booboobunny
Grey Puppy
I am Becki... Mama to Virgil (Gable Virgil), Flash (Deco Eric Flash), Mo the Beardie, & Lily the cat
Posts: 81
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Post by booboobunny on Nov 16, 2014 20:57:38 GMT -5
On October 20th we took Virgil (Gable Virgil) to the vet because he had been limping on his front left leg. Xrays were taken and we received the worst news we could possibly imagine. The xrays showed that our sweet boy had a bone tumour. Our vet was very sure that it is cancer when adding in the fact that he had lost weight (6 lbs. since January) and his limping came on somewhat suddenly. We discussed our options: a bone biopsy to rule out fungal infection (but would be very invasive on an already compromised bone); chemotherapy treatment, but that would require full amputation of his leg since the tumour was at the top of his leg and would put him through so much and not guarantee anymore time. Having arthritis in both back knees we didn't think he would have the strength to be a tripod. So with many tears we decided to keep our wonderful, sweet, loving boy at home and keep him as comfortable as we could with pain medication. We were lucky enough to have ten more days with him. On October 31st at around 11:00pm we let both our boys out for one last time before going to bed. We don't know exactly what happened, but we believe that Virgil slipped coming up the steps of our deck. His cries of pain were horrendous and he wouldn't put any weight on his left front leg. Jim had to carry him to the car, where Virgil wouldn't lay down, so I had to sit in the very back (we have a Ford Flex) and try and support Virgil so that we could make it over to the Emergency Vet Clinic. We only live a short drive (maybe 8 blocks) away, but that was the longest ride... every bump in the road made him squeal in pain, he was shallow panting and drooling with shock. Finally we made it there and the vet carried Virgil in and placed him on a table. He was given a sedative for the pain. We were able to hold him, and tell him how much we loved him, how much he gave to us, and how very much we would miss him. I can't seem to get used to the house being so d**n quiet. Flash (Deco Eric Flash), our other grey doesn't make much noise - he's the strong silent type lol. But Virgil would bark at dogs passing the house; be roaching on the couch - all four legs in the air - and groan in satisfaction as he stretched. He would be at my side whenever I was making something in the kitchen, and I would kid him that he was my sous chef. And I would hear him dream as he slumbered in the sunlight, "woo-woo"ing as his four paws flicked and twitched while he raced in his sleep. I ache to have him back. I miss him so terribly, terribly much. He was my fearless brave boy who loved life and was curious about everything. When I cuddled with him I would always tell him "I wish that you were teeny-tiny, then I would put you in my pocket and carry you everywhere." I whispered that into his ear as he slowly faded away, and I know that he took a piece of my heart with him. But I also know that he left a large piece of his heart with me. I will always have that. Thank you for loving me, my brave, sweet boy..... I will love you always.
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Post by GreyPoopon on Nov 17, 2014 8:28:40 GMT -5
I'm so very sorry. Your special boy was far too young to have to leave.
Godspeed Virgil.
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Midge
Grey Lover
Posts: 891
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Post by Midge on Nov 17, 2014 10:47:36 GMT -5
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Never enough time with our sweet hounds.
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jason
Hound Nut
Posts: 1,708
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Post by jason on Nov 17, 2014 11:20:45 GMT -5
Becki I am so, so very sorry to read about the loss of your boy, Virgil. Your post has me sobbing. It's obvious that he was truly loved and treasured by his forever family. Know that he could not have asked for anything more in his retirement.
Take care of yourself and your other furkids during this dark time. Take it from me snuggling helps immeasurably.
I truly believe that while they take a piece of our hearts with them when they leave us the love that they have given us so freely during their lives fills that void tenfold.
Virgil will live on in your heart. We are truly lucky to find these blessed souls to share moments with.
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Post by tobysmom on Nov 17, 2014 12:14:27 GMT -5
Becki, I too am so very sorry for your loss. I also lost our boy to Cancer 2 years ago and the quietness of the house was unbearable. The pain never seems to go away. Your pictures of Virgil are beautiful. Cherish your memories of him. He was so very lucky to have you in his life. I hope you find some comfort in knowing that he is no longer in any pain and running free. Look after yourself. Godspeed Virgil.
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Post by linn on Nov 17, 2014 12:18:13 GMT -5
I am so very sorry for loss. I am in tears now. It brings back what happened to our Abby earlier this year. I know how sad and lonely you are feeling.
Your boy was far too young to leave. Run free sweet Virgil.
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Post by greys4us on Nov 17, 2014 12:22:38 GMT -5
We are so sorry! Virgil was well loved and will be deeply missed. Run pain free sweet Virgil!
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greysrgreat
Junior Grey Lover
Bently (racing name Dreckly) & Holly (racing name Ears Comer)
Posts: 160
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Post by greysrgreat on Nov 17, 2014 13:19:09 GMT -5
So sorry for your loss, look to the stars in the night and you will see beautiful boy Virgil looking over you and your family. Run free sweet Virgil!
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Post by twentythree on Nov 17, 2014 13:20:37 GMT -5
So very sorry for the loss of Virgil. My tears are flowing....I understand the pain that you are feeling-I also lost one of my girls back in January at age 6-the lonely feeling is overwhelming. I do hope that you find comfort in knowing that Virgil is no longer in pain and that he had a wonderful retirement because of you. jane
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Post by kristina on Nov 17, 2014 14:00:26 GMT -5
I am so so sorry to hear of Virgil's passing. Knowing you did what was in his best interests is cold comfort right now. I'm new to the grey world having just adopted a month ago (a gable no less) but in this short month he's won my heart he will always be with you in mind and spirit and always in your heart. My little family sends our love and condolences to yours
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Post by Sally Blossom on Nov 17, 2014 14:05:55 GMT -5
My keyboard is "soaked" with tears. I feel your pain as it brings back so many memories of our Gable Gnaw who went to the Bridge in April with the same issue that your beloved Gable Virgil had. It hurts. You and Virgil had a special bond and he knew that he was your soul mate. You are so right - he left a piece of his heart with you and he took a piece of yours with him. Another star will be shining brightly to-night - just look up - he is there!!!
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cindy
Junior Grey Lover
Posts: 149
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Post by cindy on Nov 17, 2014 15:03:44 GMT -5
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family.
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gunnersmom
Hound Nut
GUNNER--the greyhound that started it all
Posts: 1,950
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Post by gunnersmom on Nov 17, 2014 15:41:23 GMT -5
I hate cancer so much. I'm so sorry for your loss. Virgil was very lucky to be held tight and to know love while he gained his wings.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2014 17:56:41 GMT -5
Reading your post about the loss of your handsome Virgil brings a tear to my eye as it's been just 2yrs since I lost my first boy to the same horrible cancer. It is very evident in your words the amount of love the two of you shared, for that, I am certain, you will remember forever. There is nothing quite like the pain of losing one of our beautiful hounds but I am so thankful you have another one at home to hug when you need to. Give yourself some time, a lot of time actually and remember all the wonderful things he brought into your life. Even thou we do not know each other, I'm sending hugs your way. Also, I thank you for sharing this with us, it just confirms what a fantastic family we have here. M
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Post by Heather (& KC) on Nov 17, 2014 18:34:02 GMT -5
Becki I'm so terribly sorry for your loss of Virgil. It's clear how much he is loved and had such a wonderful life with you.
Run free sweet boy.
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