Gail here:
I know that some of Bertie's friends will be wondering how he is really doing, given his late September diagnosis of cancer of the bladder.
Well the recent blog posts do not lie. The dear little fellow has been relishing his autumnal walks, lively as ever, and at home he is calm and content as in the picture above. His appetite is good, the 'accidents' in the house have, for the moment, ceased and he is not obviously straining to pee. The anti-inflammatory tablets, 'Previcox', appear to be doing their job of easing his symptoms.
And yet.... sadly that is not the whole story. Yesterday, for the first time, I clearly observed blood in Bertie's urine, something I had been warned to look out for, and a sure sign that the cancer has progressed.
So we continue to live in the moment. In a week when in the wider world, to quote Heaney via Biden, "hope and history rhyme", I'm made aware again of the dark cloud on the local horizon (though thankfully Bertie is not) and I try to savour each day that my beloved pup remains comfortable, with his zest for life undimmed.
I am glad that Bertie is feeling okay and my heart hurts for him and for you. Prayers for all of you and for a peaceful life as the cancer progresses and even for a miracle that it will get better. Happy to hear that the medication is helping with the symptoms. Having just gone through what you're going through now my eyes are full of tears and my heart hurts
ReplyDeleteGail and Bertie, know that you have friends in America who pray for you every day. I picture God holding Bertie in the palm of his hand. As He is now holding poor old America, thankfully!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your life to the very fullest, Bertie. We keep you and Gail in our thoughts and prayers♥
ReplyDeleteHey Gail and Bertie and thank you for sharing this with us. You both have endless hugs, love and prayers for each day you have. I say Bertie is lucky to be loved by you...but I know deep in my heart you would say I'M LUCKY TO BE LOVED by Bertie.
ReplyDeleteHugs and snugggles
Cecilia
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteYou know I echo all the comments of Love and POTP and send warm hugs to you both... from Auld Reekie (got in about 1230, which was pretty good going!) YAM xx
We're so glad to hear Bertie is feeling well and have been happy to see him enjoying all those walks. Our paws are crossed that he can keep enjoying all the walks he wants. It's so great to see so many of our friends around the world as happy as we are about the outcome of our election.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update as I too have been wondering and praying hard for Bertie. We will continue to send good thoughts and prayers for more walkies and smiles all around for you both. We know the pain in your heart.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kim
Thank you for the update on Bertie.
ReplyDeleteWhen we share his enjoyment of life, through the blogs, it's difficult to believe there is anything wrong at all. We, too, pray that the Previcox will continue to do it's job.
Take care.
Love,
Inca - and her human xx
As the others said, thanks for the update. We think 'living in the moment' is the best advice anyone would give or receive.
ReplyDeleteGood Vibes Bertie from a 14yo Rough Collie who enjoys hearing about your antics.
ReplyDeleteWe are so very happy every time we visit here and see Bertie enjoying life. It is good that he doesn't seem to know what you do. Love him to pieces and take lots of photos. Enjoy every day and fill it with joy for him and for you.
ReplyDeleteHugs and Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber and Kathie
We have been keeping an eye and love seeing Bertie still enjoying his adventures. We are keeping you both close in our hearts
ReplyDeletelove
Mabel, Hilda & Mom
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Please give Bertie some love from us.
ReplyDeleteFrom my corner in the US, I'm still sending all my best as you continue on your journey together for what we all hope is many, many more of the best of days like you've been having.
ReplyDeleteI know you two will treasure every moment together. We will keep the prayers going.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update ~ I am so glads you guys are just living in every moment, and taking all the joy and happiness in. I am sendin' POTP every day,and lots of AireZens ♥
ReplyDeleteKisses,
Ruby ♥
Please give Bertie some extra ear scritches and tummy rubs from us.
ReplyDeleteWe send our prayers and warm thoughts to you and Bertie, enjoy and love every moment you get to have!
ReplyDeleteRosie and Lesley
I remember when my Casey had his cancer diagnosis and I was so torn between enjoying every day to the fullest and watching him for every tiny sign that it was progressing. I'm so sorry you're having to go through this.
ReplyDelete- Andrea
We are also sending our love and POTP. I so admire your Carpe Diem outlook and know both you and Bertie will enjoy each and every day together!
ReplyDeleteHi Bertie's person Gail! Ojo here! We missed this news as we weren't on blogville at the time. We are very sorry to hear this! We are happy that Bertie is truly enjoying things, especially his Walks because he has the best Walks in the best places!
ReplyDeleteBertie is my good blog-friend and I am sending him lots and lots and lots of love and wags and licks. <3
I just returned from an off-the-grid trip, and I was wondering how Bertie is doing while I was away. I'm so glad that he's enjoying his autumn walks - and that the two of you are having such fun together. Your deep bond inspires so many of us. I'm sending lots of love. Thanks for the update.
ReplyDeleteOh Gail, it's the pain of love that afflicts every pet owner, isn't it. We're all praying for good days for Bertie, and peace for you. John, from Disasterfilm.blogspot also has an elderly dog slipping towards the Rainbow Bridge. I'll weep for each of you when the time comes - as John says, you'll know when the right time has arrived. Meanwhile, hugs and best wishes.
ReplyDeleteHi Virginia, thanks for the tip. I've just been to visit John. What a beautiful blog.
DeleteThank u both x
ReplyDelete'Previcox' days are in some ways the most important of all. Innocence and trust all bound up together.
ReplyDeleteWe're thinking of you constantly, Bertie and Gail. ❤️
ReplyDeleteAh no Gail, I'm sorry to read this
ReplyDeleteWe just came to see how you and Bertie were doing after we've been horribly neglectful!
And Bertie, elderly? Surely he's a young pup still?
I'm glad he's doing well. But so sad that he's living with horrible cancer.
Thanks for your kind comment - it's good to hear from you. Hope all's well your end, pandemic notwithstanding...
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