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Losing Another 4-Legged Child And My Heart is Breaking

By
Real Estate Agent with Lisa Von Domek Team TX License #0552989

RescueThis smiling boy found his way to our home thirteen years ago, in a March thunderstorm and we never were able to find his first home.  Meet Titus, my little bundle of energy - he is a golden retriever mix.  You may not think that he is so little, he does weigh in at 68 pounds.  Compared to our other dogs, though, that is little!  When he showed up, in the rain, he was running with a purebred retriever and she was stunning (once we had them both dried off).  After several weeks of searching, a visit to the vet and the groomer for them both, no luck in locating their owner.  We think they were "dumped".  Fortunately, one of the vet assistants fell in love with the girl and adopted her.  No one, however, wanted this little mixed breed guy - especially as he has several health challenges which include a severe seizure disorder.  What could we do, he joined our "unadoptables" and has happily been one of the family ever since.  

 

Unfortunately, Titus has not been himself the past few days and I took him in for a special check up.  I received word today that his tests confirmed Titus has advanced lymphoma.  We go back in on Monday to discuss with our veterinarian the best course of action to keep him comfortable and how long he will be with us.  My heart is breaking....I'll face Monday on Monday.

Rescue

We are celebrating his 15th birthday this weekend.  We are so happy that he is one of our "children"...his smiling face brings a smile to mine every day - Happy Birthday Titus!

 

Comments(43)

Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Thank you Sally K. & David L. Hanson he has brought so much joy to us and we think he has had a wonderful life...since he is always smiling and playing.   And now, he will join the brothers and sisters that we've said good-bye to over the years and get to play with them once again.  

Mar 16, 2018 08:28 AM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Thank you James Dray I am so sorry and know just how your wife feels...time passes and it gets easier, but not much.  I still cry over dogs that have been gone for many years.

Mar 16, 2018 08:30 AM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Thank you Anita Clark they are truly my "kids".  Needless to say, my husband and I are in somber moods today...

Mar 16, 2018 08:32 AM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Thank you Linda Blumenthal needless to say, as spoiled as my little guy is...he gets anything he wants now.  Our only focus is his comfort and his smile.

Mar 16, 2018 08:34 AM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Thank you Patricia Feager the little guy's spirit is still there and as long as we know he is comfortable we'll do anything he needs.  We've been through cancer with our dogs in the past and know what to expect and watch for.  Our veterinarian is wonderful so now all we can do is make the most of our time with Titus that he has left.

Mar 16, 2018 08:37 AM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Thank you Sheila Anderson pet friends all know how difficult it is to say good-bye to our "kids".  His brothers and sisters all sense that he is not well and are all being more gentle around him.  Fortunately we are able to have a quiet weekend with him and we'll see what Monday's appointment brings.

Mar 16, 2018 08:40 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Hi Lisa... I have no words, just tears. Having been through this myself I know how sad you are feeling. Enjoy your weekend with Titus and know that he knows you've given him a good life. I know one day when I die I will see all my fur-babies again... and so will you.

Mar 16, 2018 12:05 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Lisa that is difficult news to receive.  Hope Titus's final days are comfortable ones.

Mar 16, 2018 04:29 PM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good morning Lisa - your kids are all special and I am sorry to hear about Titus.  May it be peaceful.

Mar 17, 2018 04:36 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

I'm so sorry, Lisa. These wonderful, loyal souls are a huge part of our families. We are sending you lots of support and well wishes as you face this loss. 

Mar 17, 2018 08:53 AM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Thank you Nina Hollander we wish they could live forever, but it's just not to be.  He's comfortable and smiling, so that's all I care about right now!

Mar 17, 2018 07:28 PM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Thank you George Souto he's always been such a happy boy and our focus is all on his comfort.  He's been challenged due to the seizures and he's not always sure what's going on around him (LOL)  but he's always smiling!

 

Mar 17, 2018 07:30 PM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Thank you Grant Schneider he's been such a joy and our focus is all on him right now...his comfort and a peaceful good-bye.

Mar 17, 2018 07:42 PM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Thank you Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD I appreciate the support and well wishes!

Mar 17, 2018 07:51 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

OH, honey, I am so sorry to hear about Titus. I'll be you're right about them being dumped there - Titus has been so lucky to have such a wonderful family and such a great place to run and play too. You've been the best mama a mama can be and his unconditional love for you will live on forever. 

Savor your time with him this weekend, Lisa. I know your heart is breaking into a million pieces - I'm crying with you. Hugs...

Mar 17, 2018 09:04 PM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Thank you Debe Maxwell, CRS Titus has told me what a wonderful mama I have been (LOL)  Well, okay, he at least is always smiling at me so that's how I am interpreting it!  We are enjoying a wonderful weekend with our boy, he has not had another seizure and is acting like his old self.  We'll see what the vet appointment tomorrow determines for his comfort and the time we have left with him..

Your long-distance hugs are greatly appreciated my friend!

Mar 18, 2018 04:34 PM
Jane Chaulklin-Schott
TEAMCONNECT REALTY - (407) 394-9766 - Orlando, FL
TeamConnect Luxury Homes - Orlando, Florida, 32836

So sorry to hear about your Titus.  Our family lost two of our precious pals this month and in one week's time...We had to say good-bye to our Pal and our Bella. And we have the memories of all the years they shared their unconditional love.  You are in my thoughts and prayers, Lisa Von Domek

Mar 21, 2018 10:10 AM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Oh Jane Chaulklin-Schott I am so sorry for your family's loss...two precious pets in one week, that is heartbreaking.  Thank you for your thoughts on prayers on Titus, and you and your family are in mine.

Mar 21, 2018 10:15 AM
Anthony Kirlew
Group 46:10 Network @ eXp Realty - Gilbert, AZ
Helping You Make Fiscally Sound Real Estate Deals!

So so sorry... from one pet parent to another. Prayers to your family.

Apr 14, 2018 04:52 PM
Claude Labbe
RLAH / @properties - Washington, DC
Realty for Your Busy Life

Lisa, what I freak I am sitting at my desk with tears as I read about a dog I don't know, but the tears are for you, more than for him.

I'll post my own story in 2-3 days (I'll tag you so you check in).  We can only handle one 4-legged kid at a time. Late last Sunday, ours had a stroke/seizure.  The time from when we decided to make the appointment to the time of his crossing the rainbow bridge was the worst.  Since then, for 3 days, I've logically understood the relief we have is nothing compared to the relief our puppy was given. He now runs & barks & howls freely (and the neighbors don't care about it).

Everything I say, you know. This is so logically easy.  It's the emotional side that really hurts. Ours was a rescue, but it sure seems Titus was a rescue who self-rescued, he picked his owner. How lucky were you !!!

Prayers for your stength & courage in these coming days.

Apr 14, 2018 06:46 PM