Thank you for taking the time to remember our dear friend and family member, Abby. We found this to be a fitting tribute to a wonderful creature that we were so blessed to have in our lives.
Abby was diagnosed with Lymphoma on Aug. 13, 2004. We were told that Lymphoma tends to respond well to chemotherapy, so we decided to pursue the treatment. She started chemotherapy on August 20th and immediately went into remission. She stayed in remission until November, when again we discovered swollen lymph nodes. We then started a “rescue protocol” to try to get her back into remission. Her remission was immediate, but unfortunately lasted only 5 weeks. We noticed swollen nodes upon our return from Christmas vacation. The prognosis after the failure of a second protocol was grim. Although there was one last drug we could give her, we decided that the kind and loving thing to do would be to let her live out the remainder of her life peacefully and with dignity. There would be no more trips to the vet complete with needle sticks, blood tests, IVs, pills and pressure bandages. On January 3rd 2005, we helped our sweet girl find her way to the Rainbow Bridge (you can read about The Rainbow Bridge below in the Memorabilia Section).
In her youth, our “silver fox” was an avid runner, stick lover and tennis/racquet ball enthusiast. She trained her mommy for many a 10K and ½ marathon, but sadly was never allowed to compete due to discrimination. No dogs allowed on the course! She never minded though and simply enjoyed being out and about. She would brim with excitement whenever she saw anyone lace up their running shoes and head for the door. After a run, you could count on 10 minutes or so of rest, followed by a request for some activity with a ball. “Pooh” was boundless energy.
Abby will be remembered as our “regal beast” who touched the lives of so many. From the guys at the USNA Fire Station, to her future daddy she met in Corpus Christi, TX, to the nice FEDEX lady in San Diego, who brought her treats each and every time she delivered a package to our house. To know her was to love her. You just couldn’t help it. Her sweet demeanor, charming child-like behavior and expressive face won the hearts of everyone. Words simply can’t express how much she will be missed. We will never forget her, and we take comfort in the knowledge that we did not prolong her suffering.
Abby is survived by her Mother, Father, Younger Brother, Nanny Liz, 5 Great-Grandparents, 8 Grandparents, 2 Aunts, 2 Uncles, Godparents Bryan and Leslie Muench and her best friends for life, Marley, Brodie, Ricki and Belle. We kindly request that if you wish to honor and remember Abby that you contribute to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org or sponsor someone who is training with the society’s “Team in Training” program.
He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. -Anonymous