10 years ago I was given my Dog Chester. Ā He was 5 1/2 years old and had a few health issues. Ā Despite needing a lot of extra care I was determined to give him the best life possible. Ā I had known him since he was 6 weeks old so we already had a connection. Ā Before he became mine I would dog sit for him often and taught him lots of little tricks. Ā Once he became mine, most of our initial time together was spent with doctors regulating his illnesses to help him live that best possible life.
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Living in LA we went for daily early morning hour long walks to the park. Ā I worked mostly from home so we spent lots of time together. He liked laying in the sun on the balcony. Ā I would leave the sliding glass door open so he could come in and out as he pleased. Ā He was a very independent dog, but always liked knowing I was close.
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To me he was the easiest dog on the planet. Ā I traveled a lot and hoped he would be an easy traveler too. He turned out to be the best. Ā Heās been on over 100 flights. Ā He knew how to fly like a pro. Ā Most people in and around our row would comment at the end of the flight they didnāt even know a dog was on board. Ā He really was the best.
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We moved back to NYC early 2020. Within the 1st week back we ended up locked in. Chester loved routines. Ā This was very helpful during this time. Ā Having him allowed me to take necessary walks and trips to the park. Ā I also bike a lot and he loved being in his backpack while I rode with the wind blowing in his ears.
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In early January 2021 I decided to drive cross county and spend a few months out west skiing. Ā I could not have asked for a better road dog then Little C. Ā He loved it! We spent a week or so in each location and became more of a car dog then he had ever been. Ā Happily sleeping in āChesterās Seatā and eagerly running into each hotel or house we were stayingā¦sniffing around and making himself at home.
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By mid March of 2021 we made our way back home. Ā We settled in and got back to life in NYC. Ā About a month later I started noticing some unusual behavior. Ā He would finish eating a meal and instantly start crying at the refrigerator for more food. Ā He was consistently thirsty despite drinking bowls of water at a time and starting peeing uncontrollably. Ā He also had a little pot belly forming. I took him to his vet who started by taking some blood tests. Ā After a series of tests and ultrasounds he was diagnosed with Cushingās Disease. Ā I had never heard of this.
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Approximately 100,000 dogs and 15 million people are diagnosed with it every year.Ā Cushingās in dogs occurs when the the adrenal glads overproduce cortisol.Ā Ā This is genially caused by a pea-sized tumor in the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain.Ā Ā For Chester, it also affected his liver severely.Ā Ā After lots of reading and the Vets recommendation I put him on the only approved medication they had available.Ā Ā Through some additional research I also gave him some supplements that were supposed to regulate liver values and others to keep his skin and coat in good condition.Ā Ā
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My little C lived well with Cushingās Syndrome for a year and a half.Ā Ā I brought him with me most days to the new store.Ā Ā He loved laying in the front by the window.Ā Ā It was still warm out and we kept the front door open.Ā Ā Lots of neighbors with their dogs would come in to see the store and Chester.Ā Ā Day 1 he made friends that came in for daily visits.Ā Ā When not hanging with his new buddies he would sleep.Ā Ā In keeping with his true form, he realized quickly that he could easily walk out the front door, do his business and come back in.Ā Ā Like I said he was an independent dog and the smartest I have ever had the privilege of loving.Ā Ā
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Within a month of opening the store I noticed another change in him.Ā Ā He started having trouble standing up and noticed the muscles in his little back legs were decreasing. He started loosing weight rapidly and within a few days was no longer able to walk.Ā Ā He tried and I helped him but ended up rushing him t the vet quickly after realizing there was a serious problem.Ā Ā That day she told me he had 1-2 weeks left to live.Ā Ā I was in shock.Ā Ā The 1st week I tried all I could to help him.Ā Ā By the end of that 1st week he couldnāt pick his head up.Ā Ā He was still had a normal appetite so I was hand feeing him.Ā Ā After a few nights staying up with him so he could go to the bathroom I noticed that he was in some pain.Ā Ā He had also lost 5 lbs. and he was just 11lbs to start.Ā Ā It was 10 days from when the vet 1st told me til I realized I was going to have to let him go.Ā Ā It was Sunday and I contacted the vet and set an appointment for that Tuesday morning.Ā Ā
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My brother Todd came over early that morning.Ā Ā We took him down to the off leash dog park at the Seaport.Ā Ā He loved it there and we had gone often.Ā Ā We fed him treats, sniffed around with some dogs and enjoyed the breeze. I wrapped him in a blanket and slept in my arms for the 20 minute walk to the Vet.Ā Ā I was hoping the vet would have some kind of miracle cure.Ā Ā She knew us for a while and sadly told me that there was nothing left to do.Ā Ā She was kind and compassionate and allowed me to hold him though the process.Ā Ā As hard as it was to let him go I know it what was best.Ā Ā I miss him so much.Ā Ā I know that his little body was tired.Ā Ā He was brave and in the end I hope at peace.
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Thank you to the Vet, all of my family, friends and colleagues for loving him and all of your insistent calls, cards and words of compassion.Ā Ā
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Every month I donate a portion of sales to non-profits that hold meaning to me.Ā Ā This January 2023 I will be donating to ww.topdogfoundation.org Check out their page to learn more.
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November 2022- www.celiac.org
December 2022 www.fordbanknyc.org
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