good-bye, Aruba

Hello everyone and thank you so much for all of your thoughts and prayers.

As many of you already know from my Facebook page, Aruba passed away on December 13.  We are devastated and still trying to cope.  We miss her and Buddy so very much!
For those not on FB, I've included my post + pictures from that day here... and below it is the special story of Aruba's rescue and how she joined our family.  

Thanks for letting me share....


from my Facebook page (12.13.13):

Dear friends & family,

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I share that our precious Aruba passed away today.

The cancer had spread to her brain.
There was no hope....
We are devastated, our hearts are shattered. For our 15 years together, we tried to give her Heaven here on Earth, but she's in Heaven now... with our dear Buddy.

We spent the day cuddling with her, saying good-bye. It was terribly painful. But, we were blessed with access for the entire day to the "family room" at the hospital... a quiet, private room with a sofa, blankets + pillows, and an oxygen hook-up, which Aruba needed to breathe comfortably. Aruba and I laid down, snuggled & napped like we had so often done.

The room also has an adjoining patio... and since Aruba loved the outdoors--- we had always spent lots of time outside together; she loved to sniff the air, feel the sunshine on her face--- we chose the patio for Aruba's final good-bye. A pleasant breeze was blowing on Aruba's face as she went to Heaven. The veterinarian who helped us was the same who had helped us say good-bye to Buddy in June... she is so kind and has such a gentle, compassionate spirit. She cried with us, petted Aruba's beautiful fur. Such a blessing to us!

I wore my Dog Mom shirt. I'm so distraught that I'm no longer Buddy & Aruba's Dog Mom.

We brought Aruba's favorite toy to her-- a stuffed hippo that squeaked. It will be cremated with her. She had several of them for us to have as keepsakes.

We donated Aruba's corneas to the ophthalmology dept at the hospital, they were very thankful. We find joy in knowing that Aruba's beautiful sparkling eyes will help another dog !!!

It is very hard to be home without her... I feel empty, lost. She and Buddy are everywhere here! I've lost my family in less than 6 months, so painful. I'm struggling with how to cope ???

I'll post a memoriam to Aruba on my blog soon... I'll share the special story of her rescue and how she joined our family.

Again, I thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers for Aruba, and for checking on me. It meant so much during what has become one of the most difficult times of my life.

We love you Aruba! You were cherished !! We'll miss you forever! :-(

 

****************************************

Aruba's Rescue Story 

It was summer of 1999 and Salvatore was in the final year of his postdoctoral work, beginning his search for a professor position, and I was working toward my engineering license.... a stressful time.  I planned a brief getaway to a place that was beautiful yet purposely without much to do except relax.... the island of Aruba seemed perfect.

While lounging on the beach, we noticed a small dog emerge from bushes on vacant land adjoining the beach.  Local surfers told us she was living in those bushes.  She staggered down the beach, obviously weak, and drank water from a puddle on a pool deck. 

We approached her and were shocked to see that she had no fur and was covered in sores!!  Because of her frightening appearance, some tourists were kicking sand at her to keep her away from them, so awful !!  In horror we wondered where was their compassion for this suffering creature??!  :-(   Our hearts were broken and we could not leave her to live like that!

We fashioned a leash out of our luggage straps, in case she was scared and would bite.  We quickly realized she was way too weak to do that.  Instead, we wrapped her in towels, carried her to our rental car, and found a veterinarian on the island. 

The doctor was shocked at her condition and said that she was near death!  He immediately began treatment for her sores, plus dehydration, malnutrition, etc.  We asked him to prepare her for travel back to the U.S.--- we had already decided that she was our "Aruba" !!  In the meantime, I worked out the details with Customs paperwork and the airline.  I contacted Buddy's veterinarian back home in Indianapolis so they'd be prepared for her arrival.

Aruba did well on the flight to the U.S. ... at only 14 pounds, she was tucked under the seat in a cozy pet carrier (it was a challenge to find an airline-approved one on such a small island!).

Arriving home, we immediately took her to Buddy's veterinarian, where she was quarantined for 3 weeks (as a precaution) and received medical treatment.  We visited her during quarantine and had to wear gloves while playing with her because of those treatments.  Veterinarians estimated that she was about 6 months old.

With her health much-improved, and her skin sores all healed, we were able to bring her home.  She was bald and pink and adorable.  Buddy welcomed her so warmly!  She was immediately fascinated with his toys--- she had never seen toys before!

Over the next few months, her beautiful fur grew in and we saw what colors should would be and how tall she'd grow.  Her fun and silly and lovable personality emerged too.

We were a happy family. 

yay for Aruba!

Aruba had a check-up at the oncologist today... exam, bp check, bloodwork, various other tests.  The lab results won't be ready for a couple of days, but so far, so good! The doctor said that she's doing great, and we're all so happy that she's tolerating the chemo so well ... no side effects, and her appetite is strong!!  :-) Despite the good news, Aruba only had one thing on her mind during the appt--- leaving!  ;-)

Her sleep has been restless lately and, altho I've never had an infant in the house, I imagine it's much the same.  Aruba will awaken at 2:00 AM, then often again at 3:00 AM. And at 4:00 AM.  Sal and I have been just a wee bit tired these days!  Spoke with the dr about this, and she suggested giving a low dose of melatonin.  This will hopefully allow Aruba to sleep peacefully.

After her appt, we of course stopped at Sonic drive-in on the way home!  Aruba was licking her lips, but she had her healthy treats and Mommy was the one who had junk food.  Cherry limeade anyone?

Sonic... a special tradition, which started with Buddy on the way home from his chemo treatments.  Missing Buddy everyday.....

I must give a big shout-out to Sal, who so lovingly shouldered all of Aruba's care while I was recently at Inspiration Unlimited (pics coming here soon!).  Thank you, sweetheart!  And when I arrived home, Aruba did the cutest double-take when she saw me.  We were so thrilled to be re-united!

As always, thank you for your concern and prayers for Aruba's health... means so much!  Really.

a note from Aruba

Hi everyone, this is Aruba! (Mommy said that I could write on her blog)

Thank you all for thinking about me & praying for me, I sure appreciate it!  It has been a rough summer for me... I miss Buddy so much, and I can tell that Mommy & Sal do too.  He was my canine pal, and I sometimes still look around the house for him.  And then a few weeks after Buddy left us, I was diagnosed with cancer.  It seemed almost too much sadness for Mommy to bear.

But, I have GREAT news to share!  I'm feeling good, energetic.  And I'm eating well (Mommy is always filling my bowl and is constantly after me to eat).  She even adds "toppings" to my doggie food--- like Greek yogurt, pumpkin, and vegetable broth.  She says it's healthy, but I say it's yummy!  Woof!

And I've been on chemotherapy for 2 weeks now... I'm tolerating it well, with no side effects!  I can tell this makes Mommy & Sal so very happy!  Mommy said it's an incredible medicine that will make me better.  I had a check-up at the doggie oncologist today and she agreed that I'm doing great!  My blood cell count is fine.  She's gradually increasing my chemo dosage; Mommy said the cancer I have is aggressive and the chemo will fight this bad disease and keep me healthy.

I'm so glad that I have such wonderful doctors and medicines, and doggie parents who make me feel so loved!

On the way home from the hospital today, Mommy and I went to Sonic.  Woof!  Buddy used to tell me about how he went on exciting "Sonic sidetrips" on the way home from the cancer clinic.  Now it's my turn....

Love,

Aruba 🐾

first day of chemo

Hi everyone....

Aruba had a big day today... but seems it was a good day!  :-)

The surgeon removed her sutures and said she is healing really well from the surgery!  Yay!

Right afterwards, we went down the hall of the hospital for her to meet with the oncologist and begin chemotherapy.  With how aggressive her tumor was, we wanted to begin ASAP.  She had her first dose this afternoon, and as of 9:45 tonight, so far so good!  No reactions!  She is brave & strong, like Buddy was!

We're hopeful that she'll tolerate this drug (Palladia) well, as it's a cutting-edge chemo treatment; it specifically targets her particular type of cancer cells!  It's the best available.  Only the best for our precious Aruba !!!

Thanks so much for your continued concern + prayers for her!

Hoping to share more good news again soon.....

23 years!

Today is our 23rd wedding anniversary.

With so much sadness in our hearts at the moment... losing our dear Buddy recently and now with Aruba terminally ill... we're just not in a celebratory mood, to be honest.

No big plans.  Just enjoying time together today, as a family... life is so uncertain.

Happy anniversary Sal, I love you!

a punch in the heart

Hello everyone...

It has been nothing but bad news here on Where In The World? this summer.  Sorry.  I truly wish it could be different.  Really not sure where all the bad karma is coming from? 

Some good news is that Aruba is recovering well from her surgery and that the entire tumor seems to have been removed successfully.  :-)

I'm deeply sad to share tho that Aruba's biopsy revealed that her tumor was a Grade 3.  Highly aggressive.  The worst Grade.  Just so incredibly devastating!  Many tears have been shed here.  This news was like a punch in the heart!  Except that my heart was already broken from losing our precious Buddy just weeks ago.....

After thorough discussions with her surgeon and oncologist, the best option appears to be for her to begin chemo next week, literally as soon as her sutures are removed (the surgical wound must heal thoroughly before treatment can begin).  With a tumor this aggressive, her doctor is certain that malignant cells have already spread (but where?), are circulating in her body, and will gain a foothold if not eradicated by treatment.  Without chemo, Aruba has only a 25% chance of living another year.  {horrible}  I am overwhelmed!  But like for Buddy, I will not focus on statistics when helping Aruba.  Buddy was given 1.5 years to live when beginning chemo, but he lived an amazing 4.5 years !!  The power of love, perhaps? (see my previous post)

Aruba's chemo drug will be Palladia, a relatively new drug designed by Pfizer's animal health division specifically to target this type of cells in dogs--- the cells in the tumor that Aruba had!  Even more amazing is that it has been FDA-approved (this is a very major step for any drug, human or canine).

We're so hoping that our treasured Aruba will tolerate this drug well and can fight the cancer.  Like for Buddy, she'll be getting the best medical care available, she'll have every comfort.... with love, hugs and kisses galore!  And a trip to Sonic with Mommy on the way home from every hospital visit.

the power of love

Our sweet Aruba is home from the hospital and recovering well from the surgery, resting.  We couldn't be happier!!!  Thank you all for thinking of us during this difficult couple of weeks, especially so soon after losing our precious Buddy.  It has been unbelievable, really....

Wanted to share a few pics from our visits with her while she was in the ICU.  (Excuse any blurriness--- Aruba is so difficult to photograph, she will almost never look at the camera or be still)

My first visit was alone; Sal had to tend to final exam duties this week, so I was with Aruba during the day, then we all visited together later at night.  As soon as Aruba caught a glimpse of me, she started howling and crying!  This went on, loudly at times, for 15 minutes or so.  It startled me (!!!), I thought maybe she was in pain, but the nurse assured me there was no way, she had just come off a pain med I.V.  She said it was because Aruba was excited to see me, she was 'talking' to me!!  {warmed my heart}

Before my visit, Aruba had made no attempt to walk around, or even stand up.  The medical staff was concerned... until they saw Aruba become so animated with me, wiggling in my lap and then standing and walking all around!  The nurse said, "...and right there is the power of love...".

We visited in the hospital's 'family room', a cozy space with a sofa and doors leading to a patio to enjoy some sunshine + fresh air with your furry patient.  When Aruba stood up, she immediately walked right to the patio doors, felt the warm sun on her face!  Just like home....

On my drive home from the hospital, I was stopped at a light when this car pulled up in the lane next to me.... I smiled big at the bumper sticker--- what timing, right?!

Aruba was just as energetic + alert during our nighttime visit, and even ate 1/2 can of food with us!  We somehow managed to snap a group selfie... even Aruba is smiling!

When we brought her home, there was a sweet get-well card in the mail for Aruba + a gift for Mommy (it's a magnet)... such a thoughtful gesture from Ruth, Paul, Gina & Dana (Sal's brother + family in Philadelphia):

Aruba is now enjoying every comfort while she recuperates, like lounging this morning... sweet angel:

She's taking lot of meds for a little while.  Monday will be a bandage change + probably getting biopsy results (we're hopeful they'll show that the cancer hasn't spread).  In about a week, the bandage will come off + sutures removed.

So wonderful to be re-united with our dear Aruba!

home alone

I dropped Aruba off at the hospital early this morning.  Surgery today.  Always so hard when they take her into the hospital; it's not easy to be separated.  I hope she's not scared.

The surgeon will remove the cancerous tumor from her shoulder, and possibly her entire spleen too... waiting to hear. {nervous stomach}

Some GOOD news yesterday tho!  The first batch of test results came in and did not indicate that the cancer has spread beyond the tumor!  Hoping the good news continues with additional testing....

So hard to be in this empty house.  Whenever Buddy or Aruba have had to be hospitalized, I always had the other at home with me.  We'd wait together.

We love you, Aruba! ❤

a long week

I have a new appreciation for what caregivers endure.

Things have been quiet here at WITW? for a while because I've been overwhelmed with caring for Buddy & Aruba.  Juggling lots of appointments with veterinary specialists, and constant dispensing and refilling of medicines... our kitchen counter looks like a pharmacy.  Worst of all tho is the sadness of watching my precious pups age.

The good news is that, with all the care + meds, they are stable, comfortable, content.  They are not in pain--- my biggest concern!!  The bad news is that Buddy's eyes are deteriorating rather than healing (the corneas of both eyes are perforated, the right much worse than the left), something that happens with age.  Earlier this week, his opthalmologist said that it's just a matter of time before he'll need his right eye removed.  Could be a month. 7 months. A year. We have no way to know.  We're putting off this surgery because Buddy's overall health is just not ideal for it; according to his cardiologist, the anesthesia could be life-threatening.  

Tough decisions.

This miracle dog has survived lung cancer (against the odds!) and congestive heart failure.  So I'm grappling with the cold hard fact that it might be his eye that is the ultimate threat to his life.  Huh ???

I hope you have a pleasant weekend (it's a 3-day holiday here in the US)... I hope to get some rest.

4 years ago

It was 4 years ago yesterday that our precious Buddy had surgery to remove a large cancerous tumor from his lung. Some lung lobes also had to be removed. The surgeon told us it was a complicated surgery, and I remember so clearly the sadness and anxiety of that day.

But Buddy came through it !!!

And as I've done every year on this special anniversary, I e-mailed his surgeon at Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists (PBVS) with an update on Buddy + a photo, again thanking him for saving Buddy's life. And as busy as he is, every year he takes the time to send a thoughtful and caring reply.

We didn't really get to celebrate this year tho, because we spent part of the day back at PBVS with Buddy needing to see a specialized veterinary opthalmalogist. (I am thankful for this resource--- he is one of only 200 such animal eye experts in the world!) Buddy has been treated for some trouble with his eye over the past month, but it worsened all of a sudden. After a thorough exam, the doctor determined that there's a hole in Buddy's right eye, and that eye fluid is leaking out and his eye is collapsing. :-( Another devastating diagnosis for Buddy.

Sal and I are heartbroken.

The obvious fix would be surgery. But with Buddy's other serious health concerns, he's not a candidate. Instead, a series of eye drops + eye ointment + pills will relieve the pain and hopefully help the eye heal itself over time. If not, Buddy's eye will have to be removed.

Sal and I are devastated. :-(

Lately I've been overwhelmed with caring for Buddy & Aruba... I can handle dispensing the myriad of medicines, supplements, doctor visits. It's the emotional strain that's so difficult. It's so painful to watch their health deteriorate. I feel them slipping away from us.

Thanks so much for your continued concern, thoughts, and prayers for our precious Buddy & Aruba. Our precious little family.

pawsitively ready for the weekend

What a long week it has been! For you too?

I was at the veterinarian for 3 hours with Aruba yesterday, poor thing. So tiring and stressful for both of us!

She has a couple of infections (source unknown, but doesn't appear stroke-related) and I'm worried and want her to feel better right away! She doesn't seem to be in pain, but has a bit of discomfort. She kept walking toward the exam room door, wanting to leave, sweet angel. We're waiting on some lab test results, but in the interim she's on meds that I hope will have her feeling like herself again soon.

I just love her!! Isn't she pretty?

I'm "that girl"

Hello everyone, hope you enjoyed the weekend?

The 4 of us needed to rest after the trauma of Aruba's stroke... Sal and I were emotionally spent.  We see Aruba doing a little better each day!  She still has balance issues, sometimes tilts her head to the right, and her left side is weakened.  But she's taking meds for this and I've already begun physical therapy that will hopefully help strengthen her.  And her appetite has bounced back--- but she needs to be hand-fed from a spoon, or with her dish elevated.... the vertigo won't allow her to lean down to eat.  Poor angel.  I asked the neurologist about dietary supplements that will help Aruba, and she suggested "omega-3 fish oil".  Well, being vegetarian, we're not proponents of fish oil... but after some online research and a visit to a specialized vitamin shop, we found NutraVege, a high-quality potent vegetarian omega-3 substitute!  We're SO relieved to see Aruba improving!

On a lighter note... have you seen this new TV ad from Expedia?  The timing is amazing given that I had to "find my courage" to go ziplining in Costa Rica!  I'm "that girl" the ad describes... careful, safety conscious, logical thinker... and I too am really glad "that girl" stayed home when I went to Costa Rica!  ;-)

Aruba's home !!!

Another thanks for your continued concern for Aruba... your thoughts and prayers have meant so much!

Aruba was released from the hospital last night .... we're so happy to have our precious angel back home with us !!! And she seemed pretty happy on the car ride home.

She'll need some recovery time; the stroke left her with vertigo (she's taking meds for that--- between hers and Buddy's meds, I'm running a doggy pharmacy here! LOL). The stroke also left her with a weakened left side. :-( To strengthen her and prevent muscle atrophy, we'll be doing some basic range-of-motion physical therapy with her here at home. After she goes back to the neurologist for a follow-up in a couple of weeks, she might need more advanced physical therapy.

For now tho, we're all just so tired after a trying week! She and Buddy snuggled-up and fell asleep together, so sweet! He missed her.

Come back soon... as we get settled down here, I plan to blog our last few days spent in Costa Rica. We have some amazing experiences to share!

Aruba's recovering

Hi everyone and thank you SO much for your comments, emails, texts, calls expressing concern for our precious Aruba... it's so appreciated!

Yesterday was a day of worry and uncertainty here. Unfortunately, the neurologist said that Aruba had a mild stroke. :-( She is still recovering in the ICU. We are so sad about this, but with testing and diagnostics we're trying to find out what caused it, to make sure there's not another underlying medical concern.

The good news is that when we visited Aruba last night, she was alert and fairly bright-eyed! She also began eating again... and this morning, the overnight nurse said that Aruba ate even more through the night and is walking better! :-)

Her head is still tilted to the right, and this may never go away.

Our precious angel Aruba... she has always been so strong & healthy, it's so hard to see her like this. And after Buddy's battle with lung cancer and congestive heart failure, my heart is so heavy for my furbabies.

Waiting on more test results and another neuro exam today... then hoping that Aruba can come home with us tonight. Buddy is looking for her too.

prayers for Aruba

It's always 'back to reality' after a trip. I know this.

But sometimes reality is a big bucket of cold water splashed in our faces.

Our precious Aruba was admitted to the hospital last night. So hard to go home without her. {sad} I want her here to hug and comfort, but that won't make her better.

After thorough examinations by 2 veterinarians, it's still not clear what's wrong. She is stable this morning, and even ate a little. A neurologist evaluated her early this morning, waiting to hear....

The overnight nurse said that Aruba is "so sweet"... warmed my heart!

Will be back with updates.....

Election Day

Aruba's ready to rock the vote!

pumpkin for my little pumpkins

They love it !!

"appy" holidays

Whew, we're already a week into 2012 !! Before we get too far into the new year I'd thought I share a few scenes of our Christmas festivities....

Sal and I had some fun with fellow faculty, staff, and grad students at the FAU Chemistry Dept's holiday party:

Santa brought iPhone 4s's to my parents, woo hoo! We all had fun downloading apps and stuff over the holidays ... I got them addicted to the Word Warp game, LOL:Buddy & Aruba had a blast opening their gifts!

Thank you, Grandma! :-)


Hope 2012 is off to a great start for you!

Christmas McCheer

Tonight it was time to enjoy our little family holiday tradition ... the 4 of us go for a drive looking at Christmas lights, Florida style -- with the sunroof open (don't hate me, but yes it's in the 70s here!). Buddy & Aruba get so excited, and Sal and I look forward to this every year! We play our favorite holiday music ... Mannheim Steamroller, John Denver & The Muppets: A Christmas Together ... while sipping on McD's holiday drinks that have too many calories, LOL. ;-)

Aruba "donned her gay apparel" ... an adorable jingle bell collar. I love to hear her jingling all around the house, it's so precious!

Hope you're enjoying all the holiday festivities this week ... happy Hanukkah & Merry Christmas!

so very THANKFUL for .....

My sweet & precious little family!

Celebrating Thanksgiving, Florida style ... at the beach!

Ginormous newspapers overflowing with Black Friday ads!

Sal and I couldn't schedule in a trip to be with family this holiday ... too many big research proposal deadlines next week. {sigh} But, we're making the best of a working weekend .... and took today OFF to relax (toes in sand!), and to be thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!