Originally Posted by Susan G (Post 836655)

Last Friday I attended the TOTV luncheon at Crispers. As destiny would have it, Barefoot showed up and I moved to her table and struck up a conversation with her regarding my 17 year old cocker, Midnight. I asked Bare if she knew of any vets that would come to my home when it was time for Midnight to be put to rest.

She recommended Dr. Angel Smith, DVM of Healthy Pet The Mobile Vet (352-470-9537). I contacted Dr. Smith a few days later and she examined both of my dogs on Wednesday at my home. Midnight was diagnosed with canine lymphoma in Nov 2013 and it was an aggressive cancer. Wed. evening, he struggled, so I contacted Dr. Smith by email and got a callback early this morning. A few hours later, she was at my house and put my tired boy to eternal sleep while my neighbor (tainsley) and I comforted him. It was quick and peaceful and Dr. Smith and her vet tech, Dana, transported him to the crematorium afterwards.

My fellow TOTV'ers I share this with you for two reasons: (1) Many in our TOTV community will face the same dillema one day and it is best to be prepared with a plan. (2) Midnight was rescued at the age of 11 1/2 years old from the SPCA in New Orleans...so please consider adopting a senior pup. I'm sure there are MANY deserving anaimals to be had as our friends and neighbors in TV pass on.

I feel confident recommending Dr. Angel Smith, DVM to anyone needing either mobile/at your home vet service or for that special time when it is time to let go.... Peace, Susan

Originally Posted by Susan G (Post 836655)

Last Friday I attended the TOTV luncheon at Crispers. As destiny would have it, Barefoot showed up and I moved to her table and struck up a conversation with her regarding my 17 year old cocker, Midnight. I asked Bare if she knew of any vets that would come to my home when it was time for Midnight to be put to rest.

She recommended Dr. Angel Smith, DVM of Healthy Pet The Mobile Vet (352-470-9537). I contacted Dr. Smith a few days later and she examined both of my dogs on Wednesday at my home. Midnight was diagnosed with canine lymphoma in Nov 2013 and it was an aggressive cancer. Wed. evening, he struggled, so I contacted Dr. Smith by email and got a callback early this morning. A few hours later, she was at my house and put my tired boy to eternal sleep while my neighbor (tainsley) and I comforted him. It was quick and peaceful and Dr. Smith and her vet tech, Dana, transported him to the crematorium afterwards.

My fellow TOTV'ers I share this with you for two reasons: (1) Many in our TOTV community will face the same dillema one day and it is best to be prepared with a plan. (2) Midnight was rescued at the age of 11 1/2 years old from the SPCA in New Orleans...so please consider adopting a senior pup. I'm sure there are MANY deserving anaimals to be had as our friends and neighbors in TV pass on.

I feel confident recommending Dr. Angel Smith, DVM to anyone needing either mobile/at your home vet service or for that special time when it is time to let go.... Peace, Susan

Originally Posted by lovsthosebigdogs (Post 837207)

Susan. you did a lovely thing giving Midnight the best years of life in your loving home. Seniors are so wonderful. I am very sorry for your loss. I lost my greyhound to lymphoma just a few short weeks ago so I feel your pain very acutely. I am sending you a special hug. Perhaps Midnight is playing with my Bravo at the Bridge, waiting for us both. Know that everyone who has loved a dog shares your pain and holds you in their prayers. I am glad you got to talk to Bare and could share this important info with the rest of us. Thank you and be strong through this difficult time. I'm holding you in my heart as you struggle through this.

Originally Posted by Susan G (Post 837285)

Thanks to all of you on TOTV for the heartfelt posts. It was a tough day.

I found this poem on one of the rescue sites....it pretty much sums up the day I saw Midnight, skinny, matted and shivering in a shelter kennel after being "given up" by his family at age 11 1/2 :

One by one they pass my cage,
A little old dog, arthritic with age.
Way past his prime, can't run and can't play.
They shake their heads slowly and go on their way.

I once had a home. I once had a bed.
A place that was warm, and where I was fed.
Now my muzzle is gray, and my eyes slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and frail?

My family decided I didn't belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.
Whatever excuse they made up in their head,
Can't justify how they left me for dead.

When I had come to the end of my rope,
You looked at my face and I finally had hope.
You saw throught the gray, and the legs bent with age.
And felt I still had life beyond this cage.

You took me home, gave me food and a bed,
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly, you want me to know.

I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them all with a love so much stronger.
And I promise to return all the love I can give,
To you, my dear person, as long as I live.

I may be with you for a week, or for years,
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve.

And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And thenI will brag to all who will hear,
Of the person who made my last days so dear.

Author Unknown :pray: