This is pretty much what Parker's life is most of the day. Well, the other 10% of his day is filled with Ashton or Violet hopping on him or riding him. Violet frequently straddles him and says "giddy up." Unfortunately, we found out today that Parker most likely has lymphoma. He has had a cough for the last 3-4 weeks or so and I finally took him in to see the vet. We found out he has enlarged lymph nodes. It would cost us ~$1,000 to confirm the diagnosis but what would we do really? Treat him with chemotherapy and radiation? Nope! He is 10 years old and has lived a good, long life. Apparently the life expectancy of golden retrievers is 10-12 years and Parker has met that. I just hope he is able to live out the rest of his life as he has lived his last 10 years - too much human food courtesy of Violet, fun with the kids, and the ease of indoor life. It's not quite as luxuriousness as it was when it was only him, but he has had a good life! He was a rambunctious puppy whom I had to take to the dog park frequently in Mountain View. He traveled with me to Tucson and kept me company. He joined Matt & I in Indianapolis and enjoyed the snow. He kept me company as we drove to Virginia. And he kept Tom company as he traveled back to Fresno! The dog has lived in more places than most of my high school friends!
2 comments:
Parker Smarker the loyal family dog.
Let's post a picture of him when he was a puppy. I'll send you a photo...He definitely is a one-woman dog and needs a couple minutes a day of your undivided time.late at night when the kids are in bed. Just a pat on the head and an 'atta boy' would put him in heaven here on earth.
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