Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Parallels

How is it possible for the human heart to be near bursting with joy over the addition of a new child into the family and breaking apart at the contemplation of losing another member of the family at the same time?

It is with great sadness that I share that our Konrad has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his rear leg below the knee. This cancer is a fast growing extremely painful disease with no cure. Ironically, it
is the one of the same types of cancer that my mother faced. Left untreated, the risk of broken bones would be high and Konrad's life would probably be coming to a close about the time we would be leaving for India. I don't know if there is such a thing as perfect timing, but I can tell you this is not it. Amputation is the option we chose. While this is not a cure, it will take away Konrad's pain and hopefully will prolong his longevity, allowing us to travel to India and avoid leaving Konrad's fate in the hands of those who would be caring for him in our absence. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we pursue Konrad's treatment. His surgery is in progress as I type this.

On the same day that we received this sad news, we also received new photos and a video of our sweet DeeDee, courtesy of another traveling family. Naturally, it brought a lift in our spirits as we witnessed, for the first time, our princess sitting independently and sucking her thumb. What a bright spot she brings to our lives at this difficult time without even knowing it.

*Update: Our dear boy made it through the surgery quite well. He rallied, was drinking water and things looked very hopeful. Unfortunately, there was a complication. A blood clot broke loose and went to his heart. The vet administered CPR and revived him and again Konrad was doing well. Later, his heart stopped a second time and Konrad could not be revived.

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our dear poochie. He would have truly loved a tail pull or ear scritch from Devi and certainly any scraps of food that may have fallen his way. He will be dearly missed. He was such a good boy.



8 comments:

Julie & Patrick said...

Wanted to preserve one message we got via email after Konrad's passing from my nephew Ryan who is 7 years old.

"dear antjuley and unculepat i am so sorrey aboutkonrad.Irelleylikedplayingwithhim . i hopeyouget another dog.

love ryan."

Pam said...

Julie,
I'm sorry for the loss of your pet. You mentioned the dogs before with fondness.
I'm glad you were able to see another view of Devi today. I'm sure that had to help.
Hugs to you.
Pam

The Labontes said...

Julie, I'm so sorry. We know well the strong attachment we feel for our animals. He will be in our thoughts, as well as the rest of your family.

Kristy

Nadra said...

Julie,

The loss of a pet is tough. My thoughts and prayers are with you. It won't be long before you'll be traveling to India to pick up your precious Dee Dee and Konrad will be smiling from above.

Hugs!!

Nadra

Lisa said...

Dear Pat and Julie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Konrad was such a lovely, good dog. An important member of your family. And I loved his SPEED! I'm believing that Konrad knew that something Big is looming close on the horizon ... his death a sign that Devi is on her way and will be home soon. Dogs know these things. Hugs to you.
Love, Lisa

Amanda said...

I am so sorry. I know how hard it is to say goodbye to pets. They are very important members of the family. I'm praying that Devi gets home soon. She is adorable.

Anonymous said...

Dearest Julie and Pat

Can't tell you how sad I've been since I read about Konrad's passing in your blog this morning. I know how much you loved him. He has left a giant empty spot in your lives and hearts which I know your little princess will help fill.

Remember to give Cayenne lots of extra hugs because she will be sad and lonely too.

Love ya
Anza

Anonymous said...

Julie:
I am Leveta from the Dillon list and I wanted to say how sorry I am for you at the loss of your pet.Our pets become such a strong part of our lives and I know you will have a empty place in your heart for him for awhile. I will be praying that Devi will be home soon with out delay and for hearts to be comforted with the loss of your pet.
Leveta