I am sorry to have to tell you that Willie, my Silly Billie Willie Boy, has metatastic pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Lung cancer. Chemo might slow its progression, but can’t cure it. Surgery isn’t an option.
I thought you would want to know. So many of us here have become a close village of dog lovers, and have followed each other’s dogs for years. Many of you have read about Willie’s challenges in The Education of Will. I didn’t want to blindside you with the end of his life, which is predicted to come in two to six months. In my experience, people don’t want to be protected, they want to be informed.
This chapter began with a quiet cough, a little mouse of a thing, a single solitary huff after he got up from resting. By the end of January it became 3-4 coughs in a row, as if he were clearing his throat, so I took him to our regular vet. As often happens, that day his cough seemed much better, so we speculated that he had come down with kennel cough. Not unreasonable since Willie and Maggie had been going to a series of winter sheep dog trials—a perfect place too spread that kind of disease. In many adult dogs it clears up on its own, so we turned our attention to Jim’s dying mother and our trip to Costa Rica.
When we got home his cough was worse. I took him to Veterinary Specialties for Xrays and an ultrasound. They found he had a ‘consolidated area” in one lobe of his lung, which looked like a classic case of pneumonia. And then there were two tiny “nodules” in another area of his lung. So small they could have been meaningless. Or not. The story gets convoluted after this—two rounds of different antibiotics, tests for Blastomycosis (fungus) and Aspergillus (mold), more Xrays, ultrasounds, CT scans and needle aspirates.
Meanwhile, his coughing got worse. Finally, the news came that the “consolidated area” was a tumor, primary adenocarcinoma, and the next CT scan, done last Friday, showed his lungs riddled with baby tumors.
The prognosis is two to four months without chemo, three to six months with it, if chemo helps to slow the progression. It may or may not. Only way to tell is by sedating Willie, yet again, and doing another CT scan. We’re deciding our next steps day by day, all dependent on Willie and how he is doing.
Jim and I are 100% on the same page that what’s important is Willie’s quality of life, not the quantity. Giving him a few more months of life if the chemo makes him sick is a not an option. We opted to try it because 80% of dogs have few side effects. He had his first treatment last Friday. He had also been sedated that day, and so we are dismissing his nausea that night as not necessarily related to chemo. His oncologist said the side effects of chemo are most common days 3-5; we’re on day 4 and he seems fine once he recovered from the sedation. We’ll try again this week and see.
I know that many of you have been on this roller coaster. There have been some dark moments lately—those gut-wrenching, belly-sobbing, snot-faced crying moments in which you think your heart is broken. And my heart was broken, and it will be again. But right now, Willie seems truly okay. He doesn’t know anything about his prognosis. His cough is actually a bit better, even before the chemo, perhaps due to pain medication, some alternative therapies and the addition of air purifiers and humidifiers. Willie still plays tug games with Maggie, gets all shiny-eyed on walks in the woods, and adores food and belly rubs and necks massages. So there is a lot good here. Willie is 12 and 3/4 years old. He’s lived 13 months after almost dying of a disastrously inflamed gall bladder, a large amount of necrotic tissue on one liver lobe and liver cancer in another.
We feel exceptionally lucky to live in a place with first class veterinary care. Willie has two topnotch oncologists (one who lives in Colorado, has working Border Collies and sheep—I’m talking to you, Dr. B!), a dedicated and generous GP and an equally invaluable acupuncturist and adjunctive medicine veterinarian. We are lucky to have the resources to do all we can to support Willie.
And we are especially lucky to have a village of dog loving friends, including many of you on this blog, who get it. Who get that we can love our dogs deeply and profoundly, and are overwhelmed with gratitude for how much they give us.
Many of us want to help in some way when we get sad news about friends. If you are one of those, one way to help Willie is to donate to Czar’s Promise to help fund research on cancer in both dogs and children, and support those whose loved ones are fighting it. I always feel awkward when talking about fundraising, so please don’t feel any need to contribute if that’s not what feels like what you want to do.
If you are so inclined, here’s info from Czar’s Promise’s website, and here’s a photo of Czar and my friend Beth Viney, a force of nature who started it all:
Czar’s Promise mission focuses on three key areas that will be cared for with a dedicated commitment to integrity and ethics.
- Grant funding for canine cancer research
- Grant funding for pediatric cancer research
- Financial support, education and awareness for families whose canines have been diagnosed with cancer
Czar’s Promise will have a fund-raising dog walk on May 11th in Monona, WI. Jim and I will be there, although Willie wouldn’t enjoy it. We’ve been on other dog walks to raise money for cancer research, and I can tell you it’s one very special and touching way to spend part of your day.
There are lots of other ways to help Willie and all of us whose dogs are in crisis without spending any money. Tell us stories about your own special dogs, we’d love to hear them. Tell us if Willie’s story helped you as much as it helped me, that would make my day. Give your own dog(s) extra belly rubs and butt scratches. And last but never least, raise a glass of wine/beer/soda/water/juice/gin to Willie, my Willie, the dog whose bat shit crazy behavior as a puppy forced me to confront my own demons. I owe Willie boy, I owe you everything.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: Here’s from the barn this morning. Snow White has two lovely newborn lambs, one is hidden. I didn’t want to bother Snow White to get a better picture, both her lambs had nursed, she’d eaten some hay and lay down to rest. Sadly, she also had a third large beautiful lamb that died in birth.
Ah Life. And Death. The full catastrophe.
(Two quiet caveats to today’s post: First, Willie is receiving a plethora of western and eastern medicine, herbal supplements and special diets. I honestly don’t have it in me to receive any more information about treatment/cures/diets, although I understand the desire to help. Please join me in doing all we can to prevent and treat cancer, and to elect politicians who get that we are surrounded by environmental toxins and pollution, and need to fund research on cancer prevention and keeping our environment as clean as possible.
Second, I need to focus more on Willie and less on business, so I’m going to suspend the sales and promotions we usually do once a month through Join the Pack. Being on the list will still be a great way to stay in touch, especially when my speaking schedule heats up in late summer/fall, but for now any sales will be done by our good friends at Dogwise.)
Renee says
Oh Trisha, I cried while reading this and I’m still crying. Yup, not just crying but even a bit of that snot-faced belly sobbing – for Willie, for you and Jim, and in memory of my dear Bennie boy who died 3 years ago from a horrible cancer.
Know that you and Will are much loved, and that all of your friends and followers will carry you in our thoughts in the coming weeks and months.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
HFR says
All I can do is send you my deep, heartfelt sympathies. We are a club of mourners, that’s for sure and yet we keep doing it to ourselves over and over again. Speaks to the wonder of dogs, doesn’t it?
I do look forward to the day when immunotherapy is available for dogs. My mom’s friend was also riddled with tumors originating in the lungs last year and she is one of the lucky 10% that this therapy has worked with and she is almost cancer free now. I keep saying it’s a miracle, but it’s not, it’s science. Hopefully one day our beloved pets will be have the same access.
We all feel as if we know Willy from your book and know how much he is a part of you. Please give him (and you) a giant hug from all of us.
Bobbie Hayes says
Thanks for the post. Between my little minpin rescue who is beginning to fail due to age and a friend with a lovey Portuguese Waqterdog who is 14, I’m around two critters who will be gone. Like you, I am grateful to my animals who have taught me through their short lives that I must live in the moment and enjoy every minute of their lives while they are here. And eventually I will lose them and grieve. I recently red a Winnie the Pooh (A.A. Milne) quote that seems so appropriate for that time: “If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever.” Send a pet to Willy for me… and a hug for you.
Jim says
My dog Finn said “Wooooof”. (translation: “hugs for Will”)
Tanya says
So sad, so sorry. I am crying for a pup I’ve never met but feel I know.
xo
Nic1 says
Oh Trisha. Heartfelt sympathy and love to you all. We have all grown to love him so much over the years and especially even more so since reading all about your journey with him in your book….🐾😢
It is truly heartbreaking and I went through this last year with Lily. She hung on for six months from diagnosis but the chemo unfortunately proved too much for her immune system to handle and she developed several complications, but I felt I had to give us and her the opportunity to try to extend her life if there was an option. Fingers crossed Willie continues to tolerate his chemo well.
Lily also had several behavioural issues related to anxiety and lack of trust probably being rehomed several times as a young dog. Your blog, books and the support of this community helped me get her on the right track to trust, feel safe and enjoy life.
Sending belly scratches, ear rubs and hugs.
Bruce says
I am so sorry to hear about Willie. Best wishes to you and to him.
When dogs are young and wild it seems like they will be that way forever. When they ease into maturity it seems like they have been with us forever. And when the end approaches their lives seem cruelly brief.
The only consolation is that dogs live so intensely in the moment that they pack a lot of living into their too-short time on earth.
LisaW says
OMG, I am trying for six words.
I have 24 to lose.
With one eye sitting further
You saw me like no other
Your black and white
Led to gray and light
Our ruffs weave and try
Our wills collide and fly
And yet, words cannot express my sadness.
I, too, am so sorry.
KB says
This hit me like a ton of bricks. I just finished rereading “The Education of Will” because we adopted an 8 week old puppy who already had full-on resource guarding against other dogs, including our two family dogs, plus shyness and reactivity around strangers. I fell in love with Will through the book. And your complete dedication and compassion for his fears helped mold my state of mind. We are working with our pup patiently, with the full knowledge from your journey with Will of the “two steps forward and one step back” trajectory of this kind of rehabilitation.
I’ve lost several dogs to cancer but I’ve written about only one who I lost in July of 2012. Believe it or not, the last months of her life enriched my soul and grew my heart more than I could have ever imagined. During those months, I opened my heart to her joy in the simplest things in life and we played as never before. Our bond grew deeper than I ever thought possible (even though it was already a strong bond of love). Those months changed me forever. So, if I can say one thing, simply “be” along with Will and you will receive peace and the gift of love as never before. Of course, you don’t need my advice – but I had to say it.
Thank you for being you and for sharing the story of Will. It is helping me and my puppy Hachi immeasurably. I send you deep sympathy about Will’s diagnosis – it hurts. I’ll be thinking of you, Jim, and Will.
j says
So very sorry to learn that you are facing the end of the ride with a dog you’ve loved so much, and who has given you so much. Loved your book. Willie made you give the world a very great gift by being the impetus behind that book (not to mention your own journey). Good boy, Willie. The story always ends the same way for all things born, hatched, or sprouted, but may the final chapter for Willie be as full of love and fun and treats as it deserves to be. Hugs!
Maria says
My heart breaks for you, Tricia.
My own special doggie went to the Rainbow Bridge last summer, and I still miss him every day.
Your Willie has helped so many people and dogs with his story! He will live on in many hearts.
Debbie S says
Damn, Damn, Damn, Trisha. Like other readers, I too have tears in my eyes thinking of that cancer roller coaster you are riding and the toll it takes on a person. I am one of the lucky owners; my Swing was diagnosed with thyroid cancer 5 years ago and he is still with me. After surgical removal of the tumor, we opted not to pursue chemo as the UW oncologist said there were no statistics that showed that dogs with his type of cancer who received chemo lived longer than those who did not. Instead we did periodic follow-up scans & I remember sitting in the hospital lobby, awaiting the results of each scan, sick with dread. And when the “all clear” was given to me, the tidal wave of relief was so palpable, it made me nauseous. I wish Willie and you and Jim all the best as you tackle this; in spite of his diagnosis, Willie is a lucky boy.
Beth Teffner says
I have read your blog for eons, learned so much, and feel as if I know you. I know how much you love this boy and I know you will make the rest of his life as wonderful as the first part has been. My husband lost his heart dog (Juris) a year ago, 10 days after being diagnosed with DCM (he was a doberman). He will tell you that he has cried every day since then and I fully expect that he will forever. They had a bond from the first second they laid eyes on each other—angels sang, there were sparklers and fireworks. Juris came to rescue at 6 and died at 9. Three years was NOT enough—but, honestly, a lifetime wouldn’t have been enough for those two. My heart dog just turned 13 two days ago and I know our days are numbered. But—-every day is a gift and I know it will be for you and Willie, too.
Emily Moore says
I am so sad for you… and yet so grateful for the huge difference you and Willie have made in my life. Maybe, having shared your journey, a little bit of Willie can live on in those of us who have been touched by your grace and courage.
Andy says
I’m so very sorry, Trisha. Please enjoy these sweet moments with your wonderful boy as much as you are able. As upsetting as losing my dear Duchess was, some of my fondest memories with her come from the weeks and months just prior to her passing. I’m so glad Willie has that beautiful light in his eyes, and I’m so glad he has such a wonderful, wonderful family.
Cecil is the naughtiest dog on the planet and the fact that, at 11, I know that I could lose him at any time seems absurd. How could death even consider taking him? Why would death want to put in that kind of effort? Cecil will keep him busy.
Willie most definitely helped me. I’m more sensitive to the possibility of trauma in the dogs and people I meet, and I respect trauma as a phenomenon that is part of who we are. Plus he is just so, so absurdly cute. Thank you so much for sharing so much of him and yourself with all of us.
Kristin says
Tears indeed for you and Jim and for Willie… Tears partly of sadness for what’s to come, but also just… emotional tears – for the sheer JOY of Willie, that you and he spread and that he brought (and continues to bring!) in such abundance.
Such a good boy…
Sending loads of light and peace and love…
J says
Oh, little Willie. I am so sorry. Sending you all lots of love.
I came across yours and Willie’s story late in my journey with my own reactive dog (who was nervous around strangers and terrified of literally all facets of city life, which in turn made her other reactivity worse). By that point, we had hit the end of a long road with our trainer and vet behaviorist, and I was crying on the regular due to what felt like a hopeless situation that would inevitably end in us putting her down.
It brought up so much more than I expected–stuff around motherhood, responsibility, life/death, etc. for me all at once. I felt guilty for not knowing literally everything, for not being able to control the entire world, that kind of thing.
It was such a balm to read your and Willie’s story and realize that I wasn’t alone in any of this–that even someone with your level of experience and devotion to dogs could feel the same kind of overwhelming emotions that I was feeling, make the same honest mistakes I did, and hit the same training/emotional walls I was hitting. It really helped me release the shame around all of those things, forgive myself, and see the situation with compassion and love for everyone involved, human and canine–and for that, I will be forever grateful to both you and Willie.
(A happy ending so far for our pup–we found a one-in-a-million rehome with a solitary person who loves rescue dogs, approved by our little behavior team, and now she spends her days zipping around a wooded, multi-acre property, barking at squirrels with her dog siblings, and snuggling up snoring loudly with her new owner. Turns out she’s almost normal outside the city! It’s sad to not have her around, but it’s good to know that, whatever her future holds, she’s deliriously happy on a level we never could have provided. You gave Willie a wonderful life, and he is a lucky boy to have you.)
Jenn D. says
I’m so sorry. My own dog has anal carcinoma, and was given a 6 to 18 month prognosis about 2 years ago. He’s still super healthy, to the mystification of our veterinary team. I don’t understand it and I don’t care, I’m just glad he’s beating the odds. But I know the day is coming when he blood work is going to come back with bad results, and I know I’m going to have to face letting him go sooner than I want. Our dogs are our hearts, and it hurts so much when they leave us. I’ve followed you for years, read your books, and I know how much Willie means to you. Sending love and hugs to you both.
Anita Pagitt says
I’m so sorry too. I loved Willie’s story and have followed your adventures ever since reading about him. I’m a palliative care nurse who understands the hard decisions you have to make. Much peace to you. Sending good wishes, hugs, and much love to you all.
Janice in GA says
I am so, so sorry to hear this. Love and peace to every one of you.
Miki says
I’m so sorry, Trisha. Gut-wrenching that our dogs’s lives are too short.
Helen says
Hi Tricia I’m so sorry I lost my girl a year ago to adenocarcinoma and my boy in the fall to liver failure… making the right decision is never easy Sending love and best wishes tp you both
Margaret says
I am so sorry. I lost my beloved Lia to cancer 5 years ago; been there, done that. The cancer support people from the Flat-Coated Retriever Society were a huge help to me, and I hope that all of us here and your other dog-friends will be for you and Willie.
Chris from Boise says
Oh, Trisha – we are so sorry too. So many commenters have said more eloquently what we are feeling.
I just read this yesterday: “Life is about the little moments, love and grace are always present if you stop to look, and death, while not the preferred option, is nonetheless not an outrage.” (written by Dave Terpeny on the Tom & Atticus Facebook page).
You will have an infinitude of little moments with Will in his remaining time. Take them with joy, as best you can.
Great big hugs from us in Boise to all of you at Redstart Farm.
Frances says
I am so sorry. I hope Willy has many happy, playful months, filling your summer with smiles and good memories to balance the inevitable tears, and that when the time comes to say goodbye it is cam, peaceful and painless. Our animals’ lives are too short – all we can do is count the days not the years, and make every day as good as it can be for them.
Heidrun says
Dear Trisha,
thank you for sharing these dreadful news. I absolutely do agree with you: being informed and therefore prepared is better than being taken by surprise, however bad the news are.
I wish you all the strength you will need and many, many moments of joy with Willie while he is still with you. Lots of love and hugs for you all.
It is exhausting to care for and look after your seriously ill dog, even if he is the love of your heart. Please don’t forget to look after yourselves as well.
We can’t thank you enough for all you have given to us, Willie and you.
Love
Heidrun
Mags Palacio says
My heart is breaking for what lies ahead but I am also smiling for his joy of life in the present. Knowing how much love resides in your heart I know that you will recognize when his time here is more painful then joyful, until then my love to him and his family both human and canine.
Kitti says
I am so sorry. None of you deserve this.
Kitti
Mel says
I am so sorry Patricia. It is a painful thing to hear a diagnosis like this. I lost 3 of my dogs within a year’s time, one with a progressive disease I knew would take her life.
I pray that the chemo helps and that you and Willie have many wonderful, quality-filled days ahead. Sending you all love and prayers.
Charlotte Kasner says
I too cried, for Willie and all his friends of any species and for myself having been through something similar four months ago with my dog Vadim who had a massive hepatic tumour.
What we also need to do is enable people to support us in the way that we need. One of the worst things that I had to endure was a “friend” badgering me to make a different decision about my dog’s care to the one that my vet and I had agreed and accusing me of not caring properly for my dog because we disagreed. I was then accused of not being grateful enough for her “support”.
In the meantime, we should console ourselves a little by realising that at least we have the opportunity to make the best/worst decision we will ever have to make and euthanise our animals if their suffering is too great, unlike humans where we are currently denied that mercy legally.
Cindy Orlandi says
Hugs to you both. Best wishes from me, Blue and Bennie and Love is a Dog and Some Crayons Weimaraner Coloring Book to benefit Great Lakes Weimaraner Rescue
Tricia says
Love to all of you and extra cuddles to Will. Tell him I read his book a few weeks ago and I will never forget it. May you have a peaceful and beautiful spring together.
Jan says
Most of us have been in your shoes. Our dog companions never live long enough and we know the day will come, hopefully when they are old, to say good bye. But it never gets easier. And to know time is limited with Will, who has such a special place in your life, makes it particularly painful. Been there, done that and will unhesitatingly do it again. My condolences are with you as are so many others.
Barb Stanek says
Oh Will. You are a treasure who has taught all of us. You will brighten our days for as long as you can, and we will all keep you in our special memories when we can no longer see your smiling face.
Trish and Jim, thank you for sharing. My heart aches with yours. Sending support and caring. May the shining moments outweigh the wrenching ones for as long as possible.
Beryl Gersch says
Oh Tricia, I am so very sorry.
Mary Beth Stevens says
Big hugs and terrier love from Tippy, Suzie and me. The right words don’t exist, so I won’t search for them. Blessings on your house, Patricia❤️
Sarah Cutler, VMD says
I hopped on to your blog just this year after reading The Education of Will a few months ago. Of course I’ve been learning from you for years through your other books and lectures and from others who have passed on your knowledge. I’m heartbroken to read this news and crying as I read all the wonderful posts of support. You and Willie have given me so much. What a gift to the world was he.
Excerpt from a poem (Called Her Grave) by Mary Oliver about one of her dogs who she buried in the pines:
A dog comes to you and lives with you in your own house, but you do not therefore own her, as you do not own the rain, or the trees, or the laws which pertain to them.
A dog can never tell you what she knows from the smells of the world, but you know, watching her, that you know almost nothing.
Barb Marshall says
Tears. For you, for Willie, for all of us who have walked thru cancer with their beloved dogs. My agility training center does an annual fun day to raise funds for canine cancer research. This year we raised over $5000. Here’s hoping all our efforts across the globe will continue to improve the outcomes for our pups. Hugs.
Nancy Young says
Trish,
I sit here with my 16 year old Frenchie. Their average length of life is 12. How much longer will he share his zealous being with us? His stubbornness, his clown like ability to make us smile? And don’t forget the occasional bouts of mind blowing gas…
I am taking to heart your latest post of how dogs live fully in the moment while they are here and for us to rejoice in their every moment.
I will remember the extra pats and butte scratches today, tomorrow and every day onward.
Thank you for sharing so openly about how hard it is and how helpless it must feel.
I sit here in tears about Willie and appreciate you even more than usual for sharing about Willie so openly so we can grow in our awareness of how much they give to our lives and accept how our hearts will break at the end of their journey. Sending love and light.
Carolyn M Henry says
Trisha – I am so sorry you, Jim and Willie are going through this but am so thankful he came into your life. I have loved many dogs and love those I have now. Sometimes one comes into your life who brings such impact it’s hard to fathom at times and believe that may describe how Willie impacted yours. Mine was Slyder – I lost my beloved boy just a year ago and when I think of the impact on my life (changes to career, training methods, pretty much everything) he brought I cry at the extreme gratefulness I feel. I’ll be thinking of Willie boy and his family and praying for all of you.
Minnesota Mary says
Oh Trisha, you are so courageous to finally post this sad news. You obviously know that there is an entire village out here loving you and sending you, Jim and Willie strength and healing. My wish for you (and it sounds like you’re already doing this) is that you live each moment you have with your sweet boy fully and completely, saving your grief for after his death. I hope you take the time you need to grieve when the end does come and learn to adjust to life full of memories. Thank you for all you do for us. You are loved.
Lynn Desautels says
Trisha – I am so sorry to hear this news. I have nursed three dogs through terminal cancer and know how poignant, challenging, heart-touching, and heart-rending the process is. There are alot of kindred hearts reaching out to you and yours as you travel this last road with your beloved Will.
Adrienne K. says
I am truly sorry to hear this, Trisha. We all dread hearing this kind of news and when it happens to one of us we all feel the pain. I have a friend who is going through this now and I want to be there for her and her husband in any way I can. I feel privileged that she chose to share her sadness with me. We all need each other when we face the loss of a beloved member of our family. Thank you for sharing and setting an example of courage. My thoughts are with you.
Geri Yaccino says
Hugs to your hearts
Kristin Watson says
Tricia, I wept reading Willy’s prognosis. He has such a wonderful Mom and teacher. I read your book. I pray for peace for you and Willy.
Cydney says
I am so sorry.
Your blog is one of the best parts of my week. Thursday mornings I sit with my coffee in my favorite chair after the kids have left for school and read your blog. It is an intense simple pleasure and I’m grateful to you for that, and Willie.
Thank you for your weekly words and sharing your dogs. I feel blessed to be able to share this very human experience of pain and sadness with you, even though I’m ugly crying right now and I have to leave for work in 2 minutes.
My thoughts are with you. This is a journey, just like the beginning was. I hope it’s beautiful.
Sarah Todd CPDT-KA says
no words can express the heartache ,my heart goes out to you Will and Jim…. thank you for your love of dogs and sharing that with us….I too have lost my last two beloved dogs to cancer both at 13 1/2 with my new crew * yrs and 6 yrs I pray that they somehow escape the epidemic of canine cancer. Sending love and good energy to Will , you and Jim…may the moments you share be full of tender love …bittersweet to have this time before the bridge. Hugs
Silke-Ryka says
Dear Trisha, thank you for confiding in us. My thoughts and heartfelt wishes are with you and Jim and of course with Willie. Knowing that one has to part with dog that means everything to you is hard to bare, especially when you have to decide at which moment in time you have to let go. My 14-year-old border terrier Wina has pancreatic carcinoma which cannot be cured. Some days, when she is in pain, she gets large amounts of Metacam and she seams to be better, she loves to cuddle up with my two assistant dogs. These two really look after her and I hope they can help me to let her go when necessary.
My only hope is that our dogs have made and will make us stronger and that will give us the strength to cope and treasure the hard and wonderful moments we had together.
Thank you so much Trisha to make me and all the others feel that we are not alone in our sorrow, but that we can also share our joy for love and life.
Trisha says
Thank you thank you thank you. So many loving, supportive and wise comments. I will read them over and over. They are especially helpful because I fight, as many of us do, the angst of guilt (I should have prevented this) and worry (which treatments, how many, when…). I know this is a common response, albeit an unhelpful one; all I can say is thank god for meditation, wonderful people like all of you, and for Willie, who at this very moment is playing with a toy by himself in the living room. Tossing it up into the air, playing his very own throw and retrieve game, just like he did as a tiny puppy. More later this week in response to individual comments, but right now the new lambs and Willie’s need for exercise is calling me. But thank you, thank you.
Susan Fleming says
I am so sorry to hear about your Willie. What a special dog he is. Am new to your Blog although read The Other End of the Leash years ago and am rereading it now. I know the prognosis and only hope you can spend as much time with your precious Willie as possible and that the combination of treatments will allow his quality of life to remain good as long as possible. Thankful you are near great veterinary care. You have taught me so much.
Enjoy each day with Willie, although as I know from lots of personal experience, the day will come when he will leave your side, but he will never leave your heart.
Charisse says
Patricia, I am so sorry about Will, sweet Will. I love your books but especially the one about Will. I cried as I read about his illness. I recently lost Whitley, a shaggy mix, a heart dog if ever there was one, to IMHA and very suddenly my 10 y.o. Newf Juni Moon to osteosarcoma. My heart is still in recovery mode and probably will be for some time. You are so fortunate to have such incredible vet sources and it makes me happy to know that Will has such wonderful support from them and especially his beloved and exceptional family. If you would like to read my tribute to Whitley, which speaks to why these animals mean the world to us, you can her http://whimsicalhomeandgarden.com/whitley-2/ Although I write about design for interiors and gardens, for me, design is nothing if it doesn’t include our animals, and I speak of them often.
Kirsten says
Thank you for letting us know.
I am so sorry.
Summer last year we lost our sweet smooth collie girl to cancer. She died three months after the diagnosis (which suggested weeks). We still miss her.
These last months were a hard time, first lots of tests for all the common and harmless illnesses, then a sudden crisis and the diagnosis that nothing could be done.
We talked a lot during the time she was ill. We looked for things to make her comfortable, tried several treatments. But we always stopped, when we realized that the treatment was causing her distress and pain. And was mainly helping us not her.
I think, we made sure that we did everything what we could do. Knowing this helped me a lot after she was gone.
We didn’t yet manage to bury her ashes in the garden. But we already have a little tombstone made, a pebble stone with her name on it. We will bury her in the summer.
Enjoy this day. And then the next day.
Today is a good day.
Kathy Butterfield says
So so sorry…you do not grieve alone….
Anton says
Just want to say how deeply sorry I am to read this. We will hold Willie and all of you in our prayers. I lost my boy at four to lung cancer. The story of how we found out was almost identical to the one you recounted about Willie. That nasty little cough that began it all… Sending hugs and love. Sometimes that’s all we can do.
Paula Ehlers says
I am so very sorry to hear this…my beloved Doberman had bone cancer, so I know a little of what you are going through. We decided on amputation and chemo, with some Eastern Medicine thrown in. We were given a prognosis of 6-9 months, which turned into 3 1/2 years of extra loving. Statistics are just numbers, and you’re right, he doesn’t know he’s sick. The mantra of Tripawds Nation is BE MORE DOG…good luck, keeping you in my prayers.
Peggy Grow says
Oh Tricia I am so deeply sorry to learn of Willie’s diagnosis. What a magnificent dog who has had an incredible life with you and Jim and Maggie and the sheep…..!!! Sending you love and healing prayers.
Carol S. says
My heart to your heart. Carpe diem Willie and family.
Chloe says
Oh Patricia I am so so very sad for you! My heart is with you. Wishing for a peaceful end of life.
Margo Harris says
Trisha, my heart is breaking also, for you and Jim.
I totally agree with what you say about Willie still having fun…. that is really the most important thing!
With my 4 (6 if you ccount my very long ago dog Lola, and my “foster” dog Jack) dogs, I have struggled with similar issues to what you mention. I still sometimes feel guilty and “wondering what if” about my dog Pippi, who was so upset by vets that I didn’t really do much vet stuff towards the end of her life. But then I do remember to focus on what a wonderful life she had with us (she lived to about 13…not quite sure what her age was when she came to live with us!)… and I’m pretty sure that to her, with her funny naughty whole-hearted character, that is really all that would matter.
Our dogs bring so much joy and warmth to our lives!
In my humble opinion, every single moment that Willie has to play, cuddle, and be happy, is everything. I know I’m taking liberties here, but I bet if Willie could talk to you (and maybe he does, in his dog way) he would exclaim, “Hey you wonderful human, I am SO happy to be spending time with you, and my life with you is THE BEST, so don’t you worry!!!”
Hang in there, Trisha.
Michelle Joans says
Trisha, I was so sad to read this, per your post and the replies, too many of us have been through this and all the memories come flooding back. I know you will make the right decisions, enjoy the time you have and have Willie in your heart forever.
I started reading your blog when I read your book about 3 months ago. We lost one of our dogs in the summer and decided to get another puppy late last year. Our 6 year old labradoodle (shy and very reactive) hated him, to the point where I did not think it would work. Our breeder mentioned your books and Will’s (and yours) story was the first one I read. Your story gave me hope. Three months later they can now be together much to the credit of this very wise and smart puppy Murphy.
Please take care.
Claire Ward says
My heart breaks for you. I am so very sorry-love to you and Willie
Mary says
I know the pain you are in right now – I have experienced it many, many times. But not having that pain would have meant that I hadn’t had the opportunity to experience the absolute joy of having my four legged friends. I miss each of them dearly, but I can honestly say that the pain, for me, has merged into sweet memories. Trisha, I don’t know you personally, but I am a big fan of your books and Dog’s Best Friend. I will keep you and yours in my prayers. ❤️
Regina says
I am so sorry to read this. 🙁 Sending hugs and prayers for you all <3
Terri says
It is wonderful that you are Willie’s “mom” and that you have given him such a wonderful life. I lost my 10 year old Mini Schnauzer to heart failure and she died in my arms. I know there will be tears for some time, I know you will also look at all the love and adventure you had together. All and all you are very blessed to have shared his life.
Lynn says
I am so, so sorry. Willie is such a special boy, and there are just no words to describe how much pain we are in during times like you are facing.
Regarding the guilt you mention, and that aching fear that we will make some of these impossible decision(s) imperfectly, I just want to say that I can relate. It is so hard to accept that there are things we simply cannot control, especially for those of us who are hyper-skilled at controlling as many things for our pets as is humanly possible. I don’t know any way to make it better, except to remind each other again and again that these feelings are something we share. You’ve done that for me, and for so many of us; I hope the comments here can do a little bit of that for you in turn.
Thank you for sharing Willie (and Luke, and Lassie, and so many of your lovely dogs) with us. You are in my heart and thoughts.
Agnieszka says
I am so very sorry. Love and hugs to all of you – and I hope for days of peace, and sunshine, and belly rubs. It’s us who are left unfulfilled, in grief, but don’t we love with all our hearts…
Beth says
No words. Only tears for you and Willie and for those of us who have, and will again, live this.
Beth
Cristina Meyer says
Dear Trisha,
You don’t know me, but I feel close to you. Your books enhanced our lives, my dogs and mine. I cried and laughed and now I feel like crying again. To loose your dog is loosing a piece of your heart.
I lost my Happy due to liver carcinoma, and I also opted for life quality. He lived well six months after diagnosis – the vet told me he had “some weeks, maybe a month”. He enjoyed his life until he got tired, and then the vet helped him to cross over.
I wish you and Jim all the strength and courage in the world. Our hearts and prayers go out to you.
And thank you for telling us. You are so brave.
Barbara Martin says
Oh, how my heart aches for you. It is difficult to write through the tears. At the end of their days I will regret all the moments I wasted not being with my dogs, and thank God for all the moments we shared.
Thank you for sharing this sad news and for all that I have learned from you. I hope you are comforted in some small way knowing so many are hurting for you.
Karen says
I’m so very sorry Tricia. I can see that Willie is another heart dog for you, like Luke.
My 9 1/2 year old Shih Tzu, Dixie, the best dog I’ve ever had, was recently diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease. After 6 days on meds, she took a turn for the worse and I thought I’d lose her but next day she rallied and I’m hoping I can have her around for awhile. It’s devastating…beyond that, really…to lose our precious furbabies. Much love and blessings sent to you during this trial. You are blessed to have the support of Jim and the comfort of your other furchildren.
Betsy Copeland says
I am so sorry. On Monday one of the pups I bred died of fungal pneumonia, so this touched me deeply. On the good news department, another dog I bred, who is a working bloodhound for a VA sheriffs dept, was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma almost 2 years ago at age 6. They chose to go the chemo route and agreed that she could keep working as long as quality of life was good and that training records showed no change in ability. To my knowledge, she is the only working bloodhound to have been certified while undergoing chemo (all three times, care was taken that the certifying officers had no knowledge of her health issues). 2 years later, after more than 40 chemo treatments, and 3 remissions, she is still working, although at a slightly slower pace now. With more than 260 calls and more than 100 people behind bars because of her evidence, she has made a difference. She has reached her lifetime limit of chemo, but she still doesn’t know she is sick. Don’t give up!!! The timelines that specialists offer are only averages. I am sorry you are going through this with Willy and I hope desperately that he is one of those dogs that beats the odds.
Sheila says
Oh Willie. I am so very sorry to hear this news. After reading your blog for years I feel like I know Willie. I know that there are no words sufficient to comfort, but please know that we will hold you and Willie in our hearts.
Chris says
Tears, sobs. Feelings rushing in of my own sweet dog losses. It’s the hardest thing ever. I know you will cherish every moment that you have left with your boy. If we look deeply enough (as you have) we all have gifts from our dogs that we carry with us for the rest of our lives; some more profound than others, but wonderful gifts nonetheless. My boy Brinkley was one of my very special dogs who sent me on my path of working with dogs because of his total love of working. I taught him tons of tricks because he always wanted to work and learn and the universe put in our path the opportunity to do tricks for a dog crazy girls 8th birthday party which was a huge success and made for one happy little 8 year old. From there we actually started a little side business, doing more birthday parties including one for a woman turning 50, volunteer performances for rescues and even a performance for an entire elementary school. I also started mentoring with a local dog trainer and eventually purchased a property with a barn and open fields, one acre of which was already fenced behind the barn, where I opened my own dog services business offering training, daycare, grooming, a small retail area and a food club. We’re in our 14th year and flourishing. I miss him every day (he’s been gone 6 years now) but hold his gifts gently in my heart. Will isn’t done giving his gifts to you though and because you are who you are, you who will welcome them all, and the rest of us will love hearing about them! Love and healing energy through the universe to you and yours and most especially to Will. XO
Cheri says
I’m so very sorry. I just had to put down my PBGV, Lucy a few weeks ago – throat cancer. In January her bark had become pretty raspy, she was 11 so I didn’t think too much of it. My last dog’s bark had changed as she got older as well. And Lucy had been acting fine & eating as normal. She had a checkup at the end of January too – I mentioned it to the vet, they didn’t see anything. The night before she passed she suddenly started wheezing – she could hardly breathe. Took her in for x-rays first thing the next morning – she had a large mass in the back of her throat, there wasn’t anything they could do at that point. It was like a kick in the gut. The vet said that the tumor started way in the back – it would have been almost impossible to find. And if they had found it, surgery wouldn’t have been an option. I adopted her from the local shelter 7 years ago. She had a good life & brought me so much joy. My heart goes out to you – just remember all the love they’ve brought into your life.
Mark Ehlers says
I am so sorry, Trisha. My wife, Linda, and I “met” Willie a couple years ago when we heard you speak about Willie’s book in Baraboo, WI. And through that book, Willie and you have not only touched so many lives, but have helped us on our own healing journeys.
May God give Willie and his family much comfort during these difficult days, until we all see each other again on the other side of the bridge.
Gayla says
You mean so much, to so many. I hope it really is possible to “share your grief.” Perhaps, somehow, the heavy hearts around the globe can lighten the load on your own.
Lara Monroe says
I don’t know what to say. I am just so very, very sorry. I am so sorry. God, this hurts.
Kerry Lauer says
Loves and hugs, Trisha.
Miriam M says
So very sorry. Glad to hear he is in good spirits and hopefully will continue to enjoy life to the very end. Cancer sucks.
Marcia Ryback says
I’m so sorry. Prayers to you.
Gordon says
Trisha,
We are so very sorry. It is a journey many of us, unfortunately, have also had to take.
I’d like to comment further, but…even after 4 years…the wounds of losing Atka in similar fashion (although he was only 8 and there was NO warning at all with him, a routine vet visit found a huge mass and it was decided then and there that this was “his time”) are still very raw and, at times, unbearable.
But there are other times, like one day this past week, when he stopped by to visit. The reason(s) are known only to him, but perhaps it was simply to say this he is ok, wherever exactly he is, and not to worry. And that we’ll see each other again.
Blessings to you, Jim and everyone on the farm.
Kelly Moran says
“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” – Khalil Gibran I came across this when dealing with the loss of my beloved Shepherd to metastatic hemangiosarcoma. I searched for articles and books that would give comfort and found my greatest solace came from re-reading your chapter on saying good-bye in the Other End of the Leash. You are very special in your ability to express the awesomeness of the relationship that can exist between a treasured dog and his/her human. I wish you strength and peace during this time and may Willie go gently when his time comes.
Elizabeth Traxler says
I empathize with your decisions with Willie. I lost my 16 year old miniature schnauzer to a brain tumor in November 2017. I had been following the Canine Cancer Foundation since my husband and I lost his dog to hemangiosarcoma in 2014. I didn’t know about Czar’s Promise but I will follow and share them, too!
Patricia says
I’m so sorry! He’s such a beautiful boy with so much character and challenge:) I lost my boy two years ago and I miss him so, the was the fourth of my four Border Collies, my first one came when I was eighteen and I have cried for every one. Love to your boy and to you too…
Sheila says
So very sorry. We lost of beautiful girl, Gracie, to this just 71 days ago. My heart broke into a million pieces that day. Love, hugs, and all the best to Willie.
Kat says
It’s good to hear Willie is still feeling good and able to do things he loves. As my beloved Ranger’s life was drawing to a close (cancer sucks) I remember reading somewhere that the question you should be asking yourself regularly is what makes life worth living for your dog. When those things aren’t there you know it’s time to say goodbye. It was helpful advice for me.
When we did say goodbye to Ranger I liked to think of him joining an awesome pack of dogs on the other side of the rainbow bridge. There were his Therapy Dog pals that preceded him across the bridge, his playmates from the park that had gone ahead, dogs I grew up with, and the dogs that we never met in person but from the descriptions provided by their people on this blog I knew Ranger would recognize as kindred souls that were already on the other side. When the time comes Willy will be welcomed into that company. I think he and Ranger and Otis will have a good time looking after Maddy and playing with all the others.
Debi says
I am so sorry to read this. Sending gentle hugs.
Amy says
Two years ago today I got the devastating news from my vet that it was time to let go of my heart dog Georgia. (Treatment of her cancer with a good quality of life just wasn’t possible.) Tomorrow is the anniversary of her death. Nothing breaks your heart like the death of a heart dog, but I started looking for another dog immediately and adopted one two months later. It was probably too soon, but when you have a designated rescue dog spot in your home, it is hard to leave it empty knowing there are so many dogs out there who need one. That’s how dogs work. They break your heart into a million pieces, yet we can’t live without them.
Just me says
Whenever I think of all the goodbyes that I’ve said to the companion animals I’ve loved, what catches in my heart is all of the good that sharing in their lives and deaths has brought to me.
I’m glad you will have a goodbye with Will. Enjoy each last as if it is a first. May your memories of him be a blessing.
Sandy says
Dear Trisha,
About 10 years ago when I brought my dog TT home I posted here and you gave me the best advice I ever got about him. TT was a feral puppy and I literally could not touch him at that time but from the moment he met her, he adored my dog Sophie. You told me to pay attention to Sophie and to let him watch and learn from watching. To not approach him but to let him come to me. Today, as I write this, he is sitting at my feet. He did bond to me and loves me and Sophie like crazy. There are still challenges and things we cannot change, which do affect his life, sometimes profoundly, but overall we manage well and he has a good life. That short exchange with you helped me and my dog immensely and I have always wanted to tell you that, and also to tell you that I have read every one of your books and learned so much from them.
Sophie was diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma in the urethra almost a year ago and has been on chemo. Fortunately, I have pet insurance for her – we never made a claim in 12 years but now we have it when we need it. The chemo has not affected her adversely at all and at almost 13 years old she still runs like the wind in the forests where we hike. The forest is her place of joy. She is amazing and as long as she still feels that joy, and is not in pain or suffering, we will continue with the treatment. It’s a huge worry because I cannot allow her urethra to become blocked which would cause her a painful and traumatic death so we monitor her very carefully to make sure that doesn’t happen. When it is her time, I want her to go peacefully, gently, at home, without fear, and with me and TT at her side.
I understand what you feel for Willie because I feel the same for my beautiful Sophie.
Yesterday, a dear friend found out that her cancer has spread to her brain. Treatment is stopping and she now needs to prepare for her dying and death at the age of 67. I will be a primary support for her through her transition, along with her sister. I am scared and at the same time I feel privileged to be by her side and won’t let her down. My friend’s dog adores her and doesn’t like to be apart from her – it’s just the two of them – and I feel so sad knowing how much her dog is going to miss her when she’s gone. I am afraid he will be devastated.
With cancer so prominent in my life right now, the news about Willie affected me a lot. Like others, I have followed his story through your blog and your books and I feel a lot of affection for him. My heart goes out to him and you.
About five years ago, I decided I wanted to be a dog trainer and have been studying and earning credentials, and working towards that goal ever since. I recently retired from my day job and am planning to set up a dog training business in my small town. It’s my passion and came to me later in life but I still have a lot to give and I’m going to give it! Your books and the stories of you and your dogs have meant so much to me. I think Will’s story touches me the most because I see so many dogs with similar behaviours and fears. Often people don’t know there is hope and a way forward and that the way is based on science and grounded in love.
I’m sorry this is so long – it’s just pouring out. My heart is with you and Will as you travel through the next months together.
Sandy
Lorie Bickford says
Willie and Trisha, thank you both for sharing your story. Without it I am not sure how we would have coped with our own boy Phinn when we got him at 10 months as a rescue. We too have been through tough times together but your story gave us hope. Much love coming your way. Lorie, Jeff and Phinn <3
Susan Sanders says
I didn’t expect to cry, but here I am. It wasn’t your news, sad as it is, that got me. It was many of the insightful & comforting comments above mine. You’re so fortunate to have this support, Trisha, & some of us, perhaps many of us, benefit from it as well. I’m four months plus into Sallie’s cancer, with maybe a week to go. So much of what I’ve read here will help me through it.
Marilynn A Snook says
I am so very sorry, Trish! I’ve followed Willie’s adventures for a long time. <3
Jeanne says
Dear Tricia, my heart is full and my eyes overflowing for your worry and grief. We, too lost a pup to cancer at age four, and it was as you suspected Luke’s death to be. A world without oxygen in which I was supposed to go on. And yet, somehow, we do. And if he could, Willie would tell you that every day is a good day, and the best thing he’s ever smelled (or rolled in) is whatever’s in front of his nose. Your mutual story has touched me deeply, and it was a joy to meet you in Seattle on your book tour. It fixes nothing, but maybe it will help even a teeny bit to know you are held in love and gratitude by an enormous army of friends. You are in my thoughts, my prayers, my heart. ~Jeanne
Ann Foley and David McFarlane says
I’m so sorry to hear this. My husband Dave and I will hold your family in our thoughts and play a little more with our BCs, Frankie and Prince (but we won’t hug them because, as you have taught us, they are not crazy about that).
Peace to all of you.
Marguerite says
I’m so sad to read this–the first time I saw you in person at a book signing, you took a call to have an update on Tulip’s condition. We all get what you’re going through. I haven’t been a very faithful reader, but I’ve been a constant fan. I’m sending my very best wishes for your strength and resilience. Love will guide you.
Alice R. says
Oh, Trisha, I am so sorry. I’m a praying person so I will pray for Willie and Maggie, and both of you. It is such a terrible price that we pay for their love, but, oh, so worth it. I have walked this walk too, and will be thinking of you at every step. When tough times come, remember you are not alone: there are many sitting there with you. I wish you strength, peace, and only easy decisions. Please take care of yourself well through this difficult time.
Robin says
I’m so sorry. We lost our beautiful Golden a couple months ago to a brain tumor, after extending his life for a few great months with radiation therapy. Don’t regret any decisions you make for his care. Even a few more good days or weeks is worth it, all he knows is that he is happy with you. We’ll be spreading our baby’s cremains on his favorite hiking trail this summer. He was only 8 years old.
Colleen says
Oh no. Tears for Willie and you as I read this. So sorry to hear this news.
CHRIS GESCHWANTNER says
I do hospice primarily for senior hounds and pitties. The ones I get are usually in poor condition and the females have been bred far too often and then dumped having developed mammary tumors, HW or both. I have received dogs in congestive heart failure with lung cancer. Cancer is such a devastating disease and all of us who have a long history with dogs are likely to see it. Take good care of Willie.
Carole says
I hate this part of ownship/partnership with our beloved dogs. I can only wish both you peace as you take this final journey.
Timaran says
Dear Trisha. I have never posted before now, though I have read your books and followed your blog for years. Like so many others posting here, I am moved to tears by Willie’s prognosis. My beloved boy, Ronan, and my sweet girl, Tamsen, both 1.5 year old GSD siblings, have a lot of anxiety around strange dogs that we are working on one day at a time. Your and Willie’s experiences in “The Education of Will” have helped me–a first time dog owner (or do they own me?), have a better understanding about how dogs process information and the fact that Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither are calm, well-adjusted dogs. I’m sending all you, Jim and Willie all the best wishes that Ronan, Tamsen and I possibly can.
Oh, hearts–why are they so fragile when it comes to our beloved dogs? Godspeed.
Sue says
This blog is rather a shock as yesterday my Beardie x Border collie who is almost 7 was diagnosed with a “mass” on her lung……………………………I am in a small town in NZ .There are vets , but all fairly basic compared to over there. I am devastated .
Orietta says
Dear Trisha thank you for sharing this with us. We have lost our beloved Bella in October due adenocarcinome in her bones. It’s the first time since then that I’m reading your blog because I simply couldn’t.. I miss her so much and now I found out about Willie.. After reading your books and blog you become like family to us, both of you teaching us so much.. please give him a big hug and rubbing from me and enjoy your time with him as much as you can. My hearth is with you all
Dawn Lea says
I’m so sad for you & Willie. After reading your book, I feel like I met him. Your books have helped me through the loss of my pets. & your experiences with them have helped me become a better pet owner. I wish I could give you what solace you gave me after my first golden died. I lost her to cancer, too. Her death led me to put both of my goldens in a cancer study. It doesn’t bring her back, but their blood & specimens & time may help us not lose more of our amazing dogs & ultimately family & friends to cancer. I’m so sorry we don’t know enough, yet, to save Willie. Every loss to cancer breaks my heart. 💔
Lisa Arant says
Please know that all of you are in my heart. I feel like I’ve grown up with Willie. Both you and he have been a part of my life since I started training.
Monika, Sam & Elsa says
I’m just 💔for you. Having recently read your book, The Education of Will, I feel like I know him (and he knows me). Know Sam, Elsa and I are sending oodles of poodles of warm loving thoughts with a digital ear rub for your sweet boy.
dana schreiber says
my first thought is, howmuch I loved reading your book about you and willie and how much he gave you and vice versa and how much it gave me… my rabbi told me that jews believe we live on through the lives we have touched… you have touched my life forever, but that book means willie will live on through me as well as all that read that book.. thank you and willie for that… I know how hard it is for you…I am sorry
d
Alice says
Oh Trisha, I am so so sorry to read this. I have only recently discovered you and I am half way through The Education of Will and The Other End of the Leash. I write this with tears in my eyes and a pain in my heart for you. Sending love, I think you are brave and amazing and I have learnt so much from you. My older collie is 13 this month and I find it so hard to see him aging. Thinking of you all xx
Susan Phillips says
Thank you for sharing Will. The two of you came along and helped me so much at a very tough time. My mini Aussie Ruby is perfect in all the ways except the ways she isn’t. You and Will helped me stop worrying about her imperfections. Her quirks are not something I did and her personality is wired the way it’s wired. We still work on them and train and work out as much as we can but she is now totally perfect in my eyes. And I can understand what Will is going through. I have had chemo three out of four weeks since August. It’s hard and would be impossible without ruby, who is by my side as much as possible. Chemo is hard and I understand it. Will does not. Give him a hug from me. And you too. I read as much of your work as I can. It has truly changed how I interact with animals.
Dina says
I’m very sorry to hear the news. Love to you all. Losing our lovely pups is always heartbreak even when we know it’s coming.
Lisa McEvoy says
I am so sorry. That is what my dog India had. I opted for chemo for palliative care and she tolerated it very well. I wish Willie as many good months as possible.
Sherryl says
I started reading The Education of Will this morning and am halfway through. I am so sorry to hear about Will’s cancer but know he will continue to have the best life and the kindest, most loving, peaceful passing possible. Thank you for sharing your life and teaching through books, the internet and so many other ways. You and Will will be remembered lovingly by so many more people than you will ever realize.
Terri Spaeth-Merrick says
I’m so very sorry, we are going through a similar thing. May you find peace and comfort in the decisions you make for Willie’s care, knowing all the while that the choices and care you give at anyone moment are the exactly right ones based on the deep love you have for him.
May the days you have together be filled with as many good things as possible.
Terri
Jenny Haskins says
So sorry.
We lost one of our dogs to lung cancer, too.
He to had a cough and I was afraid it was Heart Worm, so whipped him up to the vet. No Heartworm just practically no working lung tissues at all.
I took him home again , and he told us when the effort to breath was too much.
Give my Love to Willie.
Cathy says
Add me to those who cried through your post. Cried because, like so many others, I have been there and cried because you have shared Willie with all of us, which allowed me to feel as though I know him. I am so grateful that Willie continues to enjoy life. Some years ago when one of my Shelties was diagnosed with cancer, I was relieved that in the time she had left, life went on for her. It was early winter in PA, and I have video of her joyfully playing in an early December snow oblivious to the fact that there was anything wrong. What a lesson she and Willie and others teach us! My heart goes out to you, Jim, Willie, and Maggie.❤️
Keli says
So sorry to hear this. After reading your book I know Willy taught you many lessons you may not have wanted to learn at the time, but made you a better person and trainer. We all feel like we know Willy and he has a special place on all our hearts! No matter the age, young or old, an animal’s death is always too soon. My thoughts are with you and Jim in the following months.
Myra says
I’m so sorry to read this news. I loved learning about Willie in your book and loved the dedication you two have for each other. The small cough is all too familiar; my soon to be 12 year old border collie started with one last December. It seemed like kennel cough, but in early January we learned he was in congestive heart failure. With medication, he’s feeling much better, but my own heart is broken. None of us want our dogs to have health problems. Here’s to Willie feeling good for as long as possible. You are definitely in good hands with
Dr. B – I know her (we practiced herding together).
lizzy jones says
Sending you all kinds of love. We never get over them, do we? And we wouldn’t ever want to. May you have many beautiful loving moments with him still.
Robin says
I started crying as soon as I started reading about sweet Willie. I lost an Irish Setter many years ago from cancer. She had a mass the size of a grapefruit. The leg was amputated and she seemed ok but a little depressed for about 10 months when she died of a heart attack. This was prior to the advances in canine cancer and not a lot of information out there. Her death broke my heart-I helped her birth. I think a lot of us feel like we know Willie through your storytelling and dearly love him. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Robin
Pam Small says
You and Willie have taught me just as much as my own boy has. Without your wonderful teachings my guy and I would never have made it to the places his padded feet have taken us. My heart is heavy and I will shower extra lovin’s on my Willey.
Jill Evans says
Love and peace to Willie and his family. Heck, love and peace to everyone.
Lisa Giesick says
Trisha, my heart breaks for you. I really enjoyed The Education of Will, and feel like I know him. I have been through several types of cancers with dogs over the year. Never gets easier. You guys are in my prayers. I agree with you totally about quality over quantity. Much love and aloha <3
Gloria says
You and Willie will be in my heart. No matter how long we have our dear companions, it’s never long enough. God bless.
Maria Montgomery says
May your days spent with Willie be full of pure joy, snuggles and smiles.
Vicki D says
Tricia, I have been following your stories about Willie for years. I am so terribly sorry to hear this news. This breaks our hearts, too. I know how much he is loved and all of the the love you get in return. They are so much a part of our families. Please know that we are keeping all of you in our prayers & sending strength & peace your way. May he have as many good days as possible. Sending hugs from Missouri.
Mara says
I’m so very sorry to read this. I’ve lost two to cancer and it is so cruel. I also opted for a simple chemo protocol for my boy. Without it he would have been gone in a few days post diagnosis. With it, we had 2 pretty good months together post diagnosis. I hope that the chemo also buys you some wonderful time with Willie.
While the cancer is cruel and heartbreaking, I am also immensely grateful for the opportunity that I had with both of my dogs to spoil, love and live in the moment with them at the end of their lives. These dogs are an amazing gift.
Linda Rodgers says
Sending my love to you and Willie and your whole family. You couldn’t know it, but you helped me raise and love and train my now 10-year-old rescue Border Collie. She is a miracle for me much like Willie has been for you. Your book has meant the world to me — we have a lot in common. I’ve given it as a gift many times and know I’ll read it many more times.
You have both been a gift to me.
LisaH says
I found your books, radio program, and then blog when I got my BC Java in March 2007, shortly after Willie joined your family and I have of course read and loved hearing every step of Willie’s journey. Java was my first dog and you have been an invaluable guidepost all these years – I’m so thankful I was directed to you when he was still just 10 weeks old.
Two years ago this week, Java was diagnosed with multi centric lymphoma, stage 3 – such a shock to hear the C word. I had taken him in for the Lymes vac and his vet discovered enlarged lymph nodes. Java completed the 5 month protocol at UW-Madison, with some weight loss & then hair loss after the first two cycles of treatment (both weight and hair came back 😃). But I am so thankful he is still here, also playing with his toys on his own, & loving his absolute favorite activity – running his trails ! I know the end will be closing in, but I resolve to enjoy every day we have. I want to be strong enough to end things when I know his quality of life is starting to diminish, but well before it is gone, then celebrate his life as the immense gift it has been. I do not want to mourn forever as it would be a disservice to him, an exceptionally happy boy.
I am so very sorry you are needing to make these choices. Thank you for sharing, and best wishes in this next part of your lives together.
Beth says
I am so, so sorry. My dog-of-a-lifetime Jack the Corgi turns 12 this month. He has a tremor at times in one hind leg. It might be nothing. It might not. Buying his heart worm medication, I had to decide: 12 month supply? Or not?
Willie, handsome clever Willie, you are well-loved.
Beth says
I am not religious. I took great comfort in this poem when we lost our Madison to degenerative myelopathy
Say not in grief that she is no more
but say in thankfulness that she was
A death is not the extinguishing of a light,
but the putting out of the lamp
because the dawn has come.
– Rabindranath Tagore
Carol McPherson says
So very sorry to hear this, my heart goes out to you atd Willie, x
Jill Leggio says
Hugs! My heart hurts for yours…
Debbi says
Heartfelt love and hugs to you, Willie and all those you love! Being mortal is tough, but I think outliving these amazing creatures is one of the more difficult aspects of being human.
Kim laird says
So very sorry. My heart goes out to you. Yes, been there.
Donna Baker says
So very, very saddened to hear this news and my heart goes out to you, Jim, and of course your dear Willie. I’ve followed your blog for years, but only read The Education of Will a few weeks ago (after it sat on my reading pile for a year). To say that it moved me profoundly would be an understatement, particularly since I had just recently signed adoption papers in January for my foster boy Charlie, who is without a doubt the most behaviorally challenging dog to grace my life. So many dog lovers have benefited over the years from your wisdom, courage, and talent for the written word, and we have learned to vicariously love Willie in the process. I know the next few weeks and months will be fraught with emotion and difficult decisions …. sending you much strength and many positive thoughts as you begin this next and final chapter with Willie.
Vierter Foster says
We each have just our time.
No more, no less.
We live our lives, devoted,
Dedicated to you, the one we hold so dear.
And then it is good bye and we go,
Often without a whimper or an awareness
That we will not pass by here again.
But our time is rich,
In loyalty and love .
Hugs during this difficult time. Savour the joy…it is still here.
Cathy Warcup says
I’m very sorry to read this sad news. Enjoy Willie while you can.
Mary Ann Francis says
Dear Patricia, I am a member of the Czar’s Promise Team. I am SO sorry to learn of your dear Willie’s cancer diagnosis. All of us on the team are doing all we can to provide resources for research to end this dreadful disease and support families whose dogs have received a cancer diagnosis. We are so grateful for your support even in the midst of your own need. The Education of Will is a wonderful book and has been very impactful to me personally. I too have a rescue dog with many of the same challenges Will has. The book was so helpful on many levels. I also have struggled with many of the personal challenges you shared about your life. Your reflections have been and continue to be most helpful and inspiring for me. For that, I thank you so very much. You and Will are a blessing to me. I am holding you, Will and everyone in your family in my prayers. May you be uplifted by knowing how important you are to me and many others.
Robin Rosner says
it’s all no doubt been said…just know you are not alone, that you all are in so many hearts and prayers, and yes so many of us have felt the anxiety and stress of it all. You are wise, compassionate, loving and you are canine…the best quality a person can ever harbor. We’re with you and sending love from Cleveland. And don’t forget that love is a force the vets can never account for. It does work miracles.
soyoung says
we send you all our love. so very sorry to hear this news…our hearts are breaking for your family!
Christine says
Oh I am so very sorry to read your sad news. I recently read your touching book The Education of Will, and, as it did to many people I’m sure, had an impact on my life. Thank you for sharing Willie with the world, and I hope the remaining time with him brings some new happy memories along with the inevitable sad.
Karin Bergman says
🙏🐾🐾💗🐾🐾🙏
JOAN L LINDBERG says
I am so terribly sorry to hear the news about Willie. I just finished reading your book a month or so ago so Willie is still a young dog in my eyes and heart. I’m sure he’ll have a wonderful last few months on the farm. My heart goes out to all of you, including Maggie who will miss her tug-buddy. I had my two grand-dogs on Wed night (border collie/collie mixes with the exact same look in theirs eye that Willie has in his picture). they are coming for another overnight on Sunday and will be getting extra hugs and attention from Granny. Meanwhile, I’ve got my two collies to keep close to me and hug.
Hannah says
I read The Education of Will earlier this year looking for something, anything to help me help my dog, Vader, who is fearful of strange humans, dogs and noises. What I got was more than I could’ve hoped for. I learnt to love the dog I have. He is no longer a problem that needs to be fixed. I love and accept him for the loving, gentle, sentient being that he is and I will never stop trying to help him feel safe. I can see now that we have lots of time to heal, together.
Thank you, thank you Willie and thank you Vader.
For teaching me so much
Jeanne Kerstiens says
Trisha, I am so sorry. It’s heart wrenching to face this diagnosis. You and Will have touched more of us than you may know.
January, a year ago, I lost my 16 year old Border Collie to degenerative myelopathy.
I adopted her when she was 13. Dixie was my heart dog.
I now have a one year old Border Collie/ miniature Australian Shepherd mix, Valen. He is challenging but wonderful. I read the Education of Will and your other books. All have inspired and helped.
Prayers for you and Will as you continue this journey. Thanks for informing all of us.
Linda H. says
God gave us dogs so we could understand, just a tiny bit, the love that awaits from Him in heaven.
Sending good thoughts for Will, you and Jim.
Deb McGrath says
If Willie and all of your wonderful books have taught me nothing else, it is to attempt to emulate our beloved dogs and live in, and cherish, every moment….thinking of all of you, and of a boy who has taught us all so much, and will continue to do so in this final chapter of his life.
Tressie Dutchyn says
Very sorry to hear this. As someone who has lost more animal companions to cancer than any other illness, I know your heartache. One day at a time in my experience is the best approach. If there are more bad days than good, then its time – otherwise, each day is a gift. HUGS!!
lak says
Oh I am truly so sorry for the news. I wish for Willie quality of life with treats and walks and games and sunny days, I wish for you peace and many joy filled days with your sweet boy. I love that these dogs truly live in the moment and have no idea what is happening, but continue to enjoy each day as you have written above. Again….so sorry.
Leslie McDevitt says
Holding you all in my heart.
Amy S says
My heart goes out to you, Jim, Willie, and the rest of your family. It has a been a rough year for you so far and is now continuing with this diagnosis.
My oldest dog who was 11.5 years old and my training partner as I started my journey to become a dog trainer passed away in February. I don’t know specifically what type of cancer it was or where it began but the day before we let him cross the rainbow bridge the vet took an x-ray of his chest and it was riddled with tumors. Everything happened very quickly for him and us as he had just been to the vet only about 3.5 weeks prior for a regular check up. Something was elevated in his blood levels leading the vet to believe he had an infection in his gall bladder and/or liver. We started treating with antibiotics and then he slowly stopped eating and drinking and displaying very unusual behaviors: trying to crawl under a side table in the living room and pawing at the lamp base, going outside and lying down under the deck and not wanting to come inside, etc. He had horrible hip dysplasia in both hips and my fear was that the hips would start to give out and we’d have to make the hard financial decisions about what to do with his hips. I guess in a way I’m grateful the end came as it did because we didn’t have to make the hard decisions about what to do for treatment and I don’t think he suffered for long. I miss him dearly but my other two bat shit crazy dogs are keeping me going!
Lots of love and prayers for all of you!
Michele Ocejo says
I am so so sorry. Sending love and prayers. Our beloved Ella (rescued bulldog) was dx with lung cancer just 5 months after being dx with CHF…she was the sweetest, silliest girl and we miss her so so much. Our time with them is just never long enough.
Trisha says
I am gobsmacked by the outpouring of love and concern. Truly overwhelmed, in the best possible way. I expected responses but nothing like this and am so very, very grateful. I wish I could answer every comment, I truly do. But Willie’s acupuncturist just left and it’s time to get Willie ready for his next chemo treatment. The good news–no great news–is that he is doing really well. Very little coughing, playful and seemingly a happy, happy dog. Gradually, over time, I hope to answer some of the individual comments– from friends, from readers I now consider friends, and from the hundreds of dog lovers in this cyber village that we have created together. But right now there’s Willie. And lambs to check on in the barn. And later today, maybe even some time in the garden. Today is a good day. And that’s what matters, right?
Janine says
I am so sorry.. And thank you for keeping us informed about all of this, despite how hard it must be. My condolences go out to you. I can hardly imagine what it must feel like.
I feel like I owe so much to you and Willy, The Education of Will made me realize many things about my own dog and me, how my mental state kept holding us back and it made me realize that I owe it not only to myself, but to my dog to work through my own problems. Your story was so intimate and emotional that I can’t deny that it had me in tears more than once. After all the things all of you had to go through, I am so glad that he seems to still be enjoying life and I hope you can enjoy his remaining time together and in peace.
Dena A M Norton says
Much love <3 and tears.
Barbara says
Trisha, please know that I echo everyone’s heartfelt sentiments. Losing Willie is going to hurt like hell but you are strong and have an entire village to support you. I realize this is a difficult time but I would like to ask one question if you don’t mind. Has Maggie been acting differently around Willie? You hear so much about dogs’ ability to detect cancer in humans. I wondered if perhaps Maggie sensed a change in Willie. I don’t know if dogs have been trained to detect cancer in other dogs. Is that even possible? Treasure the days ahead!
Judy says
Just finished reading your book about Will so feelings are raw. Lost my Reactive, gorgeous, sweet Chance to cancer age 7 after major surgery year before (jaw). We chose to let him go with dignity vs keeping him alive in pain for us. Our dogs have been selfless for us so we need to be the same for them. 💔
Linda says
such sad news. For those of us who have been through this, there are no words. We try to live our life with our “best friends” with all the joy we had before we knew., after all they know no differently and expect us to be the same. My heart goes out to you and your entire family.
Lydia Krupinski says
So so sorry to hear that all of you are going through this. There’s nothing that can prepare us for facing this kind of devastating news.
Something that helped us when faced with our dearly departed Peanut’s cancer diagnosis was focusing on making his final days as joyful, rich and comfortable as possible. What helped keep us focused on that mission was creating a bucket list for Peanut. It made those last few months special and sweet for our whole family despite the underlying sadness.
Thinking of all of you. ❤️
Candice Schacher says
I am so sad to read about Willie. I learned so much from your life with him, through his struggles, and yours while you made your way through significant challenges. Each time I lose a dog I swear I will not get another as its just too hard to do it all again. My husband has had to come to terms with death through the loss of his teenage son and reminds me that ones grief is directly proportional to the love…and we have to love so we have to grieve. I know…but I don’t like it
My thoughts are with you.
Curtisy says
So very sorry to read this about Willie, Trisha. You must be devastated, and from your writing, I have some idea of how special Willie was to you. I just lost my two boy dogs a month ago…they died within two weeks of each other…and there is a huge hole in my heart. I wish you happy days with Willie for however long he has, and strength and courage for you for the times ahead after you have to say goodbye.
Cris W says
Breaks my heart to hear about your sweet “boy”, Willy! He is the funniest, sweetest companion. I have been thinking of you and your husband, sending strength to both of you, and Willy, for being as well as possible.
I am so grateful for your blog. I appreciate your candid, sad, sweet, interesting and fun posts. Life is everything, from your adventures on your farm, to traveling around talking “dog”. Warm regards~
Jency says
I’m so sorry to hear this. Wishing you and yours all the best. I hope Willie has a smooth recovery. Being in your care, he’s in the very best hands. Sending healing thoughts.
Donna says
I’m so sorry to hear this news and can’t hold back the tears. A little over a year ago, we lost our Sheltie version of Willie, and I know this because I, too, read the The Education of Will. I think the ones who require the most from us are the ones we miss the most. And I also know that the heartbreak is brutal. You are so lucky to have had each other.
Francoise says
I am so, so sorry about Willy.
Still, he’ll have been the lucky one living with people who truly loved him and cared for him.
You’re so right to privilege his quality of life over a few extra weeks or months.
No words can help when we know we have to part with our loved ones. My heart goes out to you.
Debby Gray says
Trisha I cried when I read this post. I know Willie will get the best care possible from you and Jim and the medical community.
Imogene Sevin says
I am 73 with 1 and 3 year old dogs so I have some perspective. Although it hurts horribly when our 4 footed best friend grows old, gets sick, and dies, it is a blessing that in nearly all cases they do die before us and are not left stranded. I worry about what would happen to the 3 year old who is a part pit bull mix. Yes I have left her a trust fund with a an administrator I trust as much as I can, but will everything be OK for her if she is old and left alone? We can also celebrate that we do have choices with our dogs that are not available to humans. When their quality of life has finally tanked, we can let go; not so for people trapped in our medical system. I am very sorry to hear about your Willy and trust that you will enjoy every moment you still have with him.
Jane says
Dear Trisha: My heart is breaking for you and Jim. I am so sorry to hear about Willie. Your book (well all of your books, really) have had profound effects on me by helping me to see dogs from their perspective. I am so grateful to you for sharing that. My dogs are grateful too. I thank you for writing The Education of Will, I have shared this book with people who are dealing with trauma or friends of mine who are life coaches who help people with trauma. One of our dogs had the beginning stages of lymphoma and I did give her one chemo treatment and her oncologist said she did go into remission but she would need 11 more treatments and every time she went to the vet hospital she would immediately shutdown and go to sleep to deal with the stress of being there. I just could not put her through that any more. I feel I did the right thing for her to let her move on. It was so hard for us but I do not regret it. What a brilliant and beautiful teacher Will has been for you and really for all of us. Because of our dog’s short lives, I like to look at them as our teachers of life and coping. They are such pure souls. Thank you for your stories, your perspective and most of all your love for dogs.
Life with a dog says
So sad…all our thoughts to you💔
Vicki in Michigan says
I’m so sorry. We never have enough time with them, and cancer is a terrible thief of that time. Sending good vibes that he feel good as long as possible.
Terry Baer-Brooks says
Dear Trisha- I am so very sorry for you, Willie and Jim. I write this through tears and with a broken heart- for you, and all of us who love our dogs with a ferocity and intensity such that it can stop us in our tracks. My boy Jackson 12 3/4 yrs died very suddenly in November 2018 of osteosarcoma and I am still reeling from the loss of Russell 12 1/2 years from metastatic lung cancer this February 28th. Both boys gone. In 3 months time. Russie too started with a simple little single cough- few times a day. It progressed and our amazing vet started immediately looking why. Kennel cough was quickly ruled out, xrays showed lots of nodules in both lobes of his lungs and a small mass on his spleen. We were already taking Russ for supportive acupuncture to help with arthritis and mild aortic stenosis. The first oncologist suggested we come back for a re-check in 6 weeks. That seemed ridiculous to us , so I called our primary vet in a panic (again- how do those saints put up with us? )Thankfully she understood and called a colleague at Cornell Medical Center who got us in 2 days later. Grateful for the appointment, I felt that Russell was thoroughly examined and I learned more than I had. Sadly the prognosis was still poor. The nodules had already grown in size and number in just 2 weeks. At that time he still didn’t appear sick-playful, chowing breakfast and dinner- romping through our daily woods walks. Very quickly the cancer progressed- less than a month later our boy clearly was not enjoying his life. Nauseous and lethargic, easily fatigued,very rapid resting respiration rate and frequently just staring at me -as if to say “why can’t you help me?” He didn’t even want to go out to toilet any more, and walking was a chore. We decided to let him go before breathing became more difficult and scary for him. I know that we have been through this pain before but I swear it only gets harder the older I get. I truly understand the roller coaster of tears, sobs and bittersweet pain as you spend your time loving and comforting your boy. I know that he will be getting the best rest of his life. We have so much to be grateful for that we get to share our lives with these amazing beings. Our dogs. Such a simple word for such an important part of our lives, our hearts and souls. I can’t thank you enough for the comfort reading your books has given me these past months as I mourn my boys. It always feels as though so much of what you share in your books and your blog is being said by a dear friend. I wish that there was something I could say to help. Please know that I am keeping you, Willie and Jim in my thoughts each day. And that you are not alone.
tracy says
First, I am sorry to hear about Willie. I am sending over positive reinforcement that he will be strong and survive the C word. I also wish strength for your family at this time.
Our adopted doggo, Gogo, perfectly fine two weeks ago, all of sudden became lethargic and had a runny nose. We thought it was a cold so we brought her to Vet A and they said that she has Upper Respiratory Track Infection and gave antibiotics. The day after she took her first medicine, she stopped eating and had a hard time going down the stairs and we decided to bring her to Vet B. This vet decided to do a physical exam and felt a mass in her stomach.She immediately did a CTScan and when it was confirmed, she recommended surgery. During surgery, she found out that her tumor was not on her stomach but under the spine, compressing her aorta. She surgically removed it and requested for biopsy. We are now waiting for the results and our Gogo is currently on herbal medicines and I am still researching on eastern medicines that may help her.
I have been racking my brain every night on what I did wrong with her care and researching on the life expectancy for dogs with possible meningioma/ hemangioma / osteosarcoma and I feel devastated with the different literature I encounter. I have been checking non stop if Gogo is still breathing or eating or if her gums are pink but after reading this (and talking to people) and one common message from everyone is : I have given my doggo a second lease in life and I should be thankful for that and not worry about what will happen or if the cancer is treatable or not. I should just enjoy everyday that we are with her and she should be given all positive energy. Its about the quality of Life we have given her.
If its too much to ask, hope you can share with us, in this thread your western and eastern medicines for Willie and what I should expect when my Gogo undergoes chemo. And please hug Willie for me.
Thank you!
lin says
Trisha, much warmth and hugs to you, Jim, and everyone who loves Willie. I am glad he is feeling well. May that continue for months and his end come softly.
CJ says
Oh I am so sorry to hear this. Big primate-y ventral hugs to you. Your seminars, books and blog have helped me with my own wild child puppy starting 10 years ago, and I know her life has been better for it. She gets to choose most of the directions we walk (except when there are things to roll in with little fly babies). Your writing was immensely helpful on the long journey to find the right border collie puppy to add to our little family of two. It has made all the difference for us. Thank you for sharing your journey with Willie, he has helped so many other dogs and their people.
Trisha says
Yes yes, Tracy, toss that guilt away as if it was a hot potato. It’s just going to burn your hands (and your heart). I know, easier said than done, but cancer really is a bit of an epidemic now in dogs, and it seems to happen to most of us eventually. I can tell you that Willie, like about 80% of dogs, seems to have few or no side effects from his chemo treatments. However, he does get Cerenia for 5 days after treatment to control nauseau. He is also on Rimadyl, because lung cancer is painful. Right now he is getting Coriolus mushrooms, which some believe slows the growth of cancer cells, Apocaps to support his immune system and Respicalm drops to ease his lungs. He also gets several other supplements, but these are the ones related to his cancer. But, I must add that these were prescribed by Dr. Donahue, and DVM and Eastern medicine vet. Every dog is different, and so I’d suggest contacting a medical professional before jumping in. Good luck to you, I am so sorry you are going through this.
Trisha says
Oh god Terry, I am so sorry. Two dogs in three months? There’s so little to say about such a loss, except we’re with you and you too are not alone. Okay, I’m crying now. Hugs.
Clelia Brigneti says
I just choked reading about Willie… reminded me of my beautiful boy…. my heart is with you guys, enjoy every second of today and deal with tomorrow when it comes and treasure the memories.
You have been an inspiration to me Md a great help to my relationship with my fur kids.
muttzrule says
I’m so sorry about Willie’s diagnosis, yet glad that he is responding to treatment and has the love of his family and vets to see him through this part of his journey.
Seven years ago my lab Scout passed from lung cancer at 14. He seemed healthy enough for an older dog until he started limping badly while on a walk one day. Tests revealed spots on his lung which were advanced enough that, given his age, treatment other than palliative care wouldn’t have increased the quality or length of his life. He lived a few more weeks until his meds and all his favorite foods were no longer enough to keep him comfortable. Saying goodbye to Scout, and three years later to his adopted sister Meg, my 16 year old “Rhodesian Whippet Princess,” (liver/kidney failure) was devastating. At 6 and almost 9 years old, my dog buddies Missy and Duncan are still healthy puppies at heart, but the Duncanator is getting his first white hairs around his chin and eyes and I’m already dreading the time they will cross the bridge. Dogs have such relatively brief lives that they teach us to cherish each day with them in a way that little else can.
Many people have expressed their condolences and thanks for your blog and books far more eloquently than I can. I have enjoyed both for years, laughing and crying over the adventues of Willie and all the dogs. Just know that your family is in my prayers. If you ever come to the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Duncan would welcome you with a big hug (really–his favorite thing is to stand on his hind legs and hug humans around the waist. If he could talk, he would be Dug from “Up.”)
Also, he and Missy join the chorus of dogs and humans everywhere in agreement that CANCER SUXXX!!!
Larry Caldwell says
My wife and I adopt older dogs, so we face the sorrow more often than most. Some years ago I realized that their light goes out so soon because they burn so brightly while they are here. The joy we share is enough.
When it happens, I hope it is quick.
Christin says
Thank you for sharing this news, when I can’t imagine it is easy to write. Oddly, I’ve dealt with a number of human deaths and my own cancer treatment, but I haven’t yet had to grieve the death of a dog of my own. Sometimes I feel hunted and haunted by how quickly the years pass for a dog, and how inescapably the pain must follow the joy they create. So I’m grateful to everyone who is willing to tell me how they navigate the part of this relationship that scares me the most. You have always demonstrated how to focus on what our dogs need to live as fully as they can. I’m so sorry Willie is sick, and so glad he has you to guard him and bring him joy as he goes through this. Wishing you all resiliency and rest.
Risë VanFleet says
I’m so sorry to hear this news, and I appreciate your way of telling us and walking us through this difficult chapter with its many considerations and decisions. Thinking of you all.
Risë
Trisha says
Burn so brightly while alive? Ah, Larry, that is lovely. I am going to hold it in my heart.
Jill Cooke says
Patricia,
I cannot express how sorry I am to hear about sweet Will. The link below might be of interest to you.
https://go2.thetruthaboutcancer.com/pet-docuseries/order/
Sonbol says
I’m so so sorry to hear that sweet Will has cancer (I’m actually crying as I type this). I lost one of my beautiful cats to a super aggressive form of squamous cell carcinoma last year and we opted for palliative care only since our vet and the oncologist both agreed that none of the treatment options that were available for him would give him any reasonable chance of survival, and would cause him too much pain and stress. Every animal and every cancer is so different, and I know you and Jim will make the absolute best decision for your sweet Will. The best thing about animals though is that they don’t fret or worry about the future and just enjoy the moment. Up til his last day, my sweet Mishka was his happy beautiful self and we cherished every minute we had with him. I know you will cherish Will for as long as he is with you. Sending love to all of you.
Tracy says
Thank you, Trisha for the advice. Sending love and warmth to you, your family and to Willie. 💛
Diane says
Tears are streaming. Your family seems so close as you have shared all your experiences…good and bad. News of illness of one of your family members hits hard. Willie certainly has a special place in your heart…and in all of ours. Try to take care of yourself through this emotional time.
Christine Bandy says
Sending love, and kind thoughts. Thank you for sharing with all of us. I can only hope for all of you that the transition, when it happens, is smooth and painless for Will. xo.
Fiona Petersen says
“It came to me that every time I lose a dog, he takes a piece of my heart with him. And every new dog that comes into my life gifts me with a piece of his. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are”. Author Unknown.
I grieve with you, but am so grateful that you were able to gift Will with a gentle and peaceful goodbye-it’s the best gift we can bestow at the end, and our heartache is a small price to pay for their all too short lifetime of unconditional love and loyalty. And in truth, he will never leave you.
Andrea Heitzman says
I just came across this today. My heart is heavy…I am trying hard to focus on what I want to say. You are blessed with your never ending love of dogs. We are blessed to know you. I ask and pray to St. Francis of Assisi for help and healing.
Heavenly Father, you created all things for your glory and made us stewards of our pets. If it so your will, restore Will to health and strength. Blessed are you,Lord God, and holy is your name for ever and ever. Amen