Hershey is still with us, amazingly, having made it past July 4 - a full 10 months (that's the equivalent of FIVE HUMAN years) since it was suggested that he be put down with four (count 'em -4) terminal illnesses (See full story at FavoriteFurryFriends.info) After way more than the proverbial NINE LIVES of a cat, Hershey hangs on with a strong will to live. We've watched Hershey lose his hair, his legs (so to speak) and yet, somehow, bounce back time and again. Hershey even survived the loud firework show just outside his home last night.
During Hershey's 'bonus' time, we've tried to savor every day with him, with outings to his favorite parks / walks and dining, (yes dining) , at his favorite restaurant(s) like Lazy Dog and Skippolini's (even though Hershey is not Lazy, always looking for fun things to do). At Christmas he saw nearly every light display in the concord area during our special walks to every corner where we could find great decorations. It's been a revelation having Hershey with us, especially after losing Mindy's previous dog, Stormy, on the the same day he was diagnosed with (widespread) cancer. So, this was a lesson to us not to put off for tomorrow would we could do today... and can't say that we missed too many adventures with Hershey along the way..
Mindy put together this beautiful collage (above) of Hershey and friends showing some of the places Hershey has been. Many more are included at the other Favorite Furry Friends site. It's nice to be share Hershey, pictorially, while he still with us - and we welcome friends to come and see him. Hershey remains alert as ever and always welcoming old and new friends... One of the amazing things is that Hershey , despite his many 'illnesses' shows little in the way of outward signs of them. Hershey only has a small amount of grey near his muzzle. Many we meet at our outings just assume Hershey is youngish 'puppy dog.' (Sometimes he thinks he is , too, trying to do more than he can handle. Until recently, Hershey was still going on half-mile walks, yet continues to take short walks to this day
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...Yet, once again Hershey is showing signs that he may really be nearing his last days with us. We don't like to say this but it's better to perpare for the worst, just in case, while always hoping for the best. Hershey's legs have begun to go out once again, but this time it appears no 'magic' medicine or foods may help - it could involve his heart. If Hershey's quality of life becomes such that we believe he would not want to lie around all day we will only then consider saying good bye -but we will NOT be premature , especially with a dog like Hershey, who surprised everyone last August 27 when he narrowly escaped an early demise - and many 'appearances' of close calls since. We remain so grateful that we have had Hershey with us these many more months, which will, hopefully, ease the pain when the time does come to say good bye. We appreciate all of those wonderful people, who have been a part of his life, getting to experience this special furry friend.
(I sometimes joke to myself that, at the rate Hershey is going, he may outlive the rest of us.) He's just been one amazing dog and the time we've been given and allowed to spend with him could never be traded in for anything
It's been an amazing 'ride' growing with Hershey from a youngish 5-year-old rescued from the streets of San Jose to an experienced 14-year-old senior doggie. For those who shy away from adopting older dogs they're missing an opportunity to help out a needy and appreciative furry friend who will give back in spades. He has always tried to please, even doing his best to hold his incontinent bladder each morning until his human, Mindy, awakes to take him outside. Of course, Hershey has been a special guy who , with stubborn determination , has survived well beyond his 'expiration date,' as it were. The uncertainty of not knowing if Hershey would awake yet each new day has made the ride even more rewarding. It's led us to appreciate and savor each day
all the more, not knowing if there would be another - and to be grateful for what Hershey and God have given us- not the few days we were told to expect last August 27 but more than 10 months of QUALITY living filled with love and adventure made possible by this wonderful senior dog and the help of great vets and modern medicine and diet. Not to say all senior dogs are like Hershey...
Now, as Hershey strains for each step he takes, we see the inevitable before us, and will be all the more appreciative for each remaining day, hour, minute, second... Yesterday was perhaps Hershey's last visit to his favorite park, where he begged for one last 'walk,' and somehow managed to make 100 or so steps on pure adrenalin and determination. And, it has been a challenge, even a game of sorts, to get Hershey take his pills and to eat these recent days... but he always seems to come through after a little guessing game with his humans and finding
the right 'food of the day.'
So, now , as it appears that inevitable day is drawing close, and when the time comes we will try to say goodbye with the same grace and appreciation Hershey has shown us. Yes, with a tear in the eye, but knowing it's finally time to 'let go' after this long, unexpected,
'bonus ride' that we will never forget.
Loving Hershey. - Burt for Mindy and Hershey
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| Hershey at Ayers Dog Park, Walnut Creek, where he enjoys rolling in the grass |
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