In Memoriam: Truman (#0001)

Truman Crosses the Rainbow Bridge: August 19, 2006

Then, in 2001, my world turned upside down when my husband passed away. Truman let me cry on him, hug him way too tight and didn't hide when I ranted and raved. Next came the loss of my job, the death of my other dog, and lastly moving out of my big house in the country to a condo in town with a postage stamp size back patio. Truman took it all in stride, becoming the complex mascot and greeter. I had a long, hard time of it, trying to find a job, spent days, then weeks on end in bed sleeping, avoiding my friends, the doorbell and the phone. Truman never wavered, was always happy, became my lifeline and the only reason I left the house.

Today, I said a teary farewell and sent him to the Rainbow Bridge...

Just 2 months ago, I noticed a small lump on his hip, and we all know what comes next: X-rays, medicine, limited exercise, samples sent to the lab, then a visit to OSU Vet Hospital for biopsy and blood work. And every day, I watched as my sweet angel of a dog, who never thought of anyone as a stranger and drew old and young to him like a magnet, became less himself, more withdrawn and depressed. I went to work apologizing to him and came home in tears.

The Vet at OSU suggested amputating his leg and part of his pelvis, removing as much of the mass as possible, and maybe chemo. Would that guarantee a cancer-free dog? "No," she said. So, after managing to pay $1000 in vet bills since June, I knew what I had to do. Dr. Long came to my home, and Truman went with dignity and all his body parts.

It's been 15 hours. I miss him terribly, but have no doubt that my decision was the right one. He had 10 years of love, adventures, treats and children petting him. What more could any dog ask for? Truman, you deserved every bit of it and much, much more. You will never be forgotten.

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