Sunday, April 25, 2010

Not without a fight.




Despite being a gruff Calvinist I'm enough of a modern man to admit to having one or two moments of 'heightened' emotion yesterday when it looked as if Digby was on the home straight. The lovely vet in town told us in the nicest possible way that everything that could be done, had been done. With the red blood cell count collapsing a blood transfusion was simply out of the question and there is a limit to how much cortisone can be prescribed. At lunchtime and again at eleven last night his temperature had soared back to 40 +, his breathing was shallow and raspy, and his little body was being racked by spasms. All we could do was hold him close and let him feel our love.

Yet, here we are on Sunday morning and he's still with us. It was ,to put it mildly, a difficult night but in the wee hours of the morning I caught him looking at me with a feisty glare that seemed to say ' I'm not going without a fight'. He can't keep anything down, jaundice has set in, his temperature seems to remain determinedly elevated, and he's clearly distraught but boy he's tenacious. This morning we've carried him downstairs and laid him out by the front door on a warm bed . That way he's near his big brother. Who knows where the next few hours or days will take us but I know he's going to give it everything he's got and then some.

Thank you so much for all your comments - they mean so much. What great tenderness and care exists among people.

99 comments:

  1. ...so I continue to send mega positive thoughts.

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  2. we're all rooting for you, digby. you're a fighter for sure...i can see from the first picture that you've even got your "morning hair" as usual. :)
    praying for a miracle and sending love and hugs.

    the booker man's mama

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  3. Angus - if I hadn't experienced events in February with Hamish, I wouldn't have understood quite how one feels when a beloved pet is so seriously ill. I am still hoping for a good outcome. All the best, Gail.

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  4. Dear Angus!
    Oh I am so, so sorry to hear about Digby's deteriorating health! What a terrible blow! I've not been around the blogs much and I've only just heard. I just want you and "the Font" to know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers as you battle with your faithful companion!
    Thank you so much for the updates amidst all this. I just know that all your cyber friends will be with you in thought.
    Hang in there and a special pat to the dear boy!
    With lots of love and wishes of strength.
    MAXMOM, MAX, TAMMY, TOFFEE and TOMMY IN SOUTH AFRICA

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  5. We're still hoping.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  6. Our paws remain crossed for you, Digby. You're in our thoughts and prayers.

    Love ya lots
    Maggie and Mitch

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  7. We are so terribly sorry to read of the awful time Digby has been having. We are crossing all our paws that he will pull through.

    Everyone at
    The Poupounette

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  8. Dear Digby,
    We came to know u are sick from our friend Booker. We are really very very sorry. Mummy and Daddy sends heaps of hugs n tons of warm wishes and prayers.
    we believe all Dawgs are fighters and will not really give up till their last breath.
    we are with u Digby and are hopeful u will come out of your ordeal.
    Mummy n Daddy are docs.they wanna know if u are taking ur antibiotics properly. they really act very fast and help u recover from this disease.
    in India it is easier to get medicines. we can buy over the counter. But Mummy says in ur place it isn't so. that is the reason she isn't suggesting any medication.wish she could help somehow.
    we are sure ur personal doc is doing all he/she can.
    with Prayers n licks,

    Buddy and Ginger

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  9. Our vigil of prayers and hope that Digby is able to regain his health and vigor continues here in Virginia as well!

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  10. Angus, we don't know you are touched by your pain and sadness.
    Our thoughts are with you.
    xxx

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  11. oh digby.....i know it is hard, but keep fighting....we are all praying for you and your family.....if the fight is too much we understand too.....it breaks my heart to see you so sick.....if i could i would be there for you, and your momma.....
    i know you are doing all you can for your boy, i support you and send you strength.....
    xoxo

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  12. We came through Booker also. Our hearts and thoughts are with you all...although our hearts are breaking knowing Digby is going through this. Keep up the fight Digby.

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  13. I am so so sorry to hear that... He'll keep fighting as he'll know you'll be by his side, all my thoughts today are for Digby. Many kisses and hugs to you all.
    Manu

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  14. This is for u Digby, and your family.Do get well soon

    http://doggywisdom.blogspot.com/2010/04/prayer-for-digby.html

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  15. Hi Digsby and Wilf,
    We are Finni & Nelly from the UK. We're so sorry to hear that Digsby is so poorly. We've had problems with tick bites too. Mum uses Homeopathy to treat us. If you want to try some for Digsby get in touch.
    Sending you mega healing thoughts and nibbles
    Finni & Nelly xx

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  16. Digby! I am thinking of you. I had the bad tick disease too even though I do Frontline and finger check. I am keeping my paws crossed that you beat that bad thing.

    Slobbers,
    Mango

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  17. Dearest Digby, you don't know me, but I heard about you from Maxdog's mom.

    I'm so sorry to hear that you're in ill health. My warmest thoughts are with you and your family, sweetness.

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  18. I've been checking every so often, hopng for a positive update, yet dreading the worst. Your furry fluffy boy has evoked so much love from around the world -- old friends, newcomers, all sharing in what we all know to be one of the purest emotions anyone can feel: the love of a dog.

    Angus, just know that we're with you and the Font and Wilf as Digby fights the good fight!!

    xx

    Joan and the Barkalot Boyz

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  19. Just checking in to let you know we are still sending thoughts & prayers your way.
    Susan

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  20. Sending you our warmest hugs and bestest wishes with both paws crossed that Digby has a good fight!

    Paxton and Shirley

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  21. Sending you more heartfelt thoughts and prayers from across the Atlantic. Sweet Digby, what a couragous boy.

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  22. Angus,

    Please know that you, "the Font" and the boyz are foremost in my mind as I go through my daily routines. My thoughts and prayers surround you and lift you up.

    Hugs all around,
    Lynn

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  23. The first thing I did after waking this morning was log onto my blog and check on Digby. With tears in eyes and a heavy heart, I will be thinking of him and you all day. The world is small, indeed, when so such an outpouring of love and care come from every corner to focus on one little dog in France. May God be with you.

    Liz

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  24. Thank you for updating us in the midst of such a terribly hard time. I thought of you approximately a hundred times yesterday, just hoping, hoping, hoping that Digby would pull through. I'm still sending my strong and loving thoughts to Digby. He is a fighter - that is clear, even when the opponent is so devastating. My thoughts are with you, for I can imagine how distraught you and the font are.

    Digby is lucky to be loved so tenderly and completely.

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  25. We are still thinking positive thoughts for Digby - hoping that the fight in him will win the battle.

    Hugs and Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

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  26. This is my first visit here and I'm so sorry to read about Digby's fight. Best wishes to you all and you will be in my thoughts.

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  27. Digby, we are purring for you. Paws crossed you make a full recovery. ~AFSS

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  28. This is the first time I have read your blog. I was led here by Max's blog. I wanted to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    ~Maggie, Milly, and Shelby

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  29. Sending positive thoughts and affirmations for Digby...and big hugs to his hoo-mans during this very difficult time!
    Kit

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  30. Please know that we are sending our strongest and more sincere prayers and good thoughts for Digby. I know all too well your sadness and angst - it is miserable - I know. Whatever happens and whenever it happens, please know that you have done your best for this little dog that you love so dearly. That is all any of us can do when someone we care about is so ill.

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  31. The Herd is rooting very hard for you Digby - we admire the strong fight!

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  32. I have had Digby's face before me in everything I've done all weekend. And I am constantly praying, along with my husband.
    Much love,
    Pamela and Edward

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  33. FIGHT DIGBY FIGHT! You are in our prayers!

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  34. get well soon!! i'll keep my paws crossed for you..


    love, snowie

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  35. get well soon!! i'll keep my paws crossed for you..

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  36. Digby, we are sending lots of healing rayz your way. Keep fighting.
    Love Ruby & Penny

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  37. Digby...we're revving up our purr motors and purring really hard for you!!! Don't stop fighting!!

    Wally, Ernie & Zoey

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  38. We are sending a bazillion pawsitive golden vibes your way, Digby, and to your pawrents and big brofer too. You are sure the tough fighter, dear one.
    Big Hugs xoxoxoxoxo
    Sammie

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  39. Here in our little corner of the world, we are praying for Digby.

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  40. I read about Digby at Max's blog and wanted to stop by to say how sorry I am about his illness...Sending Digby light and love, blessings and prayers for a better day, a better tomorrow.........Best of luck, hang in there.

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  41. We continue to send all of you our most positive wishes and hopes for a full recovery. Keep fighting, Digby!

    Mayzie's mom

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  42. My sisters and I are very sorry to hear about the sweetest Digby. Please know that we are sending the best purrs and prayers to you.

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  43. Digby's been through so much. He is one tough little guy! I don't believe that he'll let a tick get the better of him. We're still thinking about him and rooting him on! We know you can do it, little guy!

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  44. Dear Angus,

    I'm writing this in a rush as I am about to head to the airport for a flight home (from Bogota where I have been following Digby's health issues this week). I look forward to reading your blog especially when I am away from home and my dog Sophie. I don’t want to be intrusive or disrespectful in any way, I am writing quickly due to time constraints and realize that I will not be as eloquent or thoughtful as you are in your posts,. but I wanted to share an experience I had last year in the hope that it might also be an option in your region for Digby.

    My regular vet was away and Sophie was clearly in pain, I took her to see another vet in the practice repeatedly over a few days, the prescriptions were changed or increased, tests were run and I was told that she is improving and that if the vet felt that she was deteriorating he would refer her to a specialist for more tests. I knew Sophie was not improving, I thought she was deteriorating. I called the vet and said that I wanted the referral to the specialist. In my area of the US we have veterinary hospitals that have board certified specialists, they are expensive and not an option for everyone, but I made the choice to pursue this option. The summary of what was a sleepless week for Sophie and I was that following an MRI she was taken in for emergency surgery on 2 slipped disks. When I spoke with my regular vet (with whom I have a good relationship) I explained to him that (I’m in human healthcare) I was able to question the care that the vet was giving Sophie because of my background. I view my regular vets as I would a family practice or an internist I want to know all of my options and it’s ok that sometimes my vet will need to say, this is all we can do but….

    I don’t know if there are more sophisticated options in your region of France for Digby, and clearly pursuing some options is a personal choice. I’m sure that no matter the outcome Digby is a much loved fellow who has enjoyed some wonderful adventures, I do hope that there are still many more to be had!

    Best regards,

    Sophies human

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  45. My heart is broken. We love you Digby and will pray for you :(

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  46. We came here by way of Scout 'n Freya's blog and are so sad that Digby has fallen ill to tick disease. You were doing everything you could to protect him, too. We know your heart is aching as he isn't responding to treatment, and we smiled a little smile when you said you took him outside to be with Wilf in the sun. Give him lots of kisses and tell him he is loved and we will do the same from here in Virginia...and we will purr that he responds to his treatments.

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  47. Halle, our Lymes survivor of 11+ years, is dedicating today's walk to Mr. Digby. FIGHT, DIGBY, FIGHT!!! We are praying for you in our little corner of the planet. xoxoxo

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  48. We are still thinking about you all the time. And still hoping.

    Lola

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  49. Dear Digby

    We heard about you from DWB.

    We are so sorry to hear you are sickies. We will be sending you lots of good thought!!!!!!

    Lots of slobbers,
    Droopy and Callie

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  50. Sending healing and positive thoughts your way Digby. Keep fighting! Lots of love, Debbie and Holly

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  51. Praying for your recovery, Digby, and for comfort for your family.

    Hugs all the way from Minnesota!

    Heather

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  52. We are thinking of you. You are a fighter and we are here to support you...be strong, Digby!!

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  53. All tha Sherwood Krew is purring fur you, Digby.
    An I's posted on tha Cat Blogosphere fur effurryone to send you lots and lots of purrs.
    Love,
    KC

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  54. Hey Digby and mom,
    Well, we just wanted y'all to know that we've heard about you being sick all the way over here in Bumpass, Virginia, USA. We just wanted y'all to know that we're praying real hard for you to fully recover from this infection. As a scrappy fighter you'll have to put up a brave fight and give it all you can. You've got a lot of love working for you, not just at home, but all around the world. We will hold your close in our hearts and thoughts as we pray.
    - The Bumpass Hounds and Kitties

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  55. We're sending good thoughts and lots of tail wags to you Digby. Hang in there.

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  56. We are crossing all our paws for Digby--and that's about 40+. We hope all that paw power will help him. We also send hugs to the humans. We really do care and wish that Digby will come through this.

    love & wags,
    River the beagle & crew

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  57. We heard about Digby through Maxdog's blog, and we wanted to let you know we're thinking of him and your family! Stay strong and give him a big hug from us here in Seattle!

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  58. Dear Digby,
    Where there is life, there is hope. We are hoping and praying for you and your family.

    With Love,
    Cheyanne in CO

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  59. Hi Angus, I just found your blog(s) today, via Maxdog in South Africa. I'm so sorry to hear Digby is so very ill. Hoping and praying that he'll pull through!! Best wishes from Miz Minka, Mr. Greenthumb, Mitzi the dog, and Minka the cat in California.

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  60. We're sorry you're so ill, Digby. You certainly are a fighter! We send purrs and tail wags.

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  61. I visited yesterday via The Booker Man and am back today from a link by MaxDog. I would've been back anyways though because I wanted an update on Digby.

    My heart breaks with this sad news. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and will check back for updates.

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  62. Digby
    We saw a posting on the Cat Blogosphere and wanted to add our purrs and headbumpies to all the well wishes for your recovery.

    We will keep you in our purrs until we know you are better......

    Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrssssssssssss
    Abby

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  63. Just checking in - sending lots of AIREZEN hugs and kisses - you guys are in our thoughts and prayers....

    Hold on tight....

    XXooXXXOooXXxoo

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  64. Sending healing blessings for a recovery.

    Shirl x

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  65. You are a fighter for sure.. You have got my purrrs comming your way.. Keep fighting little one.. Hugs GJ xx

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  66. We came via the Cat Blogosphere to send our purrs and purrayers for Digby...fight Digby fight!

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  67. Hang in there Digby - we're all thinking of you and praying for you. Schnauzer snuggles - JD and Max.

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  68. Would it be possible for your vet to hydrate him with IV fluids? That would make him more comfortable and possibly wash any toxins out of his system.

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  69. Fight well little friend, because if there is any way that you can, we really want you to win this fight.

    Mum and I are thinking of you and your family, and are sending our love to you all from New Zealand.

    Riley

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  70. We continue to pray.
    Digby, "Don't give up 5 minutes before the miracle"


    Hamish & Rescue Sophie &
    their Mom & Dad

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  71. Sending good thoughts today, Digby, you are one special dog, and have a special family. We wish you all well.

    ~ Jack, Jill & DC

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  72. this is our first visit to your blog and we wish the first post was on a happier subject but we want you to know we are sending massive vibes and fighting powers - loves and licks doyle and mollie from NZ

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  73. been here.........not a nice place to be.... my very best for you all..........

    thinking of you
    john (wales)

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  74. We read about Digby on the Cat Blogosphere. We wanted to come here and let you know that we're purring and praying for Digby.

    Sniffie and the Florida Furkids

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  75. We are praying hard and sending you love from the U.S.

    Oskar

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  76. Wooos Digby! I will be keepin gmy paws crossed and send woo healing Sibe-Vibes!
    Please get well soon!
    ~Husky kisses~
    -Kira The BeaWootiful

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  77. Dear Angus and the Font,

    I hadn't read the blogs in a few days and was devastated to read today's entry. When I last checked in, I was confident that Digby would shake off that tick bite the same way Wilf defeated the caterpillars. This is heartbreaking, and tears sprung to my eyes when I looked at that adorable photo of Digby peering out from under his blanket. Truly pain is the price we pay for love, and I just hope that you find comfort in the outpouring of love that is coming your way from all corners of the world.

    We're praying for a miracle....

    Jane and Petey

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  78. I'm a children's author and visiting you for the first time. I'm so sorry to hear about Digby and your words convey what your heart is feeling. I will keep you and Digby in my prayers.

    I also have a blog for animal folks at http://animaltalk4u.blogspot.com When things get better, please come visit. I'm hoping that Digby pulls out of this and you can tell the rest of us what or what not to do in the same situation.......You will stay in my thoughts...

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  79. New pal,returned today to see howyou are doing. Hang in there Digby, sending tons of tenacious terrier zen your way.

    Eric x

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  80. Digby,

    Sending you all the love and support a Therapy Dog and her little furry brother can send you at this time. We have all our paws crossed and you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please make it through to another Day of Grace! We are praying with you!!

    We will check in with you tomorrow. We were sent over by MaxDog and MaxMom.

    Much Love,
    Woofs,
    Josie and Mr. Blues, Jr.

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  81. just read about digby on the cat blogosphere. we are sending comforting purrs your way. your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

    momsbusy & kazoku neko

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  82. I just heard about Digby and wanted to come over and offer my special purrs.

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  83. We here in the holler are thinking of you and Digby. God bless you all.

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  84. Hello from the suburbs of Chicago. I don't know you and Digby but I found you through my friend MaxDog and I wanted to stop by and send you good thoughts from me and my Mom. How old is Digby? I'll have to go and read up on your blog when I have a chance but just wanted you to know that others are thinking about you, keep fighting.

    AARF Kasha the Dainty Great Dane

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  85. Hang in there Digby. You are in our hearts and prayers.

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  86. All my thoughts and prayers are with Digby. Keep the fight Digby...everyone loves you. Digby's parents: know the same. We're all on your side.

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  87. Come on Digby...might be time for the secret weapon--Claudette ??? Zach's got his paws crossed for ya and the family. Stay strong.

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  88. i have no words. sending everything positive your families way.

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  89. w00fs, thinkin of u Digby, u keep fighting and we will b fighting right beside u..

    b safe,
    ~rocky~

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  90. Maggie and I are sending our prayers up to the Lord for Digby. He cares for our pets, I'm sure, as He cares for us.

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  91. We learnt that Digby needed some 'power of the paws' when we visited our friend, Asta's blog and we came right over.

    Sweet Digby, please fight this battle for yourself, for your family and for all who love you. Sending you pawsitive vibes across the miles...

    XOXO

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  92. Just like everyone sent their positive thoughts when my brother Tucker was so sick, we are all pulling for you here in Kansas, USA. You have a very loving family to care for you and a huge family out here sending positive furry vibes your way!

    Gentle wags...
    Katie

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  93. Keep fighting Digby!! We all want you to win this one and be good as new for your family. They love you so much. We'll be sending you healing vibes and love from overseas.

    Teddy

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  94. Hello, the whole of doggy-blogland is talking about Digby! There must be so many good thoughts coming your way. :-)

    I am horrified by your tick story as we too live in a place plagued by ticks and processionary caterpillars (Cyprus) and have had similar struggles keeping our dogs tick free (tick collar and frontline also) I never realised a dog could become so ill from one bite.

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  95. Checking in all day for an update - but imagine it is dawn in France - and night here...
    Hopiong he had a good night and all is well
    Hugz to Digby and his brother, and to you both too.
    fi

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  96. My wife and I have been reading your blog for the past six months or so and it's been a joy to read about the antics and adventures of Wilf and Digby. This morning I read about Digby's illness and it's really hard not to get emotional. As new PON parents and first time dog owners only a month ago, we never knew the depth of the dog owner relationship. Our hearts and prayers go out to you.

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  97. We are so very sorry to hear of Digby's illness. He and all his family our in our thoughts and prayers.
    TK, Squashies, mommy

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  98. Sending Digby positive thoughts and loads of happy drool all the way from Savannah, Georgia.

    Found ya'll over at http://my-dog-farm.blogspot.com/

    With love,

    Larkin

    (and Duke, Roxy, Kane, Flea, Kitty, Sid and Redbird)

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