Monday, May 3, 2010

A suggestion firmly rejected.




Last night someone commented that Digby must have the whole world in his corner. What a lovely thought . Anyway, all that positive support from across the globe and the care of whatever angels look after small dogs has kept him battling away for another day. The two 500mg doses of Aspirin have brought his temperature down to 38 but he has no interest in eating anything at all and is happy to just lie and sleep. The red blood cell count is very low , the white blood cell count is rocketing and the blood sugar levels are all over the place. Despite it all he managed at one stage to walk six or seven faltering steps into the garden to be with his boys who are home on holiday - his body was slumped but his eyes glowed as they stroked and tickled him. For a while he was back to being a puppy , running on the beach, chasing seals, and playing with his pack.

We're seeing the vet later this morning and over breakfast I gently suggested to 'the font' that perhaps now is the time to recognize the inevitable and help him along on his journey. The reply was a very firm and very emphatic 'no!'. We would know when the time was right . For those of you who are new to the blog I should give you just a little background history. Last year we had a rather unpleasant robbery . Digby fought to defend 'the font' from the attackers despite being kicked and beaten with a fire iron. When ,under a hail of blows and gunshots he finally had to retreat under the bed he carried on fighting and barking out warnings until the police and ambulance services arrived. His little body might have been bloodied and bruised but when danger came he was willing to give his life for his family.

When faced with a commitment like that our duty is clear and unsentimental. No room for mawkishness here - just a simple covenant of trust between dog and family. While he fights, we fight alongside him. When he tells us its time to go we'll listen and act. What are a few sleepless nights ?. To some he may just be another dog but to us he's shown that he has the heart of a lion and the soul of a warrior.

Update - Just back from the vet. A stark summary - nothing more to be done and no point in coming again. Although not unexpected it's upsetting to hear it spelt out with such blunt finality. He's lasted a week longer than expected. Digby will now be at home while everything shuts down. He's not feeling pain but the vet will come over when the call needs to be made - he's said the first signs of blood in Digby's stools or urine will be the time to act. Have just given him an insulin injection and he's settled down to sleep.

83 comments:

  1. In our darkest hour, it is always good to have others fighting beside us. We're with you, Digby!

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  2. Continue to fight Digby....we are all in your corner!!!

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  3. Fight on little warrior. As long as he's not in pain. We still have paws and fingers crossed.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  4. Keep fighting Digby… we know you’re a determined dog so we are still cheering for you, all the way from NZ, hoping that you keep on fighting and getting better little bit by little bit (that’s all it takes to improve!) as we really want you to win this battle against that silly little tick.

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  5. We heard from Asta about Digby. We pray for you sweet boy!

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  6. We know, and we suspect Digby knows, that his family will make the right decisions for him, with love. What a fine dog he is!
    Very best wishes,
    Gail and Bertie.

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  7. What a dog! But then, when you are loved and supported all that is bad is a lighter load to carry. He will let you know when and if it is time for him.
    And a few sleepless nights are nothing - you're right. More positive thoughts from the spring of positive thoughts!

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  8. Oh Angus, As the rest of the world I feel so sory for Digby, you and the whole familily. Having lost dogs to severe illness make you know how hard it is - not to be able to do anything - but as long he is in no pain ... He sure is a warrior, that brave little soul. All good thoughts and wishes for a miracle. Love EM in DK

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  9. Digby, you are amazing and our hero, you are such a fighter. Your family will be by your side to the end, whatever that end may be and they will make the right decision that will be filled with love even if it turns out to be the toughest thing they've ever had to do. You have touched so many lives and are constantly in our thoughts, we wish there was more we could do. Much love - JD and Max.

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  10. may we gently show you another furry blog which could really help you/inspire you

    http://theadventuresofmaxdog.blogspot.com/

    max shouldn't be with us by all accounts... at least for this long... over 70 days of grace

    oh how we go through your pain, oh how we dread the day we too are in your shoes... hang in there as long as you can...

    loves and licks!!!

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  11. We are in total awe of how brave Digby stood up to those eveil introoders. It made Mom cry to read of such terrible events happening to yoo all.
    We are so sad that Digby is gonna hafta go to the Bridge soon ~ but we know for sure that he knows he is very loved. We know his final days with yoo all will be full of love and we know yoo will act when the time is right for Digby to go.

    Good luck for yoor journey Digby. Smoochies.

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  12. Khyra sent me. Digby, what a heroic, amazing dog you are! I just read of your incredible fight against the horrible, mean people to protect your family. So very brave! You have a Warriors Heart, so stay strong and brave and know you are loved by many around the World! I am sending you tons of positive healing energy and love to help you.

    You are a beautiful pup and I wish that I had met you earlier, but no time like the present. My human and I have you in our Hearts and Prayers. Good luck Digby!

    Peace,

    Suka and K

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  13. It is one of the remarkable things about the age in which we live that Digby is in the hearts and minds of so many different people from all corners of the globe. I hope you can take some small measure of comfort in that during this especially hideous time. He is a wonderful dog. Please know you all own my love and my prayers today.

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  14. Dear Angus and The Font, while I don't know your spiritual beliefs, I hope this story comforts you as it does me... In the days before my dearDad passed away from cancer, he was busy taking meetings and having discussions with dozens of unseen individuals. At one point, he looked in a corner and admonished Keddy, our recently departed wire fox terrier, to get off the furniture. When I asked if Keddy was in the room, he said yes, there were a lot of dogs in the room, but Keddy was right over there. So I hold tight to the belief that when our days are done, the pets we love will be by our side once again on our final journey. My minister once said that when we love a pet, we give it part of our soul, and it too lives on forever. I hope these thoughts are a soothing balm in the days ahead.

    Hugs from Jane and Petey

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  15. He is an amazing dog. That week has give him, at the least, a special day with his boys. It sounds to us that he'll stop fighting when he's ready and up to this point he hasn't been ready. I think the font and you made the right decision in this case. Our thought will continue to be with Digby and you.

    Lola

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  16. This is beyond sad. Such a fight and so much courage should be given a better chance. We feel for you.

    We would also suggest that you consider treating Wilf with ADVANTIX which has a much better reputation in terms of efficiency against ticks than other products. it sounds like the ticks are very bad down your way this year.

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  17. We can all continue to hope for the best. Stay strong, sweet Digby - you are one very brave pup. You are loved all over the world now. We continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

    Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

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  18. An extroidinary canine soul has an extroidinary family by his side. This vigil is one of ppain,sheer exhaustion and unspeakable things for you and I admire your courage. You most certainly will know when that time (that time when your help for valient Digby leaves you feeling punched in the stomach, with no air to be had)comes. A feeling I remember all to well from over years of living with dogs.
    But perhaps Digby will give you one more gift and you will not have to make that dreaded call.
    Surrounded by love, peacefully dear Digby. He is lucky to have you and you have been lucky to have him. So while part of me-and perhaps y'all too-continues to plead for a miracle that seems dwindling, I send Digby another soft kiss on that fuzzy head and a whisper of well done boy. Digby with the fighting heart and spirit. And to you all with him that love him so, I send love. I for one, as many writing to you during this time, have been where you are and oh. It is damnably awful.
    I have no doubt that you and "the font" will do whatever is the thing to do when the time comes. If he can't have the miracle of getting well, may y'all have the gift of peace without having to do that thing none of us ever wants to do.
    God knows, I am so very sorry. Hang in there as best as all of you can. What is hell some folks wonder. For me, it happens to be exactly where you are right now with beloved Digby. He of the heart the size of Texas. (Not given to just everyone, that Texas title....)
    Muchlove for all of you deep in our hearts and wish we could make some of the pain less. It is a lonely journey you are on....
    Well done Digby, well done Angus and the"font".
    Jamie

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  19. Digby, I wish I could have known you before now. You are one amazing doggie. I am sending soft purrs for you.

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  20. Angus, for some reason, I've struggled to find the words to say to you this morning. Perhaps because the feelings you and the Font have are all to familiar to me. I've had the privledge of getting to know Digby through you the last several months, and feel as if I am losing my own dog. He truly does have the heart of a warrior, and has found a place in all our hearts. Thank-you for sharing him with all of us at a time when you may want him all to yourself. I continue sending my prayers for all of you to have continued peace, strength and courage.

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  21. There is no more to say than...our thoughts and prayers are with you! Sending love and strength...its a battle this end too.
    With love
    MAXMOM IN SA

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  22. digby is a very special boy, that is for sure. you are right that he will let you know if it is time to say goodbye. in the meantime, we won't give up hope until the end.

    the booker man's mama

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  23. We heard about Digby from Asta and wanted to stop by and give you some purrs!

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  24. We are so sorry that there is nothing more that can be done. Like Daisy we wishes we had meet Digby sooner. What a heroic doggie Digby is. Sending healing & comforting purrs.

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  25. oh Digby....it is ok to give up the fight...your family loves you so much and will understand...you have been a strong protector and wonderful companion and brother...
    i know the pain you are going through now...the waiting and wondering...i understand and only wish i could be with you to help ease your grief....i know why Digby is so strong, he gets it from his "parents"....have peace knowing that you have done all you can for him...and when the time comes, have peace in your heart that he is no longer suffering...and think of all the wonderful times and all the love you gave and received from this extraordinary little guy.....
    tears have flooded my eyes.....
    xoxoxo

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  26. Hey from us - surrounded by love!

    All prayers and thoughts of you and yours.

    Holding on tight.

    XoooXXoooXXXoo

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  27. When my dad died of cancer last November, we were all by his side, even his little dog, Rowdy. After his final breath, Rowdy trembled for an hour. He knew it was over and Dad was gone. Our little dogs have big hearts and are so loyal. Digby loves his family. He's a sweetie. I agree with the Font. Hugs, Liz

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  28. He does truly have the whole world in his paw!! We've come to love your Boyz -- and by extension to feel so close to you and the font. It's not too dramatic to say that our hearts are broken to know that your dear Digby may not win this courageous battle. But as our pal, Petey, said above -- Digby will always be with you, loving and fighting for his family, just as you've now fought for him.

    xx Joan and our Bakalot Boyz, Jake and Just Harry

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  29. What a brave boy Digby is. He truly is a hero. My heart is breaking reading about all you've been through with him. I hope you can keep strong through all the waiting and worrying. We're still praying for a miracle.

    Teddy

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  30. This is so hard. I am remembering that dreadful night in February, and the emergency vet saying, after my third phone call, I can't do anything, don't ring back unless it's to tell me you're ready to let Hamish go. Poor Digby, he has lived well, I think.
    Gail.

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  31. I agree that you will know when it's time. I'm sorry that it's been such a roller coaster ride for all of you. In my heart, I pray that Digby will recover, and get better, but also that if he's to meet the end that it's in peace and with dignity. I've walked that road before with a beloved dog and you have my sympathies either way things go! It's one of the hardest things in the world to watch a pet that you love suffer. Digby has earned sainthood!

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  32. Oh, Digby. What a brave little soul you are. Although I have not known you long, I will forever remember your valiant fight and big heart. If only we could all be as you in our hours of fear and uncertainty.

    And Digby's family - you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. You, too, have shown us the meaning of bravery and the depths of love one can have for our furry companions. Rest easy knowing that you have done everything humanly possible to help your sweet boy.

    Amber (Mayzie's Mom)

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  33. Woooos Fur Digby and all of woo! May every day, every moment be a blessing!
    ~husky kisses~
    -Kira The BeaWootiful

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  34. Oh, Digby. What a brave little soul you are. Although I have not known you long, I will forever remember your valiant fight and big heart. If only we could all be as you in our hours of fear and uncertainty.

    And Digby's family - you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. You, too, have shown us the meaning of bravery and the depths of love one can have for our furry companions. When the time comes, rest easy knowing that you have done everything humanly possible to help your sweet boy.

    Amber (Mayzie's Mom)

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  35. Digby, you have the most amazing people in your corner and the best bro ever. I am crying at the thought of you not being around for me to check on everyday. I have followed your antics with your bro for a long while now and also feel like you are one of my own. Life isn't fair. And on a day like today it really can suck a big one. To the two amazing dog parents, I am sending giant hugs your way and crying along with you. Wilf and Digby, we love you both.

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  36. Dearest Digby, Our love, and the love of so many others all over the world, is with you and your family. Oh, how we wish we could do more. We are holding you close in our hearts and thoughts.

    Cheyanne

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  37. did I mention the photo of Wilf in the foreground looking at his brother was so very poignant. I think you will be happy you have it later............
    Love and prayers from

    Jamie and the Texas Sundogs

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  38. What a brave dog you are Digby, fighting off intruders, protecting your family. You are truely a hero.

    We send more love and rumbly purrs to you Digby, and to your family, delight in their love in these precious days.

    Whicky Wuudler

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  39. Digby and family,

    You are in my prayers! Keep up the fight!

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  40. We hope our love and thoughts help keep you company during these hours. You are giving Digby what he gave you..devotion and love forever.We are there with you in our hearts. Digby deserves no less.

    To be with his family, sorrounded by love till the end,I wish it for us all.

    Keeping vigil with you here in newYork
    love and smoochie kisses from Asta and mommi

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  41. You and the font are so right and so wise. The love that flows both ways with Digby is a pact of sorts - to look out for each other and help each other even in the darkest times. I'll continue hoping for a miracle as long as one is possible. My thoughts are with the little warrior, his brother, you, and the font.

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  42. Digby, our prayers continue and we place on trust in God's grace and loving arms.

    "A Parable of Immortality" by Henry van Dyke.

    I am standing by the seashore.
    A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze
    and starts for the blue ocean.
    She is an object of beauty and strength,
    and I stand and watch
    until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud
    just where the sun and sky come down to mingle with each other.

    Then someone at my side says, 'There she goes!
    Gone where? Gone from my sight - that is all.

    She is just as large in mast and hull and spar
    as she was when she left my side
    and just as able to bear her load of living freight
    to the places of destination.
    Her diminished size is in me, not in her.

    And just at the moment when someone at my side says,
    'There she goes! ' ,
    there are other eyes watching her coming,
    and other voices ready to take up the glad shout :
    'Here she comes!'

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  43. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
    Deetzy

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  44. As I found yesterday when I tried to mention during the video for my Sunday travellers that I was doing their leg for all of you and for Charlie, words are failing me...

    The feelings are there...just not find my fingers and/or tongue&lips...

    Just now a Don Henley song came to mind: I Will Not Go Quietly

    http://www.lyricsfreak.com/d/don+henley/i+will+not+go+quietly_20042035.html

    I think Digby is showing his Don Henley/Axl Rose side

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra's Mom and Khyra too

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  45. We are praying for you Digby! You are such a fighter but maybe it's time to rest....you are loved by so many across the world....take care, my friend....

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  46. Wow, Digby. You were so brave to defend your family like you did when confronted with harm. Fighting is definitely in your nature. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. ♥

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  47. Oh Digby! I am sitting at my computer bawling my eyes out. I know your journey will be painless and wonderful but you have such a sweet soul. I do have a favor to ask of you though - when you leave at go to the Rainbow Bridge or wherever it is that very good dogs go, could you keep a lookout for Dottie? She will be right behind, perhaps not today or tomorrow, but within the year. She has come home to spend her last days with us but is going through what our vet calls "the golden time" when things are holding together and we may be able to get a few months together. You will be able to recognize her, she is a Cardigan Corgi with an attitude - black and white, with a tail (she wants to be sure you note that she has a tail unlike Pembroke Welsh Corgis).

    Have a gentle journey, know that you have and will always be loved.

    The mother of Dozer, Dottie and Cooper Edwards

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  48. Such a brave warrier - what an awful story about your traumatic experience last fall. We have been thinking of you so much and glad that you are not in pain. Sending prayers and love xoxoxo,
    Sammie and family

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  49. Oh dear, so sorry to hear the news. Be strong. Sue x

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  50. Digby, you & your family are in our thoughts & prayers. What a strong little man you are.
    Love Ruby & Penny

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  51. Even across thousands of miles,we can feel your pain and anguish. also the overwhelming love and feeling of protectiveness when you see your little boy lying there helpless.
    he is such a beautiful dog.we can see that even when he is so sick.
    we are all with you in heart n spirit, though we wish very much to have been able to come and hug Digby once.
    Will wait everyday for your updates,full of hope n prayer for some miracle.
    with love n tears,
    Ginger, Buddy n Family

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  52. I am at a complete loss of words. There are no words to help you get through I'm sure. But please know we are prayering for all of you, Digby, and Wilf also. I know it will be hard on Wilf as well.
    Digby, you fought once and now it's time to do it again. We love you Digby, from the bottom of our hearts.
    Ok, I'm crying far to much to continue.
    Allison

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  53. Your friends from NC are here for you too. We are so very sorry, please hug both of your little guys for us and then hug each other too. Thought and prayers still being sent for all.
    Susan, Jack & Mickey

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  54. Keep on fighting Mr. Digby! We are very sorry to hear your news! We will be saying lots of doggie prayers for you!

    Lots of slobber,
    Droopy and Callie

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  55. Keep up the good fight Digby! You are one special dog. Your family was lucky to have such a brave dog. When you go to the bridge I hope you see all my kitties that I've lost in the last year..their names are Idgy,Simba,Whistie and Gabby. Im sure they would love to play with such a wonderful dog as you.
    I pray for your family at this sad time. It is so hard to lose a part of your family. I pray Digby goes in peace.
    Paws & Whiskers,
    Jude,Poo,Babybella,Piper & Marley

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  56. The Bougalou BearMay 3, 2010 at 7:11 PM

    There is never such a thing as "just a dog".
    I found solace in dogs in some of my darkest hours; they give us unquestioning loyalty and we give each and every one of them the best care we can, as you are now with Digby.It is indeed as simple as that.
    I am so glad he had a chance to play with "his boys" one more time.

    To all of you, humans and canines, we wish fortitude and peace. Keep up the fight, little warrior.

    Isabelle, BB's Maman

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  57. I'm so sorry to hear this - you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  58. I didnt kow Digby then but wow he was there to fight for you and now you are fighting for him.. Digby will indeed let you know when the fight can no longer be won.. Hugs GJ xx

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  59. Digby is a champion and a hero. and you are indeed, his hero. our thoughts are with you and Digby in his final days/hours. we're sending Digby, Wilf, and his humans, all of our love and support throughout this difficult time.

    woofs from the 4Bs and our mom, peg

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  60. It's so sad to return to this post and read your update after you went to see your vet. Mum and I had really been hoping for a miricle. Sending you, Digby, Wilf and your family hugs and love.

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  61. Digby

    Our hearts are breaking for you and your family. All our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Clive and Murray

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  62. Dear Angus and Family,

    Everyone told us that we'd be able to know when it was time for Java to go by the look in his eyes. And we did - he totally lost spark at anything and we knew that he was looking beyond us.

    Hugs to all,
    Lynn and all of the Rocky Creek Gang

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  63. We're fairly new and we can't figure out who the font is/are but we do understand your devotion to Digby. Aside from being a part of the family, he was evidently ready to lay down his life to protect you. We are all teary at what you are going through. Purrs and tail wags.

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  64. I had to say good bye to my welsh terrier finlay after only 5 years.....

    be brave for him

    john

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  65. Purrs continuing for sweet, brave Digby.

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  66. I should know better than to read blogs in public!!

    Digby you do have the heart of a lion!! Sending you all the happy thoughts and pets and love!

    Digby's family, my heart is with you during this all.

    Prayers and wags!

    Mr. Nubbin' and his mom!

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  67. My heart is there with you and with this little Polish dog. I have been in your shoes and I will be there again and again as the years pass by because I cannot and will not live without animals in my home and sharing my life.

    An aside - do you think that a cool enema would help to bring down his temperature and possibly hydrate him a little? Just a thought.

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  68. We've been following Digby's story. So sad for all of you, sending gentle head strokes and love to Digby.

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  69. I'm trying not to cry after reading this post. I am so, so, so very sorry to hear the unfortunate news. I haven't been reading your blog long but I've been following Digby's story and praying for the best for him.

    I know it won't help much but here is a virtual (((HUG))).

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  70. You're surrounded by so much loving concern,thoughts and prayers, to which we add our own voices too. I truly hope it'll comfort and support you and your wonderfully loyal, brave and treasured companion.

    Eric + B

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  71. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

    Love ya lots,
    Maggie and Mitch

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  72. More prayers and crossed paws. Digby will let you know. Zach, like Dottie, will meet up with him soon. Zach's a little black cocker with a way of showing his 'attitude'. They will be great playmates.
    Zach's mom

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  73. Just a quick wish that you all are sleeping well this night and that the morning will be a miracle.

    xxx Joan

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  74. My sisters and I and both of our humans send you all our love Digby, you have touched so many, and we all love you.

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  75. That was so hard to read, but we understand. Digby will let you know when he has had enough. We are sending big hugs and love.

    Mango

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  76. Oh Digby and Family,
    We are with you. My big brother Mack is in a way facing what you are facing. Mommy's walking him, but unless he starts walking;then, I don't know. We are so sorry, and we want to send helping welshies kisses, and an assisted Eskie hug.
    Sally Ann and Mack

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  77. We send Digby and all of you comforting purrs...

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  78. Oh, Digby, you are a strong and mighty warrior aren't you. You protected your family back then, and now they're doing the same for you. Take care big boy. You're well loved by so many.

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  79. yes, yes, yes, he WILL tell his family when its time - he's been so tuned into all of you for so long, his wisdom, even at the end, cannot be ignored - best thing, being with him AT HOME when it's time

    rock on my boy, rock on

    KT and Lady

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  80. Digby- the heart of a warrior. The whole world has come to surround you with paws. We encircle you. The world loves you.
    We send thoughts and prayers to your family and you Digby as your fight the warrior battle.
    love
    tweedles
    Oregon USA

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  81. We feel so blessed to have known Digby, even for such a short time, through your accounts of him and the love and bond that he has shared with your family.

    You are with him now, and we are all with you.

    We wish you moments of tenderness and understandings of trust and love. He knows he is in your loving care and that you are there for him. Just as we are here for you.

    With love and hope and prayers,
    Jake and Fergi and Sally and Nina

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  82. We are friends of Jake & JH. We are saddened by the news and hope against hope for a miracle. It is always hard to loose the young ones.

    Know that you have friends at DWB.

    Dog Speed,

    Essex & Deacon

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  83. We awe holding you in ouw heawts , keeping vigil with you. Wilf knows he's treasured, and will be loved fuwwevew
    smoochie kisses
    ASTa and Mommi

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