macoduck Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 66 days. That's how long Possum was with us. Cancer got him twice. He lost the battle the second time. Possum's first adopter did him wrong. I hope not for the majority of the time but he certainly did for the last year or more. You'd think a canine cop would treat a dog better when medical care was needed. Nope. Dumped at a different greyhound rescue than the one he came from, they read the tats and notified GFNC. Possum had a softball sized soft tissue sarcoma on his leg. Surgery was quickly done and he spent months healing the large wound. I visited him several times and was amazed at how happy he was there. Heck, he reveled in all the attention he was getting. He never gave them any trouble with all the post surgical dressing changes. We like prefer the older dogs here. Harold had left us at 14 in March. We had room for another old boy. Nobody else was interested in adopting Possum. He was fated to be here. I only wish he had gotten to meet Gracie who left us in July at 13. Possum's race name was Apostle. My DH asked if he could finally name a dog. Usually we kept the same name or something similar. Possum. Less syllables and rolled off the tongue easier. And he answered to it. I found fabric with opposums on it and had a collar made. His first night home Possum jumped up in my bed and snuggled. Yikes! None of my big dogs had ever done that before. He not only cuddled, he threw his foreleg across me and rested his head on my shoulder. The sound of his peaceful breathing was the sweetest music ever. I always take any new dog to my vet for a well-doggy checkup. A thorough exam was done and all was good. Possum even "blessed" the vet's exam table and scale. That became a habit whenever we went to Petsmart too so he had to wear a bellyband in public buildings. The fire hydrant print fabric always drew a chuckle from folks. At home he never peed indoors and he thrived on the routine of our household. Possum was always happiest stalking squirrels. When he came up lame I took him to the vet. Xrays were clear but he had mild shoulder tissue tenderness. And then the vet examined the rest of him and found his lymph nodes were swollen. Aspirations were sent out to the lab confirming lymphoma. We started him on prednisone. The lumps got bigger, then a wee bit smaller, then bigger and bigger. We knew the inevitable was coming. How was it we got so attached to Possum in such a short time? What could we do to make his last days the best? And so we made him a Bucket List: his own bowl of ice cream (not just licking the bottom of his dad's bowl), Cheez-its whenever he wanted, Burpdog cookies, getting his picture taken wearing the family Davy Crockett coonskin hat (every male dog, my grandson, my stepson, and my DH have had their picture taken wearing it) , flirting with his online girlfriend ZoeDQ, and going to his first greyhound playgroup and having a (slow-paced) blast. Yesterday midday it seemed like the lumps on his throat had tripled in size. I called to move his vet appointment up. In our optimism we had scheduled weekly visits for the next month. His breathing became labored. The vet swooped him right in. I held Possum while my vet gave him a sedative injection and he gradually relaxed. Once again his head was nestled on my shoulder. Once again I felt his gentle breathing, no longer labored. Heaven for a few more minutes. And then we let him go. 9 years, 5 months, 10 days before you became ours. 13 days from lump presentation to goodbye. 66 days as a member of our family. Possum, you were a very good boy. Quote Freshy (Droopys Fresh), NoAh the podenco orito, Howie the portuguese podengo maneto Angels: Rita the podenco maneta, Lila, the podenco, Mr X aka Denali, Lulu the podenco andaluz, Hada the podenco maneta, Georgie Girl (UMR Cordella), Charlie the iggy, Mazy (CBR Crazy Girl), Potato, my mystery ibizan girl, Allen (M's Pretty Boy), Percy (Fast But True), Mikey (Doray's Patuti), Pudge le mutt, Tessa the iggy, Possum (Apostle), Gracie (Dusty Lady), Harold (Slatex Harold), "Cousin" Simon our step-iggy, Little Dude the iggy ,Bandit (Bb Blue Jay), Niña the galgo, Wally (Allen Hogg), Thane (Pog Mo Thoine), Oliver (JJ Special Agent), Comet, & Rosie our original mutt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PhillyPups Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 Ducky, I am so very sorry for your loss It does not matter how long we have them, they steal a piece of our heart and take it with them and leave their pawprint on ours. Run with the angels sweet Possum, you are with the very very best ~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 I'm so sorry. I wish you had more time together, as it seems like you were made for each other Quote Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IrskasMom Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 Ducky , I am a little shocked, 66 Days only in your Care . I am so sorry he left you so soon. RIP Sweetie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moneypenny Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 My deepest condolences, you are such angels to give that boy the best 66 days ever. Godspeed handsome boy Quote Mom to Emmi (WM Lickety Split) & Asia (Devious Walker)Waiting at the Bridge: Shadow, Willow, Tony, Nina, Reggie, Sunny, Webb, Rosie, Rowdy, Ivy, Smoke & Raina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 Not fair to any of you. Just not fair. Godspeed, good handsome boy. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramonaghan Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 Oh, Possum, what a handsome dude you were. That third picture where you are apparently casting a spell on someone (or are you holding an invisible remote?) made me laugh out loud. So happy you got to spend your last days in a happy, loving home. Rest well. I am so sorry for your loss, macoduck. Quote Rachel with littermates Doolin and Willa, boss cat Tootie, and feline squatters Crumpet and Fezziwig. Missing gentlemen kitties Mud, Henry, and Richard and our beautiful, feisty, silly Sweep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PiagetsMom Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 You know, that's just not right.....and my heart hurts for you. But, I am so glad that Possum had your home these last 66 days. He knew much love and caring, and he will be missed. Godspeed to your sweet Possum. I'm so very sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brandimom Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 What a beautiful tribute to Possum. How fortunate he landed at your home and how fortunate you had him even though it was way too short. I am sorry that he is gone. Godspeed Possum and may the wind always be at your back. You were much loved on earth. I am so sorry................... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fliggie Posted October 1, 2013 Share Posted October 1, 2013 Seems as though 66 was Possum's lucky number. What a beautiful boy. I'm so sorry. Quote My Photojournal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 They never stay long enough. I am so sorry for the loss of your very special boy. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeofNE Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 Possum, you cast a spell on me, and I am terribly sad you had to leave. Run free and pain free. And know that you were loved. Quote Susan, Hamish, Mister Bigglesworth and Nikita Stanislav. Missing Ming, George, and Buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dante2zoe Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 Ducky, you may only have had him for 66 days, but it took 9 years, 5 months and 10 days for him to find his forever home. I know those 66 days were his best and he was able to leave knowing he was truly, thoroughly loved. I am so very sorry. Give PUdge a scritch for me. Cindy Quote Cindy with Miss Fancypants, Paris Bueller, Zeke, and Angus Dante (Dg's Boyd), Zoe (In a While), Brady (Devilish Effect), Goose (BG Shotgun), Maverick (BG ShoMe), Maggie (All Trades Jax), Sherman (LNB Herman Bad) and Indy (BYB whippet) forever in my heart The flame that burns the brightest, burns the fastest and leaves the biggest shadow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Time4ANap Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 Run pain-free Possum. You had many friends and followers here that you never met. Quote Camp Broodie. The current home of Mark Kay Mark Jack and Gracie Kiowa Safe Joan. Always missing my boy Rocket Hi Noon Rocket, Allie Phoenix Dynamite, Kate Miss Kate, Starz Under Da Starz, Petunia MW Neptunia, Diva Astar Dashindiva, and LaVida I've Got Life Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MandysMom Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 I'm so sorry. I'm sure the last 66 days were the best of his life. I'm sure I would have gotten attached just as fast as you did. I love the pictures of his sweet, happy face. Godspeed Possum, you'll be missed. Quote Beverly. Missing my happy toy-flinging boy Sammy (Where's Mandrill), (8/12/2009-9/30-2021) Desperately missing my angel Mandy (BB's Luv) [7/1/2000 - 9/18/2012]. Always missing Meg the Dalmatian and Ralph Malph the Pekeapoo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nessa Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 He clearly had the most spectacular 66 days with you guys, or wait... you guys had the most spectacular 66 days with him.. I am so sorry and so sad to read this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
45MPHK9 Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 I'm so sorry, Ducky. How lucky Possum was to have you when he needed you most. He was a beautiful boy. Godspeed, Possum. Quote Tricia with Kyle, our senior mutt dog Always missing Murray Maldives, Bee Wiseman, River, Hopper, Kaia, and Holly Oaks Holly“You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.“ -Bob Dylan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neighsayer Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 Hugs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KahluasMagic Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 I am so sorry. Possum was one handsome boy. I wish you had more time with him. Quote Lynn Missing Pepper,Magic,Kahlua, Hobbit Ziggy Jasper and Bella Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 ...and rested his head on my shoulder. The sound of his peaceful breathing was the sweetest music ever. Ducky, Possum will always be singing to you, in your heart. I am so very sorry you didn't get more time together Godspeed special boy. Quote Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Thank you, campers. Current enrollees: Punkin. AnnIE Oooh M Angels: Pal . Segugio. Sorella (TPGIT). LadyBug. Zeke-aroni. MiMi Sizzle Pants. Gracie. Seamie . (Foster)Sweet. Andy. PaddyALVIN!Mayhem. Bosco. Bruno. Dottie B. Trevor Double-Heart. Bea. Cletus, KLTO. Aiden 1-4. Upon reflection, our lives are often referenced in parts defined by the all-too-short lives of our dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cully Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 Oh Ducky, I'm so sorry. He was so lucky to have you. Quote waiting at the bridge Connie Van Teddy & Jojo, Cobra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Potomacpupsmom Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 Ducky, you gave him the best 66 days of his life, and he returned it a hundredfold in his love for you. We will miss him on the WFUBCC - he brightened our lives for such a short time, but we won't forget him! Run Free Possum! Quote Humans Kathy and Jim with our girls, Ivy (Carolina Spoon) and Cherry (Fly Cherry Pie) Missing our beautiful angel Breeze (Dighton Breeze) and angel Beka (BM Beko) - you are forever in our hearts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winbo Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 I'm sorry he had to leave so soon. Anne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cristar Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 Run with the angels sweet boy. Your last days here on earth were surrounded in love and you left this world gently, after finding the forever home you were always meant to be in. So very sorry for such a short time of love to give your beautiful boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mychip1 Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 I have no words for how sad I am for you.....and for possum that he didn't have longer to enjoy and revel in the true love of your home.....yet, on the other side of it, I think how blessed he was that he did know true love....even if for too short of a time. And I think he knew that h had found love that first day when he crawled in your bed. God bless.... Ducky, you gave him the best 66 days of his life, and he returned it a hundredfold in his love for you. We will miss him on the WFUBCC - he brightened our lives for such a short time, but we won't forget him! Run Free Possum! He really was a joy to get to know... Quote Robin, EZ (Tribal Track), JJ (What a Story), Dustin (E's Full House) and our beautiful Jack (Mana Black Jack) and Lily (Chip's Little Miss Lily) both at the BridgeThe WFUBCC honors our beautiful friends at the bridge. Godspeed sweet angels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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