The Loss Of My Lab Lizzy Options

[LuvLabs]

On Oct. 15 I had to have my beautiful white lab Lizzy put to sleep. She was a very strong dog from the time I adopted her at 8 weeks old. She had health problems from neglect when I adopted her. But with good vet care and lot's of love she pulled through. She grew up with my lab/whippet mix Abby and they were great pals. Three yrs. ago Abby passed away at 17! Liz & I moved to a warmer climate and soon adopted another lab Elly. Liz was so thrilled to have Elly as her new best friend. Elly got Liz over her fear of water and the two girl's loved to swim together. Even at 9 yrs. old Liz acted like a puppy and played...up until the day before she had to leave for Heaven.

Liz turned 9 in May and that month I found a lump on her belly. A year before that she had what I was told was a cyst removed from the same area. After tests the vet told me Liz had lymphoma...he gave her 6 weeks to live. The cancer was already a stage 3. I could not understand this because she appeared to be so healthy. I had just had her in for a dental cleaning and full blood work in May. I would think the blood work would have shown something. We had always rubbed Lizzy's belly and never felt the lump before. I felt Liz was too young to have this horrible prognosis. The vet suggested prednisone...but then said I may not like the side effects. I chose to seek the advice of another vet and found him to be much more concerned for Liz...so I changed vets. Although the prognosis was the same I felt Liz was in better hands. The prednisone worked great and her tumor shrunk. We changed to a prescription diet which Liz loved. We had a great summer together and no one could believe Liz had cancer. At the end of summer I was laid off from my job. It was wonderful to be able to spend every day with Liz & Elly. Liz made sure we played constantly and she loved to swim and go for car rides. I swear she knew that we had to make up for the yrs. we were losing together. I took lot's of pictures as always and have them framed all over the house.

Liz lived a full life and taught me to be a strong person...despite what life throws at us. She taught me to make each day count as we never know how long our life will last. Her pictures show her smiling and wagging her tail....what an inspiration she is for me. She taught me what unconditional love is. And lastly she taught me to always remember to play!!

Elly is quite lost without her pal. We enjoy our walks together and play all the time. I cherish the memories of my sweet Lizzy. And when I think of her I feel her strength. She never liked it when I was sad so I smile when I look at her pictures. She would want us to live life to it's fullest and to be happy just like she was.