Hi friends.  It is with the heaviest heart that I share this sad update:  

We said goodbye to our sweet, happy Little Man, Eider; last night.  On Friday, 12/13/19, he started a strange cough.  I could hear what sounded like wind-whistling through trees, coming from his lungs.  He was still very vibrant, active and alert.  We called our team at Auburn University Oncology the following Monday.  They knew from his last x-rays, earlier this month, that the lung mets were run rampant.  They confirmed what we already knew; this was the end.  We added trazedone and cough tabs, and he had a nice week.  Extra visits from Riley, the pet sitter and from his grandmommy, Cheryl-my Mother.  Cheese curds and extra snuggles on the couch and afternoons in the sunshine.  My husband took off work to watch over him.  Yesterday, he seemed different somehow.  Nervous, less enthusiastic.  There were the physical signs too: sphinx position, persistent cough, anxiety mixed with fatigue.  My husband stayed home with him so I could attend a family Christmas gathering.  When I returned home, Eider had a coughing spell that just wouldn't end.  It was different and he had a frightened look on his face.  We have never seen that in him.  So, I messaged his local vet (a living angel, no doubt) and he met us at the hospital... in the frigid winter rain at 10:56pm.  Of course, he perked up.  This dog LOVED going to the vet.  After all he had been through, he absolutely loved it!  We helped him on the table.  He was craning his neck, to try to breath, but wagging his tail nonstop.  He never gave up his joy.  

A few gentle moments later, he slipped into the next realm.  The lovely place where all the goodness goes.  I can't wait to see him there; and I'm certain I will.  

Having been through canine cancer with our previous lab, I promised myself that I would not spend too much time "researching" and "message boarding".  I have some regrets wrapped up in how I spent my time during that particular dog's final months.  So, I have not been a reliable blogger here at Tripawds.  I am not sorry, because we had an absolute BLAST during his 3 years, 8+months of battle.

I made another promise, however; that I would redirect my energy from caring for Eider back to Tripawds when this time arrived.  So, I am here for you, if you need me.  I have kept the time line of his cancer journey and plan to blog retroactively.  There is so much hope that Eider can still give us.  He is a FINE example of what is possible.  He is the best example of the power of positivity.  He is the embodiment of being present, of always looking for the fun in any day.  He was, in my mind, the very best dog.  

To close this post, I want to share the Anglican Prayer for Pets at Heaven's Gate:

"God, your wisdom and mercy are over all your works: Be with us who have decided to end the suffering of A., this creature of yours entrusted to our care. Our power to heal has reached its end, and we put our trust in your mercy. Reassure and comfort us, that we make these decisions in compassion and kindness, as we pray through the kindness of Jesus Christ and the grace of your Holy Spirit. Amen."

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