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
I am SO sorry, Ann. I know what it’s like to have that once-in-a-lifetime dog, then have to give him up. It hurts to the very core of your being. Do take this time while you can to enjoy him and make a few more lasting memories. Consider yourself hugged and kept in my heart.
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I appreciate the hug and the good thoughts, Gin. And I do know I’ll never have another dog like Oscar, but perhaps a different kind of very good dog will someday come back in my life. I haven’t been without at least one dog of my own since I was 8 or 9. And that’s a long time. But right now, I’m just trying to make things easy for Oscar while he’s still hanging in here and not feeling too bad.
Your post brought tears to my eyes. I’m so sorry Oscar has cancer. I hope the medicine will work so you have more time together. It’s always so hard to say goodbye, no matter the reason. I don’t have a dog now but there have been several very good dogs in my life. It’s good to have memories to cherish, as I’m sure you do too.
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I do have some great memories of my previous dogs, Pam, and when I have to say goodbye to Oscar I’ll have plenty of good memories and smiles to treasure about him too. But right now I’m just trying to make things as easy for him as I can.
I am so sad for you and your family about the news of your beloved Oscar. I think, as the rest of your facebook family, we have all become so fond of you and Oscar as you take your walks together and share with us the many wonderful pictures. Lots of hugs to you and Oscar, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for lots of courage.
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I appreciate that, Connie. Actually what you said about my blog and Facebook family being so fond of Oscar is one reason I went ahead and told about his diagnosis of cancer. I thought it was better to let you all take the journey with us instead of springing it on you when he crosses the rainbow bridge. Right now he’s hanging in there and doesn’t seem to be in too much pain yet.
Why am I in tears? Somehow I am so fond of your dog, too. And I’ve had to do it to several of my dogs over the years and it’s h.a.r.d.
You know that you gave him the best life that he could have ever had…and he knew it. He knew he belonged and knew his love was returned. He had a farm to roam, not behind a small fence in town somewhere. You know, my doggie, Sonny, was a rescue dog, having at least three homes before I got him. So many times I’ve seen the look on his face that tells me that he doesn’t want to lose his home. Now he knows that when I go on vacation that I WILL come back and get him, that he had a FOREVER home…and that’s all he and Oscar could ever ask for. God bless your Oscar. I know it hurts…but imagine not having had that love, that relationship.
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So sweet of you to cry with me, Loretta. I shed quite a few tears typing that up last night. It is very hard to make that decision for your sweet pets, but sometimes they just look at you and you see it in their eyes that they want you to take away the pain. Oscar’s not there yet. Right now he’s enjoying all the hugs coming his way from you wonderful friends and so am I. All dogs need a forever home. Sounds as if Sonny is a lucky dog.
I am so sorry. That’s the most difficult part of having a pet—we humans normally outlive them. 😢
Is the leg that he favors the same one that was broken? God bless and give you peace. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
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I used to tell my daughter who had a pet she loved the way I do Oscar that you do want to outlive your dogs because as you say, Karen, dogs just don’t live long enough even when they aren’t struck down by something out of the ordinary. But they are worth every tear when you have to say goodbye because of all the smiles they’ve given you before.
I’ve enjoyed your walks with Oscar and hate to hear this. Give him a hug from me.
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Will do, Ola. Thank you and Oscar is loving the hugs.
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I appreciate every comment and Oscar is loving all the hugs. He doesn’t seem to be in pain except when he’s walking and the new pain pills are helping some with that. Right now he’s sleeping on his bed behind my chair and both of us so appreciate your kind thoughts and prayers. I know he’s just a dog, but he’s been a very special dog friend. Those of you who have had or do have one of those furry friends whether it is a dog or cat or maybe a horse, then you know how they fill a special place in your life.
I debated putting the question “Should you pray for a dog?” in my post. After all there are so many people in need of prayers. Young and old alike. And there are all the problems of the world that need prayer and relationships gone awry that need prayer. But you know what? Our God has no limits on the prayers we can lift up to Him. We are the ones who put in limits. He is limitless and His love encompasses everything about us. I think that includes the pets we love. So thank you for your prayers for me and for Oscar. They make a difference. As her mother taught Carlyn in my book, The Innocent, “pray anyway.” Whatever the situation, good, fearful, happy, say, “pray anyway.” And answers will come.
Prayers and hugs coming your way !
Thank you for sharing about Oscar. Sending love and hugs to you all and a soft loving hug to Oscar.
Ann, I am so sorry to hear this news. I enjoy every story I read about your awesome furry friend and companion. You both will be in my thoughts and prayers. I will pray the time he has left will be very special. 💕
Praying you and Oscar have many good days ahead!
🤗❤️🙏🏻
I am crying. I love Oscar! I am so glad the two of you have had each other so long!
I’m so sorry to hear it! It’s so hard to lose a pet. They really are a part of the family.
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Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. That means so much. Oscar is enjoying the outdoors this morning. He likes being out there sometimes to keep an eye and ear on what’s happening. I’m hoping for a few more weeks or months with him, but if life gets too hard for him, I’ll have to do what’s best for him and not me. It’s never fun to make that decision. I’ve had to do it for two special dogs in my life already.
You are right, Amy. Oscar has been a gift and a blessing. And I’m blessed by all of you who understand about how we can love our furry friends.
Oh Ann! I’m so sorry about Oscar! Our furbabies get into our hearts so deeply. I hope his medicine can help him for a long time. Hugs!
What a gift Oscar has been to you as well as you to him. I pray that you continue to cherish the time that you have left with him. Give Oscar a big hug and a pat on the head from all of your readers. You are in my prayers.
I am so sorry to hear about Oscar’s problem. Cancer is so ugly. I am glad that Oscar has had you these many years and I know that God will be with you when and if the time comes for you to say goodbye. Big hugs and prayers.
How very sad for you, Ann that Oscar is so sick! I hope you & Oscar can a little while longer to enjoy each other!
Blessings,
Betsy Fuzy
So sorry to hear about Oscar. We have lost a few dogs years ago and it is always hard. I will pray that whatever may come God will work through it and give you peace! Blessings, Paula
Love and prayers