Hello All!
A little of our background. Bailey and Bentley are my 7 1/2 year old pit mixes.
They were about 6 weeks when I found them. Stumbling down a busy main service road. Tripping over each other and having me nearly cause a 4 car pile up while stopping to save them.
I was 26 and stumbling through my own life at the time. I knew a dog was not what i needed, never mind 2! I’d never had such a responsibility as an “adult”. But i scooped them up and continued to Walmart for my weekly shopping. My list changed forever.
Parked in the lot, looking down at the most adorable pups i’d ever seen. I lifted Bentley’s head and he stared directly to my soul. I was his instantly.
Bailey was a trouble maker and honestly cuter than her brother. She chewed and destroyed and could care less about discipline. A total high maintenance princess. Bentley adored her and never left her side. Through puppy school she was always causing trouble. Stealing toys and chasing flies. Their instructor suggested separating them and possibly rehoming one. We quit school that day.
Bentley started learning commands and Bailey followed suit. She couldn’t stand her brother getting all those treats! She started maturing first as most girls do. But Bentley just never grew out of 8 months old. He plays, and romps, and gallops just as he always has.
Last year Bailey had a full reconstructive ACL surgery fusing the joint. The recovery was hard and long and she slowed quite a bit. I call her my old lady girl and just knew she’d be the first to go.
In February Bentley began having some lameness. His regular vet said it was simply a soft tissue injury and sent us home with Rymadyl and Tramadol. It seemed to get better for a few weeks. Then consistently worse. I went for a 2nd opinion. May 19th, my 33rd bday, Bentley’s bone biopsy confirmed Osteoscarcoma. My world collapsed.
I have no kids of my own except them. They have been with me through 3 moves, 3 jobs, a wedding, and a divorce. Bentley has been a shoulder to cry on, someone to dance with, and by my side longer than most humans. Although I know a dogs life span is relatively short, I just can’t picture life without him.
Good news is, his chest and organ scans came back clear. So i cling to hope that we caught this early. Today is day 3 after amputation. Chemo starts on the 17th. Bentley is ok so far. Moving around and hopping out for potty. But I can tell his spirits are down. It makes me feel guilty. Like I mutilated him selfishly. Maybe letting him go with dignity on four legs would have been better.
I miss my boy so happy and full of life. And I watch videos of other tri’s for inspiration dreaming of a day he will run and romp again. But will it come?
Attached some pics of my little pack. This is a long one. If you read it fully thanks. But even if no one ever reads this, it helps to write it out. Any advice is welcomed.
Love From Atlanta,
Jamie, Bentley, and Bailey
