My wife and I have had many dogs during our marriage. When we met, we each had two pups of our own and so our family soon became the two of us and four dogs. Over the years, we have had 11 dogs and have lost 9 of our dear furry friends. There is always considerable grieving associated with the loss of any family member, but the recent loss of our Tunney Boy has been so intense that I am compelled to share with the other dog lovers out there.
We found Tunney as a one month old, white Boxer puppy in 2008. There were two white boxers in the litter and we took them both. When my wife asked for the names of a couple of white boxers, I instinctively answered, “Tunney and Dempsey.”
In late December, 2013, we noticed some lumps under Tunney’s jaw and, as a physician myself, I immediately knew we were dealing with lymphoma, a very common disease among boxers. So, after getting a quick biopsy and establishing the diagnosis, we began chemotherapy. Our vet is about 40 miles from our home so about once a week Tunney and I would make the drive for his latest chemo or to simply get blood work to see how he was doing. He was a real trooper and took everything they had to offer and never showed a sign of weakness or distress.
I am semi-retired, so I spend hours at my computer reviewing medical literature and doing epidemiologic evaluations of various studies. Early on, Tunney decided that his place was a chair right next to my desk where he would sit for hours, just keeping me company. As you can see from the attached photo, he apparently found my casework more exciting than I did!
Last week, after 15 months of therapy, the cancer finally overcame his medications and his situation become hopeless. Not wanting him to suffer, I reluctantly let him go to doggie heaven. He was only 6 years old. (Disclaimer: although I am an atheist myself, I am a firm believer in doggie heaven)
I’m an old man now, and have lost friends, family and 9 dogs along the way. We still have two boxers at home. But this one is particularly painful. Every dog owner knows that, although we love them all, there is always one that is kind of special. That was my Tunney Boy
When there are grey skies,
I don't mind the grey skies.
You make them blue, Tunney Boy.
Friends may forsake me.
Let them all forsake me.
I still have you, Tunney Boy
You're sent from heaven
And I know your worth.
You've made a heaven
For me here on earth.
And the angels grew lonely
Took you because they were lonely
I'm lonely too, Tunney Boy.