Memoirs of Lord Dobi
You’ve probably noticed that I haven’t been blogging lately and there’s a good reason why. Over Labor Day weekend, my 12 year old dog, Dobi, suddenly became ill. He lost his appetite, didn’t want to get up, and became extremely lethargic all in one day. After a few visits to the vet and a specialist, he was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, one of the more evil forms of cancer, which in Dobi’s case meant ruptured tumors on the liver and spleen along with internal bleeding.
I was heartbroken. Dobi, being the first dog I ever owned on my own, was my baby, my “first born”, and I just couldn’t imagine life without him. I couldn’t eat, sleep, or think for days after finding out his diagnosis, but I knew I had to take it one day at a time. He went through a lot of ups and downs these past weeks and then slowly started to have more bad days than good. My husband and I did all that we could to make him as comfortable as possible, but in the end, the cancer got the best of him and a few days ago, we had to make the tough decision to let him go. Even though I knew it was the right decision, making that call for a vet to come put him down was painstakingly difficult. We spent Dobi’s last day outside, lying on the grass with him. And when it was time, he went very peacefully. Although Dobi’s last day is so fresh in my mind, I wanted to remember the many great times we had and what a gentle and noble dog he was. Dobi brought joy to so many people’s lives and I’m hoping I can share a piece of that with you guys.
20 Comments
Shannon B. (@MomokoYaKnow)
Beautiful post, Emily. My heart goes out to you as I know what it is like to loose a life-long furry friend. Rest in peace, Dobi!
emilyo
Thank you so much. <3
Mike Louie (@Mewie)
Very touching tribute to Dobi.
It’s been over a decade since I’ve lost the last of my 3 cats who I grew up with. They all reached the age of 18 years old and I loved them as siblings. This post brings back those fond memories and I just wanted to thank you.
Praying for you and Wilson. Loss is never easy to deal with but really makes you appreciate each day more so with the loved ones we still have left and the new ones we will meet and share life with.
emilyo
Thanks, Mike. And thanks for the prayers. Losing a pet is never easy, especially b/c they seem so helpless and they can’t tell you how they feel. Dobi seemed so healthy up until 2 weeks ago so this all happened way too fast. I know it will just take time and we’re definitely trying to stay strong to make sure we take good care of Daisy. :)
Anonymous
A very brave post that must have been very hard to write. Thanks for sharing it! Hope time will heal your lost.
emilyo
Thanks. :(
Justice
My Heart goes out to you. Everyone knows how painful it is to lose a loved one, no matter the species. Take all the time you need, we’ll understand. Your so strong to post this. You’ll make it through. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Kaia
I started following your website due to awesome costumes you make, but now I see we have one more thing in commong and that’s love for dogs. Your post was very beautiful and touching and it breaks my heart to see that such a wonderful creature as your Dobi left this world.
Stay strong and hopefully with time your wound will heal. Those that we love never really go away and I’m sure DObi will stay in your heart in form of lovely memories.
emilyo
Thank you for those heartfelt words. Dogs really are so special and it’s kind of crazy and amazing that we get to experience their life from puppy until old age. For now, I’m still taking care of #2 and loving her every day.
Anonymous
I teared reading your blog man…. :(. Dogs teach us much about life eh…
Nerd Burger
I am so sorry to hear about Dobi. I am a veterinary nurse and know just how much you and Dobi must have gone through. This was a beautiful tribute to your special one. You are lucky to have found each other. He was and will always be loved.
emilyo
Thanks. <:)
Doug Gordon
Hi Emily — I’m so sorry to hear about your losing Lord Dobi. He looks like such a wonderful dog. We just had to put our girl, Hailley Wigglesworth, down week before last and it’s been more devastating than we thought it would be. I’m sure it’s that way for you too. Just remind yourself that you had Dobi for such a short time but he had you and your husband for his whole life. Hailley played well with Corgis and was often mistaken for one.
You can see a picture of HW at:
http://www.homewardbound.co/in-home-pet-euthanasia-services/testimonials/
Take care.
Doug
emilyo
Hi Doug- Thanks so much for the comforting words. It’s true – Dobi spent his whole life with us and we definitely feel lucky that he was part of our family. Your Hailley was such a cutie. It is very sad when they reach that age and you just know they don’t have much time left. With Dobi, it just happened so fast and out of nowhere, but I’m glad he’s in a better place now. Take care as well. :)
Marcela Vargas
Hello Emily,
it’s very sad to read about Dobi passing away. I just went through a very rough patch of my Butch’s health, and we thought he might not make it through. Dogs are much more than pets, they become family members and are present for (and often the cause of) very special moments.
Mine is a labrador mixed with newfoundland… and he was the runt of his litter… he’s got a terrible gene pool. He’s very delicate and has weird allergies. But he’s this beautiful gentle giant that brightens up my days. We’ve been told by the vet that Butch won’t live as long as a regular dog, because of his inherited conditions. We’re making the best of it, he’s only two years old.
My heart goes out to you and your family.
emilyo
Thanks for your kind note. It was rough, but we’re glad he’s no longer suffering. I’m so sorry to hear about your Butch. Definitely cherish the moments you have with him. Sounds like he’s in excellent and loving hands!
Laurie
I’m so sorry about your baby. Corgi are the best!
emilyo
thanks. they ARE the best!
Laurie
p.s. I will be posting a link to this post — with one of Dobi’s awesome photos — on the Daily Corgi Sulia channel on 1/8: http://sulia.com/thedailycorgi/.
doG bless!
emilyo
aw, thank you! Much appreciated. I will definitely check it out. :)