Dan Murphy
We are family.
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2000
- Messages
- 84,035
Today, our dog, Doc, left us. His time here on earth is over.
After a long, three plus years, and really courageous fight against the disease, lymphoma, the toll of the disease finally got the best of him. After Doc's diagnosis back in February of 2004, and many, many doses of chemo, he was able to achieve 3 separate remissions over those years. He was such a trooper. He actually looked forward to the many trips to his oncologist, Dr. John Hintermeister, and his favorite assistant, Lisa, at the Veterinary Specialty Center. When Doc went out of his third remission, back in February this year, he was not able to attain a fourth.
Doc did have a scheduled appointment for tomorrow, Thursday, at the vet, just a follow up. This past week though, he really went downhill a lot, the disease was taking its toll, the end was in sight, the end we knew would some day arrive. For several days he just basically lay on the floor in one spot, lethargic, no appetite. Yesterday, Tuesday, we all decided that Thursday would be the day to say our goodbyes. However, last night was a very tough one for our buddy, Doc. He had a terrible time breathing. Around 4:30 AM, Marie called Vince at his place to tell him the change of events, along with the vet office (they are 24/7). Marie also called Lisa, Doc's favorite assistant, because she wanted to be there with Doc at the end. What a fabulous young lady Lisa is.
Vince was over in about 30 minutes. He placed Doc (using some of those paramedic skills of his, as Doc was still 150 pounds today) on a firefighter emblemed blanket. We carried Doc out to the car, lay him in the back seat for his last ride to one of his favorite places, the vet place he knew so well from his many visits.
We arrived about 10 minutes later. Two technicians helped get Doc out of the car, onto a gurney. Lisa got there about 10 minutes after that. After a short check-in for his vitals they brought Doc to the visitation room for us to spend time with him. We, along with Lisa, and several other early morning employees who have learned to have Doc as their friend over the years there, spent time with him, comforting him in his waning time, saying goodbye. One of those there took a clay footprint of Doc and gave it to us (heat in the oven for a ceramic like memory)
When we felt it time, we asked one of those there to call for the doctor. He came in, we signed the form, he explained the procedure (we knew it from past experiences, it really is so very peaceful, yet so very final). He asked if it was okay, we said, yes. (Darn, now I am crying here again). We comforted Doc in his final 3 or 4 breaths. He was silent. The doctor listened for Doc's heartbeat, he said he was gone.
We stayed for about 45 minutes, as did Lisa. Lisa told us she would make a note for Doc's ashes to be given to her when they come back next week and she will call us to stop back there for them.
Over the past three plus years, we have been buoyed by the veterinary practice that took care of Doc, with the likes of Dr. Hintermeister, Lisa and all the staff. We have had our spirits buoyed by the folks here on the DIS boards, and do appreciate it. And we have been buoyed and inspired by Doc's long, strong and spirited fight against his cancer. The vet said he was in the 5% club; only about 5% of dogs with his disease are alive for as long as Doc was.
Tonight, the house here is quieter. Doc truly was a light that shone brightly for many. He will be missed. However, we will meet up again some day, with our buddy, Doc.
A few memories.......
(what can I say, I like to take pictures)
Thanks you for your many words of comfort over the past three plus years in our journey with Doc.
Dan
.
In The Arms Of An Angel--click here
Spend all your time waiting for that second chance
For the break that will make it ok
There's always some reason to feel not good enough
And it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction oh beautiful release
Memories seep from my veins
They may be empty and weightless and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight
In the arms of an Angel fly away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here
So tired of the straight line, and everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
The storm keeps on twisting, you keep on building the lies
That you make up for all that you lack
It don't make no difference, escaping one last time
It's easier to believe
In this sweet madness, oh this glorious sadness
That brings me to my knees
In the arms of an Angel far away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
In the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here
You're in the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here
Sarah McLachlan
For the break that will make it ok
There's always some reason to feel not good enough
And it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction oh beautiful release
Memories seep from my veins
They may be empty and weightless and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight
In the arms of an Angel fly away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here
So tired of the straight line, and everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
The storm keeps on twisting, you keep on building the lies
That you make up for all that you lack
It don't make no difference, escaping one last time
It's easier to believe
In this sweet madness, oh this glorious sadness
That brings me to my knees
In the arms of an Angel far away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
In the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here
You're in the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here
Sarah McLachlan
After a long, three plus years, and really courageous fight against the disease, lymphoma, the toll of the disease finally got the best of him. After Doc's diagnosis back in February of 2004, and many, many doses of chemo, he was able to achieve 3 separate remissions over those years. He was such a trooper. He actually looked forward to the many trips to his oncologist, Dr. John Hintermeister, and his favorite assistant, Lisa, at the Veterinary Specialty Center. When Doc went out of his third remission, back in February this year, he was not able to attain a fourth.
Doc did have a scheduled appointment for tomorrow, Thursday, at the vet, just a follow up. This past week though, he really went downhill a lot, the disease was taking its toll, the end was in sight, the end we knew would some day arrive. For several days he just basically lay on the floor in one spot, lethargic, no appetite. Yesterday, Tuesday, we all decided that Thursday would be the day to say our goodbyes. However, last night was a very tough one for our buddy, Doc. He had a terrible time breathing. Around 4:30 AM, Marie called Vince at his place to tell him the change of events, along with the vet office (they are 24/7). Marie also called Lisa, Doc's favorite assistant, because she wanted to be there with Doc at the end. What a fabulous young lady Lisa is.
Vince was over in about 30 minutes. He placed Doc (using some of those paramedic skills of his, as Doc was still 150 pounds today) on a firefighter emblemed blanket. We carried Doc out to the car, lay him in the back seat for his last ride to one of his favorite places, the vet place he knew so well from his many visits.
We arrived about 10 minutes later. Two technicians helped get Doc out of the car, onto a gurney. Lisa got there about 10 minutes after that. After a short check-in for his vitals they brought Doc to the visitation room for us to spend time with him. We, along with Lisa, and several other early morning employees who have learned to have Doc as their friend over the years there, spent time with him, comforting him in his waning time, saying goodbye. One of those there took a clay footprint of Doc and gave it to us (heat in the oven for a ceramic like memory)
When we felt it time, we asked one of those there to call for the doctor. He came in, we signed the form, he explained the procedure (we knew it from past experiences, it really is so very peaceful, yet so very final). He asked if it was okay, we said, yes. (Darn, now I am crying here again). We comforted Doc in his final 3 or 4 breaths. He was silent. The doctor listened for Doc's heartbeat, he said he was gone.
We stayed for about 45 minutes, as did Lisa. Lisa told us she would make a note for Doc's ashes to be given to her when they come back next week and she will call us to stop back there for them.
Over the past three plus years, we have been buoyed by the veterinary practice that took care of Doc, with the likes of Dr. Hintermeister, Lisa and all the staff. We have had our spirits buoyed by the folks here on the DIS boards, and do appreciate it. And we have been buoyed and inspired by Doc's long, strong and spirited fight against his cancer. The vet said he was in the 5% club; only about 5% of dogs with his disease are alive for as long as Doc was.
Tonight, the house here is quieter. Doc truly was a light that shone brightly for many. He will be missed. However, we will meet up again some day, with our buddy, Doc.
A few memories.......
(what can I say, I like to take pictures)
An early picture of Doc, back in 2000, about one year old.
As I said, he loved going to the vets.
Doc had his own stuffed Rottweiler that Natalie had bought him.
When we would come home he would get it and prance around, so proud.
Another recent one of Doc, getting ready for a trip to the vet.
Doc and Dr. Hintermeister, about one month ago.
Marie and Lisa with Doc at the vets, last week.
A few days ago, Doc and his new little nephew, our grandson, Jeremy.
He really enjoyed his several visits with Jeremy these past three weeks.
As I said, he loved going to the vets.
Doc had his own stuffed Rottweiler that Natalie had bought him.
When we would come home he would get it and prance around, so proud.
Another recent one of Doc, getting ready for a trip to the vet.
Doc and Dr. Hintermeister, about one month ago.
Marie and Lisa with Doc at the vets, last week.
A few days ago, Doc and his new little nephew, our grandson, Jeremy.
He really enjoyed his several visits with Jeremy these past three weeks.
A Flash version of the Rainbow Bridge--click here
And here, one last photo, our Siberian Huskies, Tanya (blue eyes) and Keemo.
They went the the Rainbow bridge back in the late 70's, mid 80's. Nice to know they were there to greet Doc. What a trio!!
They went the the Rainbow bridge back in the late 70's, mid 80's. Nice to know they were there to greet Doc. What a trio!!
Thanks you for your many words of comfort over the past three plus years in our journey with Doc.
Dan
.
Doc was quite the handsome fellow. He was lucky to have all of you there to say goodbye.
Doc was very lucky to have had such a loving family who made his life as long and as happy as possible. I hope you and your family are able to take comfort in that, and I'm so sorry for your loss of your beloved companion.
Doc was truly a fighter. Thanks for sharing your pictures with us. 
