Howard (Tailends 07.06.08 - 25.06.08)

Howard was an old black staffie cross who arrived at Tailends on Saturday 7th June 2008 from a Lancashire dog pound where he was due to be put to sleep on this date when his statutory week was up. He had been picked up by the dog warden and it is thought he had been a stray for some time. He was a very affectionate old chap who was very friendly towards other dogs. He was taken to the vet on Monday 9th June for a check and blood tests. I also took a urine specimen as I was concerned that there may be a problem. The urine was very weak and contained both blood and a high leucocyte concentration. The blood tests showed that he had damage to his liver, kidneys and possibly pancreas. It was decided to do a scan on the following day to find out if there was cancer present, and if he was clear he could then be castrated to remove a testicular tumour and also a small growth under his eye. He also had stitches in his ear which had never been removed and our vet thought that they had been in for a considerable time, making his ear very sore. These were removed when he was scanned. Howard also had severe arthritis in his hips and knees.

Sadly poor Howard did have cancer in both kidneys and also his prostate gland which was very enlarged. The vet did not therefore castrate him but, after discussion, it was decided that he should come home to live out his final days with the comforts and care which he had been deprived of in the past. He was a happy chap and was eating well and enjoying his walks over the fields. He ran and skipped in spite of his very stiff back legs. He slept well at night and did not seem to be experiencing pain or discomfort other than drinking more than normal. Howard was monitored closely as I would not let him suffer. I had no idea how long he would have, maybe a few weeks, maybe only days. What was his story I wonder? We will never know. He would obviously not be put on the sponsor list but if anyone wanted to send him a little treat or a special meal he was delighted. He was such a sweet boy and life had not been kind to him. I did everything to make his last days happy and comfortable.

My dear little boy died peacefully on Wednesday 25th June at 6.15pm. I knew he had only a short time here after being diagnosed with advanced cancer in his kidneys and prostate gland. I had hoped that his time would be counted in weeks but he was only to have just 18days. He left us six days after little Dolly. The grief is so hard to bear. I doubt if Howard had received much kindness until he came here and he deserved more time. He loved it here and was always ready for a walk along the footpath to the fields. He would skip along with his tail in the air and his stiff hind legs jumping together in his eagerness to enjoy every minute of his time. He was so good with all the other dogs and was so happy and confident, fitting in with the Tailends routines and loving his choice of comfortable beds. He tried a different one each day. Gradually he became reluctant to eat and I had to tempt him with all sorts of things. He ate some warm freshly cooked lamb on the evening before he died and really seemed to enjoy it.

The next day he did not want to go out but seemed very lethargic. He slept deeply and did not seem to be in pain. However as the day wore on I realised he was coming to the end and rang the vet who later confirmed that Howard's organs were shutting down as the disease entered its final stage. He died watching the birds as they hopped around in the grass. He did not suffer but passed quietly from this world. We all miss him very much even though his time was short. He was so gentle and loving and had suffered so much in his hard past. Night Night Howard. I will see you again one day. Until then those other Tailender spirits will guide and care for you.