Bob and Cheryl’s beautiful Deca ...

[Elaine]

One of our family is going through a rough patch... and could use a kind word, a bit of comfort and support about now. Bob and Cheryl’s beautiful bitch Deca was diagnosed with Osteo and has a mass in her chest. Cheryl writes:

Deca had started with a small cough this weekend ... I just knew in my heart what was going on. Bob and I took her to Ann Caufield here in PA for some pictures this morning.

The cancer isn't as advanced as when her father let me know he was leaving me, so she has come home on a cocktail of pain relievers and when she tells us it is time, we will help her cross the "Bridge" to join her father. Her spirits are good as well as her appetite and the meds are helping with the pain. I will not have her go through any crazy treatments that will make her sicker and unhappy. She has lived with dignity, she will die with it."

Arthur and I only met Deca once... she is an amazing gal, with an aura of quiet dignity and wisdom that simply draws you to her... a very special soul. Her passing will leave a void impossible to fill. You all would probably be surprised at how far a kind and thoughtful word goes towards easing this transition.

I have attached some photos we have of Deca.. with her family. In the first photo, I think that is Deca that Vaako is using as a pillow, in the middle photo I think is goes (left to right) L.E. (a.k.a. Mel-Mel, Melly) Deca's daughter who passed Novermber 19, 2007; Vaako; Emma and Deca. In the third photo, I think that is Deca to the far left.

[Janice McGerr]

Wishing Bob, Cheryl and Deca the strength to help them thru this time, our prayers are with you.

Janice

[Sonquest]

Dear Bob and Cheryl,
My heart and prayers go out to you and your beautiful girl, Deca. I love the pictures that E1 posted. Reminds me so much of my Papillon, Richie, who I lost at age 14. Every picture we have of him, he was always watching me. Ears erect, watching my every move. Although their tired old bodies may die, their spirit lives forever in our hearts through the love we share with them. Be comforted knowing that you have given her your very best! :)

Love and hugs,
Tina

[Elaine2]

Oh no Bob and Cheryl
I am so sorry about your dear Deca and have a candle lit for her. Many prayers being said.
It is always so hard to know what to say to try to make you feel better. Just know our hearts and prayers are with you always.

((((((((HUGS)))))))))
Elaine

[dobesign]

A wise old monk once told me that we grieve this last step of life. He told me that it is soooo difficult because we, those left behind to struggle, are jealous that our dear one has gone to a MUCH better place without us. My prayers are with you, and your whole family. I hope when the time comes, it will be peaceful. I hear the sofas in Heaven are comfy, and the refrigerator is always open. That's where my dog babies are waiting to meet us...enjoy your time together.

[Jan]

So sorry to hear of deca's situation. Wishing you more quality time together. Having a few seniors here, I know how important just a little time could be. Know that others are sending wishes and prayers to your Deca.
Jan

[Lindsay]

Dear Bob and Cheryl-
I know this has to be very tough to go through. I just wanted to express how sorry I am to hear this awful news. My thoughts will be with you guys. I am so sorry.

Lindsay

[Dobemaid]

Dear Bob and Cheryl
I know you are going through a pretty tough, heart wrenching time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and with Deca. I pray that you are able to take each day at a time, and live for the moment, because you know Deca is! I believe that will help give you the strength and peace she has in her soul!
God Bless!
Lori

[andyhilt27]

So sad. My thoughts are with you.

[Betty]

Bob and Cheryl,

I am so sad to hear about your lovely Deca. I know this is a very difficult time for you but I am reminded of this... When our children were young, I did a lot of homecare so a could arrange my schedule around theirs. One of my patients was a young boy with a terminal condition. He fully understood his disease and the prognosis. One day when I came to visit him, he told me that he was writing a book. The title of the book was Why Am I So Lucky? I asked him why he thought he was so lucky. He said that he was so lucky because everyone loved him. I suspect that Deca feels much the same way. She knows how very much you love her and she trusts you to do the best for her. In return, she will love you forever.

Enjoy your time with her. Take care.

Betty

[valkyrie1]

I am so sorry to hear about Deca.
Cherish the times you have with her
Thinking of you
Sue L

[Kalecho]

Bob and Cheryl,

I am so sorry to hear about your Deca, you are in my prayers. You are giving her the most wonderful life, please don't ever forget that. If you have the time please go to www.petloss.com
They are so supportive, so compassionate and so understanding of these situations with sick and dying pets. Please go there, as I will be too for I am losing one of my older girls, it is very sad to lose them.

Pat

[doberdogsfd]

The special gift of you words, warm thoughts and prayers are comforting and very much appreciated by us both.
Deca is a special girl for us both. Bob's first dobie that truly picked him as her person when he came into Flex's, her's and my life 8 yrs ago.
Flex wasn't quite as sure if he was going to make it, not really wanting to share his mom with anyone, but his daughter was all about the big man that picked her up hugged and kissed her a lot!

For me, she is my "old man" in many ways, beautiful, kind and my ever present protector and friend. She never minded that her father was the center of attention all the time, she was content to be his side kick and his very best pal.
Flex is calling her to his side once again and they will be there waiting for us when the time comes. This gives me the strength and serenity to walk the path ahead.

Again, we thank our extended family and friends.
Cheryl and Bob

[Elaine]

Just received this from Cheryl:

Deca crossed the " Bridge" to join her father late last night. As Flex did, she went on her terms, wagging her tail and demanding biscuits, even though this horrible disease was taking her from us with each passing minute.

I thought you would want to know. I will send something out to everyone who's life she has touched probably later today.
Cheryl

[Sonquest]

Dear Bob and Cheryl,
Just want you two to know that my heart is with you today.

LOVE and HUGS,
Tina

[jkf]

Cheryl & Bob:
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. The nice thing about a list like this is that everyone here has been in your shoes. We all know how you feel.
I will wrap you all in ribbons of white light tonight in my prayers.
Julie Froning
Ricky & Patrick
Wagsalot Bearded Collies

[dobesign]

Peace to your beautiful girl, and remember that she will always be watching, and so will her father. We hold you in our prayers...

[andyhilt27]

cheryl and bob,

I am sad to hear that she has passed. I have no doubt she is playing and having a good time. I know the pain must be immense and I am sorry.

[Betty]

Dear Cheryl and Bob,

I'm so sorry to hear of Deca's passing, but I know you know she is in a better place and one day you will all be together again.

Take care,
Betty

[Janice McGerr]

Cheryl and Bob,

I know your pain, it really never goes away,:( I am sure the only thing that helps is that you know she is waiting for you, and you know she will wait for the ones she loves.

[doberdogsfd]

Bob and I want to thank everyone and send a collective hug around. It is so comforting to know the understanding and support is there.

I believe Janice said "the pain never really goes away", oh how true that is. It doesn't matter how many times we have gone through this, it remains for me, the most difficult thing. But I am sure all of you will agree, we wouldn't have it anyother way but to have the honor of sharing our lives with these very special dogs.

So, one chapter closes and another one is being written as we speak.

Thank you all so very much.......Cheryl and Bob

[imeldanoon]

Bob & Cheryl: You already know you are in my thoughts and prayers. She is very lucky to have chosen you to spend her life with. Love you guys......Joan and Rogan