One of the most enduring friendships in history – dogs and their people, people and their dogs. ~Terry Kay
Some of you who read my posts here and on my Facebook author page have gotten to know my dog, Oscar. I’ve had him about eight years. My husband found him on an internet site where his owners were trying to find him a good home. They had rescued the poor dog from a ditch by the side of a road and taken him home. They knew he was a treasure and wanted to keep him but they were horse trainers and had to be on the road. They decided that wouldn’t be a good life for a dog like Oscar.
They did give him his name and it’s good they did. My husband had been shopping for dogs for weeks. I don’t know why except he just decided we needed another dog even though we had a dog. He’d find a dog on the internet dog giveaway sites and tell me about it. I’d say we already had a dog and that dog was enough, but then he showed me Oscar’s picture and told me his name. That name got me for some reason, and I said if you want to, go get him. So he did. It was love at first sight when Oscar jumped down out of the van and sat at my feet looking up at me. I had a new dog, one of those “this is my dog and I am his human” type of dog and owner relationships. That’s the way it’s been ever since. My dog, Oscar.
I’ve written on here before about what an unusual dog Oscar is. Here’s the link to Odd Dog Oscar if you’re interested. He doesn’t like to ride in cars. He’s obviously part lab but he doesn’t like to swim. He’ll sit in water to cool off, but forget the swimming. He didn’t want to come in the house and for several years was an outside dog. Until somebody working on our house accidentally ran over him and broke his back leg. Surgery and big vet bills followed. Oscar had to come inside to recuperate and he’s been my companion in my office while I work ever since. But he won’t go through the kitchen door and stays either in the enclosed sun porch or my office. He’s the best writing companion I’ve ever had.
A few weeks ago, he started limping. He has arthritis and so the vet kept giving me medicine for that. But it didn’t help. So finally I took him for an x-ray. Bad news. Very bad news. Instead of arthritis, Oscar has bone cancer in his leg. Aggressive cancer. And I am sad. Very sad. But he’s got some new medicine and he’s hanging in there right now. I’m hoping for a little more good time or at least not too bad time for him while I get ready to say goodbye. Something I’m not ready to do yet, but when the time comes, I know Oscar will be braver than me. Because he’s a very good dog.
Here he is with the girls a few years ago. This picture makes me smile. He does love those girls. And right now I need some smiles.
Thanks for reading and letting me share with you about my dog, Oscar.
Comments 33
This post brought tears to my eyes. Please give Oscar every chance. If they can’t kill the cancer, can’t they amputate his leg? Many dogs get along just fine with three legs. I’m praying for Oscar and hope you have many more years with him as your writing companion.
Author
Unfortunately, Doris, they don’t think Oscar could make it with three legs since the other hind leg is the one that was broken and has plates in it now. So it’s not strong enough to hold up a big dog like Oscar. All I can do is love him and see what happens, but it he gets in too much pain, I’ll have to do what’s best for him even if it will break my heart.
Author
I heard from a reader that they were having difficulty commenting here. If you are too, let me know from my contact page (e-mail annhgabhart(at)yahoo(dot)com) and I’ll try to figure out what’s wrong.
Oh, Ann. I’m sorry to hear about Oscar. Hopefully, you’ll have several more months with him.
He’s a beautiful and loving dog!
Blessings~
Author
Thanks, Robbie. I appreciate your sweet words. I hope you are feeling better!
Oscar is a beautiful dog and I know he will go bravely when his time comes. He is the second dog that I fell in love with on Facebook .The other was a beautiful red Irish Setter.His mommy was Marian Baay. He passed over the rainbow Bridge last year. (I can’t remember whether he was a he or a she ) My grand dog had to be put out of his misery last year also. My thoughts and prayers are with you .
Author
I know I have a lot of “sister” dog lovers out there, Faye, who have had to watch a beloved dog buddy head over that rainbow bridge. I’ve had to watch several myself and cried buckets of tears. But I had hoped for a few more years before Oscar was headed that way. Still, we’ve had some good years together and will have a few more weeks, maybe months together now. Thanks for your good thoughts and prayers.