Sponsored by: Connie Jendro
At 14 years old, Suzi is one of the grand dames of RAGOM. She is a petite (40 lbs) purebred golden retriever, who gets along famously with our three resident goldens, our three cats and our 5-year-old daughter. Suzi went to see our wonderful vet Dr. M. on 7/25 for a check-up and she is in very good health for her age. Her heart and lungs sound good and her blood work indicates that her kidney and liver functions are normal. She is slightly anemic, but not enough to cause concern. However, to be on the safe side, we will start giving her vitamins. The exam also revealed a skin infection secondary to an allergic reaction. The infection is making her very itchy, so I bathed her with medicated shampoo and she is now on antibiotics. Dr. M. is confident that the infection will clear up quickly. And Suzi does have a couple of ailments typical of seniors. She has a small growth on her left eye, which is being treated with a topical medication. If the growth does not respond to medication, then it may have to be removed. However, that should be a fairly minor procedure. She also has arthritis in her hind legs and is on pain medication. But despite all of this, Suzi is one of the happiest, spunkiest dogs I've every met! She loves to follow me around the yard and is interested in everything that is going on around her.
We are also fostering Suzi's 11-year-old son Jake (08-300) and the two of them are a joy to watch together. Jake lost his vision due to a condition called progressive retinal atrophy. So Suzi often serves as Jake's "seeing eye dog". Because of this special relationship, we would like to see Suzi and Jake adopted together.
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| Golden Retriever | Born: June 1994 |
| Female | 40 lbs |
Status: Deceased
Sponsored by: Connie Jendro
At 14 years old, Suzi is one of the grand dames of RAGOM. She is a petite (40 lbs) purebred golden retriever, who gets along famously with our three resident goldens, our three cats and our 5-year-old daughter. Suzi went to see our wonderful vet Dr. M. on 7/25 for a check-up and she is in very good health for her age. Her heart and lungs sound good and her blood work indicates that her kidney and liver functions are normal. She is slightly anemic, but not enough to cause concern. However, to be on the safe side, we will start giving her vitamins. The exam also revealed a skin infection secondary to an allergic reaction. The infection is making her very itchy, so I bathed her with medicated shampoo and she is now on antibiotics. Dr. M. is confident that the infection will clear up quickly. And Suzi does have a couple of ailments typical of seniors. She has a small growth on her left eye, which is being treated with a topical medication. If the growth does not respond to medication, then it may have to be removed. However, that should be a fairly minor procedure. She also has arthritis in her hind legs and is on pain medication. But despite all of this, Suzi is one of the happiest, spunkiest dogs I've every met! She loves to follow me around the yard and is interested in everything that is going on around her.
We are also fostering Suzi's 11-year-old son Jake (08-300) and the two of them are a joy to watch together. Jake lost his vision due to a condition called progressive retinal atrophy. So Suzi often serves as Jake's "seeing eye dog". Because of this special relationship, we would like to see Suzi and Jake adopted together.
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As I drove Suzi home from her last vet visit, I decided that Suzi's journey should end not as a foster dog, but as part of a family. So with RAGOM's blessings, we have decided to adopt our beloved Suzi. And yes, our time with her will be all too brief. But we choose to focus on the here and now...for today Suzi is happy and loved, and that is all that really matters. Welcome home Suzi.
For my last update, I almost requested that Suzi be listed as in "Hospice Care". But I just couldn't bring myself to do it, because it felt like I was giving up on her. And there is no reason to give up, because our beautiful Miss Suzi is still going strong. She still loves to eat and thoroughly enjoys our walks. I usually take her to the high school athletic field across the street, since it is nice and flat. Or so I thought. Suzi has started doing the cutest thing....part of the field is lined for football and Suzi literally jumps over each white line! So for now, life is still good and we take it one day at a time with our precious girl.
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On behalf of Suzi, I would like to thank Connie Jendro for sponsoring this special girl.
It is with a heavy heart that I share this sad news about Suzi. Over the past three weeks, the tumor on her left, lower eyelid got larger and she developed a new tumor on her lip. Dr. M. and I agreed that they should be removed to find out what they are. Both tumors are of the same type, called round cell sarcoma. There are different types of round cell sarcoma, but the most common is lymphosarcoma. Dr. M. will speak with the veterinary pathologist on Monday to find out if this is the case. If it is lymphosarcoma, the prognosis is not good. As sad as this is, Suzi is still so very happy. She gets around just fine and has a wonderful appetite. When I'm working at my desk, she often nudges me for pets. And she's the only dog I've ever seen who loves to follow my husband as he mows the lawn. Afterward, all of her paws are green! As we all know, dogs live in the moment. And for now, Suzi's moments are still rich with joy and love.
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 Suzi, with Jake in the background |
