RIP Pubs

Yesterday I received a call from my mom while I was at work. She told me that the time had come to put their dog, Pubs, to sleep. He has had a rough go for quite some time. Four years ago, he was diagnosed with cancer, and had a major surgery that involved skin grafts. About a year ago, he had cancer on his leg, and my parents had to choose between putting Pubs to sleep or amputation. They chose the latter and Pubs became "tri-pubs"...the pit bull with three legs! He bounced back very quickly and the surgery almost made him the perfect dog because he now wasn't able to jump up on you. But for the past month, he hasn't been eating much. His labwork came back fine, so we were thinking that he had a tumor in or near his stomach, causing an obstruction. In the last two weeks of his life, he wasn't able to eat anything at all. He lost a ton of weight and would just lay in the Fetal Position (if a dog can actually lay in the fetal position...) It took a huge toll on my parents, especially my mom, who tried relentlessly to nurse him back to health.

As much as I wished Pubs would just go naturally without having to be euthanized  he was just too strong and hearty, and needed help to let go. My parents hired a vet to come out to their house, and put Pubs to sleep in his own environment, with all of the family present. I hadn't seen pubs in a few weeks, so it was great that I got to spend a couple hours with him before he passed away. He got a couple bursts of energy while we were there. We went outside and he played one of his favorite games, "Chase the light" (which was second only to his all-time-favorite game of "licking-the-wall"). We even got it on tape (see video below). He got SUPER wound up when my brother got there and brought out his guitar. The guitar caused a giant glow from the sun and Pubs had a hay day.

It was great to be with my family and I am so thankful that I got to say "good bye" to Pubs before he passed. I didn't realize how attached I was to the little guy. So many good memories! Before I got married and moved out, he would always sleep with me in my room, and we would hang out together. He was such a loving dog. I used to love taking pictures of Pubs, so below are some pictures that I took of him throughout the years...

December 2012

Love at first sight! I really think Pubs was the cutest puppy ever. 

Grandma, Chris and my Mom pose with Pubs

It looks like this might have been after Pubs' first surgery, 4 years ago. 

Getting some love from Dad and Chris.

Strong Profile.

Cuddling with me in my room

Extreme close-up on Pubs. 

Here are pictures from Pubs' last day - Look at how skinny Pubs was. He lost so much weight...still really cute! But the life just wasn't in his eyes like it used to be.

And finally...a little game of "Chase the Light"