life with lots of love.

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog and am sorry for your loss. I have 5 heart dogs myself and am involved in dog rescue. I know how hard the loss is. For me, the best balm for grief at the loss of a dog is another dog. Not to replace but to give your heart another love. And love brings healing. I didn't have children but, as Beth Moore said, "I could mother a fencepost." I need someone to mother. I'm just made that way. Loving, nurturing flows out of me unconsciously and if I didn't have my fur babies, I would drive the humans around me crazy! LOL! Since you are already a doggy person, then start looking for your next heart dog who needs rescuing. -Sharon in SC, USA

Shirley said...

Poor wee love. I'm so sorry for your loss :0(

S x