❤️ Charley, I carry your heart with me. ❤️
~ March 29, 2008 – June 3, 2015 ~
Charley earned his well deserved angel wings at 5:13pm. He beat bone cancer 2x…for 4 Years, 7 months and 6 days. He survived bone cancer and he beat the odds, but he couldn’t beat another evil cancer called Hemangiosarcoma.
Charley was totally fine and acting like his happy Labby self even last night. This morning he seemed tired and he refused a treat which never happens and my gut told me something was wrong. I called my parents and they checked on Charley this morning about 10:30 and he was more of his perky self, he greeted them at the door, brought them a baby and scarfed down his food. Joe came home around 11:30 and checked on him and he went potty but didn’t want to go on a walk. I got home about 12:30 and he didn’t want to eat, he was panting, he jumped up on the couch by me and his back legs were shaking. When he looked at me his eyes told me he was scared and he was asking for help. When I looked at his gums and lips they were way too pale.
I called my parents since Joe was in court downtown and they came over and we took Charley in to the ER, which is also where his oncologist is. The ER is about 30 minutes away and I really didn’t think Charley would make it. He was breathing really slow and not responding when I was talking to him. By the time I got him to the ER he was in shock. His pulse was thready and his blood pressure was low. Hematocrit was fine. His lungs were fine. Dr. Buss, his oncologist, did an abdominal US and it showed a tumor in his spleen and behind his left kidney. FNA confirmed Hemangiosarcoma. One of the tumors must have ruptured and he bled internally, although no fluid was seen in his abdomen, around his lungs or around his heart. They gave Charley 3 shock boluses of fluid and his blood pressure wouldn’t come up. He was fading.
Dr. Buss, his oncologist, was there with us and he was the one to give him the injection. I will never forget what Dr. Buss said with tears in his eyes, “I will never forget Charley. He touched so many lives. He was an inspiration and he gave so many people hope. I’ve never had a patient survive bone cancer twice and beat bone cancer. I’m not going to say goodbye, but rather see you later. You’re a good boy Charley. You are so loved.” He also said that the internet is going to go viral tonight with the news of Charley.
I am thankful that Charley held on long enough that we were all able to say goodbye and he was surrounded by everyone who loved him. All of the vet techs and the receptionists that knew him came in to give him a pet and a kiss…and he knew a lot of people over his 5 years going there!
I am thankful and blessed that we got an additional 4 Years, 7 Months and 6 Days (1,680 days) with Charley after his bone cancer diagnosis. We were able to see a young pup of 2-1/2 grow into a wonderful adult. We were able to keep our promise and take him to the beach so he could swim in the ocean. We got to celebrate his 7th Birthday on 3/29/15. We will get to bring him home on Friday or Monday.
My heart is shattered and I’m broken. I’m not sure how I am going to make it without him. If I had only known last night was the last time he would sleep with me, I would have stayed up all night. ❤️
Godspeed Charley. Run free, sweet boy, run with all of the hero angels that have gone before you. You are my love, my heart, my son, my hero…. I love you forever and always.
Charley, I carry your heart with me. March 29, 2008 – June 3, 2015
❤️ Hugs from me and chocolate Labby kisses from my forever Warrior Charley! xoxo ❤️
