On Friday October 7th Bruno underwent a 2nd operation to remove a lump that had appeared on the site of his amputation. It had grown very quick and was the size of a tennis ball by the time he had his op. The vet seemed unconcerned about it and said it would only be a 20min operation. He recovered quickly and was up and about as normal by Monday 10th.
On Wednesday 19th Bruno seemed off colour, nothing to alarm us but because we know our dog we knew something was not quite right but another lump was growing. He had his stitches removed by our local vet. That evening and into Thursday 20th he was in pain and would let out a little cry when he moved. We took him to the hospital having convinced ourselves that maybe he was a little low following his chemo session on 5th.
The results from the biopsy that were taken during the operation came as complete shock to us. The cancer had spread, the chemo had not worked and there was nothing else that could be done. The awful decision to let Bruno go and free him from his pain was made there and then. A heart breaking event that all pet owners go through.
So now the initial shock has gone we are all getting used to life without our big brave gentle Bruno. Its hard and things still have us in tears, like when Khumbu sniffed where Bruno had last laid outside and then lay down in the same place, like when Tapa got a little excited and went to check for Bruno under the table (Brunos favourite place to lay). Khumbu seems very flat today, not the bouncy husky we know, we will keep an eye on him.
The support we have received from all over the world has been incredible. From people who knew him, from people who had never met him but followed the adventures of the dogs on Tails from the Pack and from people who have had dogs with bone cancer and gone through the same agony. We would like to thank everyone of you for your kind words through this tough time.
You can view a slideshow of some photos of Bruno here
Have you heard of 2 Million Dogs, well read on. The 2 Million Dogs Foundation is committed to discovering the common links between canine and human cancers and the causes of these cancers through comparative oncology research through education and awareness, empowerment and mobilization (such as the Puppy Up! walks) and through investment and research.
Luke Robinson and his two Great Pyrenees, Hudson and Murphy, embarked upon a cross-country walk from Austin, Texas to Boston, Massachusetts inspired by his late dog, Malcolm, and his life and fight with the disease. The walk actually kicked-off a nationwide grassroots movement to bring awareness to the plight of canine cancer. The trio walked from town to town for 826 days, sharing Malcolm’s story and educating people about the disease. While out on the road, Luke had a vision. “If two dogs can walk 2,000 miles for cancer, then why couldn’t we get two million dogs to walk two miles for cancer awareness?” And the 2 Million Dogs foundation was born.
There are no walks in the UK / Europe, if you think you are up for being a walk coordinator / host either leave a message on here or contact the foundation. It would be great if we could get some puppy walks organised and start to make people aware of this disease.
So terribly sorry for your loss. Sending warm thoughts your way.
I’m so terribly sorry to hear Bruno’s journey with you has ended. He had a beautiful, adventure filled life. Please know you have our thoughts and many hugs coming from us to help you through. xoxo Sue and Sammy
we are very sorry to here of your loss, Bruno looks like he was an awesome dog and you guys are awesome for having done everything for him that you could.
we are so sorry to hear of bruno’s passing – we so loved the adventures you blogged about and the beautiful photos you shared. you gave bruno a final, selfless act by releasing him from his failing body. his spirit will forever be with you, love never ends.
charon & gayle
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. What an amazingly beautiful angel.
Love & Licks
Gator & Family
Your tripawd friends share your sadness and know the pain you are feeling. There are so many times every day that we are reminded our furry kids are no longer with us…
Spirit Hope
“If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.”
On behalf of both myself and my wife Diane (aka Maximutt), we’re so sorry to hear of your loss. Bruno was a good boy, and you always did right by him. Our thoughts are with you.
I’m so sorry to read that Bruno’s time here has ended. It was brave of you to help him get his wings. I hope you are able to soon remember him with more smiles than tears.
We don’t have a Puppy Up walk in our city, but we are supporting Rio, our Tripawd Warrior Princess Sister Friend who is walking in Washington. A great cause!
Sending hugs and healing Abby kisses,
Jackie, Abby’s mom
We are so very sorry to hear about Bruno. He was such a beauty, inside and out.
We are Team Tripawd for the Puppy Up walk here in a couple of weeks. And we’ll be proud to add Bruno’s name to our Tripawd hero banner.
We’ll be thinking of you and sending you our best wishes… Give Khumbu and Tapa extra loves from us.
Micki and Rio
Oops, I was still logged in as Zephyr when I sent that note. No disrespect intended…. :p
Sorry to hear the journey has ended
Heart healing wishes until you meet again!
Kiersten,
I am so sorry that it was Bruno’s time to journey to Rainbow Bridge. 🙁 You gave Bruno the most loving and unselfish gift by releasing him from the pain. In time, may memories of sweet Bruno bring smiles and happiness instead of only tears and sadness.
Godspeed sweet Bruno. Run free with all of the heroes that have gone before you. Send your momma pennies when you!
I bet you’re having a big birthday party at the Bridge with all of your new friends with lots of yummy treats!!!
Wishing you, Khumbu and Tapa peace and strength during this difficult time…
There were no walks here in St. Louis either, but I did a virtual Puppy Up walk last October the week of Charley’s amputation to raise money. Hopefully one day, no furbaby or human will ever have to face this battle.
Hugs and chocolate kisses,
Ellen & Charley xoxo
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is when you have to make that decision to release your special friend to the rainbow bridge. Know that he was greeted by many tripawd heroes.
Jenna & Spirit Chili Dawg
Ohhh Bruno! You left us far too soon, our heart aches for you and your pack.
We are deeply sorry. This cancer thing is just so tragic.
Bruno, your big beautiful self will always be a part of everyone you touched. Thank you for sharing your life with us, and showing us all that big pups like you can thrive and love life as a Tripawd.
You fought the good fight, my friend. May your spirit shine a light on all of our souls forever.
xoxo
woooo we would like to say a great big thank you for all your kind words and support you have given us over this terrible time.
zephyr we would really appreciate you adding Brunos name to Team Tripawd hero banner. Thank you so much for being so kind.
Love to you all gang and stay strong my tripawd pals.
xxx