I was resisting this day. Harley was diagnosed with osteosarcoma a year ago – bone cancer in her shoulder. After consulting with my vet and a veterinary oncologist we determined we would try amputation to hopefully stop the cancer from spreading. I wasn’t going to do chemo or radiation – dogs don’t understand that, and putting a senior dog through that wouldn’t be fair to the dog or easy on my checkbook.
Harley did great with the surgery and from June 2024 to last week, she happily moved around as a tri-pawed. Did okay at the dog park and on our (now shorter) walks. I was happy to keep her in my life for another year. She was still Alpha-dog.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago. Harley started moving slowly and cautiously. We had done x-rays in February which showed some possible arthritis/pain in the neck region. But so far no cancer spreading to the lungs. Some pain meds and muscle relaxants helped.
When she started losing her appetite last week – now, Harley was a foodie and had her meal done before I put Hailee’s food dish down – that was a red flag. Tentative steps, lack of appetite, general disinterest, whimpering on occasion…back to the vet today.
My worst fears were confirmed. Today’s x-rays showed a bigger mass on the neck/spine and it was fast moving. My heart broke as I heard her howling in pain as the vets gently tried to keep her immobile during the x-rays. She was not doing well.
I was not fully expecting to come home this morning without Harley. I knew in the background it would be a decision to make at some point soon but didn’t know it was today’s decision.
Harley passed peacefully and quickly, and I know she is romping around that Rainbow Bridge with 4 legs again and meeting my former pets Ringo and Jasper. It was a rough morning. I look back fondly at the years I spent with this wonderful rescue dog. She brought joy into my life and to my friends and neighbors.
RIP Harley – and thank you – as the bumper sticker says, “God let me be the person my dog thinks I am.” She was a sweet spirit and will be much missed.
Musings About Life 
Oh Kathy, my heart is breaking for you.Know you were the BEST mom to Harley and she was lucky to have found her way into your home. May her memory be an eternal blessing.
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Oh no! Not my Harley 😢 I will miss her sweet greetings whenever I visited.
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May your happy memories hold your heart gently when the tears fall. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sent from my iPad
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Kathy, I am so sorry to hear this. It is so difficult a decision one must make with our fur babies, but the most humane to end their suffering. You were/are a good dog mom and gave Harley a good, happy life.
RIP Harley
With deepest sympathies, Mary
Sent from my iPad
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I am so sorry, Kathy. RIP sweet Harley-dog ❤
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So very sorry for your loss. So glad I got to give her a kiss
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Dear Kathy,
I am so sorry to hear about Harley. But I know you did the right thing.
She is fine now, no suffering any more. I wish you the best, thinking of
you.
Love, Conny
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Dear Kathy, I’m so sorry for your loss of Sweet Harley. It is always a difficult decision to make and yet, we have to remember the pain and misery suffered by our beloved four-legged family members and be merciful towards them with love, always remembering the gifts they so freely give.
Blessing Harley and you with love. LeNore
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Sorry to hear that you had to put your beloved doggie to sleep, Kathy, truely a hard decision to make.
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Kathy, I am so sorry to hear the loss of your beloved Harley. Our furry buddies are family and we must grieve their loss. Take time to grieve…so important! ITB, Suzanne
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Hello Kathy, your post about Harley was in my feed this morning. She sounds like a wonderful friend and I empathize with your loss. Dogs are forever in our hearts no matter the length of time since we said goodbye. Take care, Margaret
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