Friday Things
Thank you to everyone who has asked about Einstein and offered up good thoughts and prayers for him. It’s been quite a long week for us. He had a great therapy session last Friday afternoon and we immediately started seeing improvements over the weekend – he began sitting up and standing up on his own, and being able to lay back down on his own, much steadier on his feet, hardly any knuckling while walking, and he even walked from his dog bed near our entryway over to the kitchen while Joseph was eating dinner on Wednesday without any issues (they both love mealtimes!).
Less than 2 hours after we snapped that picture above, he had a seizure while I was putting Joseph to bed. My husband rushed him to the animal hospital while I waited for my mom to come and stay with Joseph. After a complete blood workup, chest x-rays, an abdominal ultrasound, and finally an MRI, our worst fears were realized late yesterday… He has inoperable brain cancer that has spread to his lungs. The neurologist put him on a steroid to reduce swelling, alleviate his symptoms and allow him to be comfortable and happy. We get to bring him home today, but the prognosis is not good… the neurologist said that six months would be the very high end of expectations.
Save This Recipe
Enter your email address, and we'll send it straight to your inbox!
My heart is broken into a thousand pieces. He is just the best dog, and this happened so suddenly with seemingly no warning signs. I really thought I had four or five more years with him. I just want to hug him and never let go.
I had a bunch of other things lined up to talk about in today’s Friday Things, but they all seem trivial given the news we got yesterday, so I’ll save them for next week.
Thank you all for loving Einstein as much as we do ❤️
Having just lost my own sweet Blackie in the last six months, your post brought me to tears. Stay strong and remember he loves you just as much as you love him. My thoughts will be with you over the next year.
Michelle, My heart breaks and tears spill from reading this devastating news…I am so sorry!! Having followed you for quite some time, it is abundantly evident how much a part of your family Einstein and Duke are. I pray the medications provide Einstein with comfort, manage his symptoms, and that his days sre blessed with quality, love, and spoiling! Sending you and your family love, hugs, prayers, and strength to navigate this most difficult journey. As a dog mom, who has experienced the heart shattering news no mom wants to hear, my heart cries, I wish I had a magic wand to cure your precious Einstein, and repair your heart. Please give beautiful Einstein a hug from me– you will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Einstein is a member of your family and his loss will be devastating. Been through it too many times. Dogs are wonderful animals and integrate themselves into your homes and hearts.
I’m so sorry.
I will keep Einstein and your family in my prayers. I have been reading your blog for about two years and I have loved reading about your family especially Einstein and Duke.
I am so very sorry to hear about your sweet boy. You have clearly given him a wonderful life, and I have so enjoyed seeing his adorable face in your posts. Hugs to you all.
I am so sorry to hear about Einstein. I so enjoy reading about your family and doggies.
And, I feel like I know them. I lost my Marcella in April suddenly, it’s so hard to say goodby to our fur babies. Keeping y’all in my prayers. Give Einstein a hug from me!
I am so very sorry. Big hugs.
Oh, my heart goes out to you and Einstein. We lost our fur baby in March, and I still am grieving his loss. Hug him all you can, and enjoy the time you have.
Hugs, Karla
I don’t even know you or Einstein but I’m sitting here with tears pouring down my face. I can only imagine how heartbreaking it is for you. I’ve lost two furbabies and it’s hard. We kept their ashes and my 7 year old daughter enjoys reading books to them. I’m so sorry.
Hugs to your family! This post is breaking my heart! I hope you enjoy the time you have left with Einstein. We all know how much you love him. ???
Love you! Love your dog too. *tears
Michelle, I am so sorry to hear about Einstein’s tumor. Dogs bring so much light and love into your family life, such a gift! Our last rescue dog, Kahlua, had a melanoma mouth tumor and I know exactly what you must be feeling. You do want to never let go! Perhaps you can honor him while he is still with you by taking him to his favorite places or doing some favorite things on his “bucket list.” Sending prayers to you & your family for the journey ahead to that Rainbow Bridge. =)
Peace and bones to you and Einstein, and Duke! I have a golden who is a deadringer for Einstein, so I’m sitting at my desk crying. Whatever time he has left is never enough, but it will certainly be wonderful in his happy, happy home.
I’m so, so sorry to read the news about your sweet Einstein! I know how heart breaking it is to lose a beloved pet. Sending my sympathy,
Donna
I am so sorry! I just went through this (not exactly the same) with my 12 year old baby girl (dog). We expected her to live to be about 17 but she developed Cushings and then had kidney and heart failure. She ended up having terrible seizures and we had to let her go on 6/23. It was the first of my babies I have had to do that for, we still missing her terribly. Goldens are a special breed. I’ll pray for your family.
A few years ago, I stumbled upon your blog for a cupcake recipe and although cooking isn’t my passion, I continue to read your blog because I find most of my recipes here – when I do cook – but mostly I got “hooked” on your ‘Friday Things” posts of Einstein, then Einstein & Duke and currently, Einstein, Duke and Joseph. Your care & love for Einstein & the rest of your family is evident through your weekly photos & words. I’m sure Einstein feels & knows he is loved. He will forever be remembered, not just in Pittsburgh but all over the US! Sending thoughts and prayers your way and hoping you and your family are able to enjoy some happy & special moments w/Einstein these next few months. Peace to all of you as you travel down this path.
Oh Michelle, this absolutely breaks my heart! I feel like Einstein has become part of my family through your blog! I am sending him well wishes and happy vibes!!!! Cherish every last second that you have with him!!! ❤
Poor sweet baby. Pets are such a treasure. I have a 16 year old pup and I am dreading the day that she is gone. Praying for your family.
I’m sitting here crying like a baby over your news. I’ve gone thru what you are so many times, and I won’t lie, it isn’t easy to say goodbye. Just know, he will be in your memories forever, and will be waiting for you and his loved ones at the Rainbow Bridge.
I always looked forward to Friday, loving to see pictures of your little guy, Einstein and Duke. It’s like I really knew them.
Be strong, and Einstein will have you with him forever.
Love, strength and peace to you and your family.
I love reading your blog and seeing photos of Joseph and your dogs, and my heart truly, truly goes out to you now. What a wonderful life Einstein has had with you, and you with him. He is a very lucky doggy to have been surrounded by your love.
Michelle-I’ve been following your blog for a couple of years now and I always look forward to your posts about Einstein and Duke :) Einstein is such a beautiful, special pup and my heart just breaks for y’all. We suddenly lost our 12 yr old Lab back in April and up until that point we thought he was completely healthy, so I totally understand what you’re going through. Be sure to soak up and treasure every single doggy snuggle and kiss :) Einstein is so blessed to have been part of such a wonderful, loving family. Sending love and prayers from Texas
Michelle, I am so profoundly sorry. My heart aches for you and your entire family. Einstein and all of you will be constantly in my thoughts and prayers.
sending love and prayers to Einstein
My heart breaks for you. (((((HUGS)))))
This is heartbreaking – I feel so sad for all of you. This is such difficult time. Enjoy the time you have left with him and keep all the wonderful memories close to your heart.
So sorry about Einstein! Cherish your last days with him and think about all the good years he has given you! I just lost our family golden a couple months ago, only 9 years old, blood cancer. So I know how you are feeling.
I so look forward to your Friday things, it is my favorite post of the week. I love the pics of Joseph and the pups. Today, not so much. I am so so sorry. I am crying as I write this. I know how your pups are family. I know how loved Einstein is and I so hope he doesn’t suffer. Love to you all during this time.
I don’t even know this dog and my eyes are watering and there is a huge lump in my throat. What a cruel turn of events… to be told at one vet visit that he’ll make a full recovery, and then be told at the next one that he’s got less than six months. My heart breaks for you, for all of you, actually. Joseph is too young to understand and Duke is going to be so bewildered at the lack of Einstein’s presence at home. I can’t imagine. Please accept my most heartfelt concern for everyone!
I grew up with a Golden Retriever and I absolutely LOVE when you share the pictures of them and Joseph. As a pet lover I can imagine how you much you and your family love both Einstein and Duke. He’s beautiful and he is lucky to have such wonderful humans. Hugs and love!
I am so sorry. :(