In memory of BUCK

[LSK]

My beloved dog Buck, who has been with us since I was 15 years old (he was a birthday present) had to be put to sleep last night.:crying: I am so incredibly sad. But it is also a huge shock.

He was 16 years old. He had the kindest spirit and goofiest heart. He was always eager to please. But he did not always have an easy life. We adopted him from a shelter when he was only 6 months old. In his short life he had already seen much abuse and neglect. It took him years to trust my dad (because he was male and it was a man who beat him). It took a lot of work to help him overcome his fears, but when we did he became a great pet and companion.

When i moved out he stayed behind with my parents. He became a good friend and protector to my mom who is home alone much of the time due to my dad’s job. Even at 16 years old he still followed her around the house like a little puppy.

He has had some health problems over the past few years but was in very good condition for his age. So, when my mom called me yesterday in a panic because they feared that Buck had broke his leg I was upset but not worried. I prayed that if it was broken that it would be an easy break to set and heal and that my mom wouldn’t have too hard of a time taking care of him in that condition. We all worried about money because vets are not cheap and emergency vets are even more expensive (which is where you have to go on a Saturday evening on Easter weekend).

Hubby and did our normal nightly routine of getting baby to sleep, feeding our pets and having a bit of relaxation time before going to sleep. I turn all of the ringers off on our phones after having one wake up Lily by accident. So I didn’t get my mom’s message until this morning.

I expected it to be an update or an account of how much the vet cost. But what I heard was “we have to put Buck down. His leg IS broken, but he also has cancer. PLEASE call me back right away”. That was at 11:30 last night.

My mouth fell open and the tears started to pour. I didn’t even get a chance to say good bye. And with being so busy with Lily lately I can’t even remember the last time I saw him.

But my dog was a trooper. The vet was shocked when the x-rays came back and showed the extent of the bone cancer. She couldn’t believe he wasn’t showing pain. In her experience, most dogs with this type of cancer are in excruciating pain long before their bones are brittle enough to break. She suspects that the cancer spread to his brain and numbed the pain receptors. What a blessing that was.

I can’t go on right now. I can barely breath. I mean i can’t go on posting. Thank you for letting me share this with all of you. Buck was in our family for half of my life. I love him so much.

malia

It took me almost two years to get over losing My beloved Scotty, Shaw’s Roddy MacDuff to cancer…he died in my arms. You were all so kind to me when I did MY crying on the site. Malia, please know that my arms are wrapped around you in a big ol’dog lover’s hug right now…I have asked my guardian angel to hug you for me.

I will tell you that the hole in my heart has been partially filled by the bright eyes and goofy face of Shaw’s William Wallace MacDuff - my 7 month old Scotty who answers to Duffy…

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

Buck is…was…a German Sheperd/Rottweiler/Husky mix. As he was adopted, I don’t know the percentages. But we would often get stares (at him, not me) when out for walks and comments on his striking facial coloring.

He had the sweetest disposition. Not a mean bone in his body. He even made friends with a mouse one winter while he was till living outside and let the little creature sleep under his doghouse and have crumbs of kibble. He’d also share leftovers with the magpies, lol.

I spoke with my mom just a while ago and today is very hard for her. Buck was her responsiblity and her friend. My dad left for work early this morning so my mom is alone with her grief and a house full of reminders. Not to mention a senile old cat that is nearing the end as well. Tigger has been with our family for close to twenty years now…or maybe a bit longer…I don’t remember

Thank you all for your kind words.

Malia

 

[6YRSHOME]

Oh, I am so sorry. Poor sweet dog, my heart breaks for you.

I know how hard it is. We had to put down two dogs two years ago. :crying: One, a stubborn Cocker Spaniel, had been with me since she was 6 weeks old. She was 13. The other we got when I was pregnant with my son. She had cancer too.

I will keep you in my prayers, that God heals your heart and brings you peace.

 

[TomS]

You have my condolences. My dog died last May and I was heartbroken. My wife and I got another dog but “Patches” will always have a special place in our hearts.

 

[CatholicSam]

Oh, I am so sorry Malia Buck was such a beautiful dog. From what you’ve written about him, he was an exceptional pet. God truly blessed you and your family with a pet like him.