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.
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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 ❤️
Oh no! I have tears!! I am so very, very sorry about Einstein. I know how much it hurts. I took my George to the vet for his regular check up, and he was diagnosed with kidney disease. He was gone in 3 months. He didn’t even act like he was sick when he originally. Just know you’ve given him the best life he could’ve possibly asked for and is very loved.
I am so sorry to read about Einstein. Losing a dog, especially one as sweet as him, is devastating. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
There are no words to say other than I am so sorry. My thoughts are with you.
Oh, Michelle. I am terribly sad for you and your family. I am in tears. As a dog mom of Two 10 year old Golden a Retrievers and a 4 & 6 yr old boys, I am heartbroken to hear about poor Einstein. I literally ran to my Goldie’s & gave them huge hugs. Through your weekly blog over the years, I feel as if you are part of our home & circle of friends. You have let us all into your life and we have been emotionally elated and saddened along with you throughout. The unexpected news about Einstein’s prognosis has sunken my heart as well. He reminds me so much of my 10 yr. old Madison…my oldest Goldie. I pray that our advancing medical technology can prolong his life so that you have more time to enjoy him & so that the “soon to arrive” little brother will get to meet him & play with him. Lots of prayers for Einstein & sending him & you a huge hug. Please keep us posted. ?
I am so sorry for your news. We lost our Irish Wolfhound suddenly to cancer at the age of 7. My son was just three at the time and they were the best of buddies. Now 21, my son still has wonderful memories of Jake and their time together. I hope it comforts you to know that the love between Joseph and Einstein will be with Joseph always.
How heartbreaking, it is never easy getting a diagnosis like this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family right now.
Hugs.
You will have wonderful pictures and stories to share with Joseph, and new baby, to keep him alive in your hearts.
I am so sorry about Einstein. It breaks my heart to think of what all of your have ahead of you and the new baby coming soon.
I am truly sorry for this sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and with what’s to come ❤️
“I’m sorry” seems so trivial, but what else can I say.
I love your blog and your sweet little family, especially your boys, Joseph, Duke & Einstein. Praying for you as your family has hard decisions ahead.
Much love,
Aly
Michelle
Your fur baby will be so missed.
Every time we see a football shaped cloud we know it is from our Duke, we will have him meet your guy when the time comes. He would love to play tug with him.
But for know lots of Treats
This is awful news. I enjoy your dog and Joseph pictures as much as I do your recipes. I can’t imagine how devastating this is for you and your family. I’m so sorry.
I am so sorry for you and your family. I know how you feel, I lost my shepherd last year to cancer and her sister has cancer, too. My girls, like your four-legged boys,,are very important members of our family. No words can ease your pain, but know I am thinking of you and praying for peace and comfort for Einstein. Cherish the time you have.
I’m so sorry to hear this! What a sweet boy. I hope his final time is as painless as it can be, and that you can enjoy your time with him as a family. <3
I shed some tears this morning–still am over this news. I feel like Einstein has been a part of my family too–prayers to your family–so sad.
So very sorry! We lost our Golden Cedar to the same thing. He literally woke up one day with the same symptoms and we had no idea until we got the results. Einstein is such a cutie and I love the Friday pics every week, I always look for those cuties and, of course, Joseph too. Take one day at a time and keep loving on him as much as you can.
Reading this brought tears to my eyes. Being with my beautiful dog, my best friend, was the hardest thing to go through when her life was near an end. My heart goes out to you, cherish all those hugs and snuggles.
Michelle, I’m so sorry. You’ve got a lot on your plate right now, so I’m sending lots of hugs and many prayers your way. Give Einstein snuggles from me in Ohio. He’s a beautiful pup. I was telling my husband this morning that even though I’ve never met you, I feel like you’re a friend because you share so much of yourself here. So, friend, please know that there are lots of us lifting you and your family up in prayer during this time.
So sorry to hear this. I know all too well the sorrow of watching your beloved pet decline. Your Einstein is so lucky to have you for his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I’m so very sorry to hear Einstein is palliative. My heart aches for your family. You will share lots of pats, tears, hugs and nuzzles. ❤️
Michelle I am so sorry. Our previous dog was running in the yard and chasing a ball, completely happy and only 7 years old. The next day she died from a very aggressive cancer that was totally unexpected. LIke you, we thought we had 5 more years to enjoy her. I just walked outside and started screaming because I lost it. She had helped me get through a lot and I needed her. But she was completely loved and cherished and we still feel the same. They give us so much. Take care of yourself and your family – enjoy Einstein while he is still here.
Oh, Michelle. I am so, so sorry to hear this. I know it’s hard on you and your family. I wish I had some words of comfort for you, but having been there before, I don’t think anything I can say helps. I will say this, though. Einstein is such a lucky pup to have you for his mom. I know we don’t really know you, but just from reading your posts about him in Friday Things, and seeing the effort and care you put in to his (and Duke’s) birthdays…I’m sure he is just as well and fiercely loved in your private life. <3
I’m so incredibly sorry to hear about Einstein. He’s been such a fixture of Brown Eyed Baker. I hope he’s comfortable and surrounded by loving family.
My heart is breaking for you. He’s a lucky dog to have such a wonderful family that loves him so much.
I’m so sorry for what you’re all going through. Our animals are the best and kindest of companions; losing them is hard, wondering if we could have done anything differently is harder. In this case, at least, Einstein’s had a wonderful life with you and your family and knows well that he is loved and cared for. I’m sorry you’re losing him so soon. After reading your blog for years, I feel like I know him myself and will be keeping him in my thoughts. I hope for a peaceful transition for this Good Dog.
So, so sorry. He is lucky to have you.
your post today brought me to tears, I’ve been reading your blog for years and I am heartbroken with you. Sending you and your family prayers and good wishes, we all can see how much love Einstein has received from your family.
:'( I am so very, very sorry to hear about Einstein. Our pets, be it dogs….cats….whatever, are a part of our family. We love them almost as unconditionally as they do us, and to lose them is truly devastating. Give him all the extra loving you and your family can, and I’ve read about people doing a “bucket list” for their dog. Maybe Einstein would like to see the beach for the first time, or go to a pet-friendly restaurant and enjoy a meal with his beloved family there, or – whatever! I think I will do this for my dog when the time comes, as its so difficult for us working people to spend all of the quality time we wish with our family – including our pets. Know that we (all of your pet-loving readers) understand completely what you are going through, and are here if you need to talk, cry, vent. Again, I am so sorry for the bad news. But remember that Einstein has had a truly loved and privileged life with you all, and he will NEVER forget that! <3 <3 <3
Michelle,
I am so sorry to hear about Einstein. Love him as you always have and enjoy his time with you. Einstein’s cyber-family loves him too and I will keep him in my prayers and know you’re not crying alone.
July 7th, I sent my Smudge, a shih-Tzu, over the rainbow bridge because he was suffering. The time they have never feels like enough and when God calls Einstein home, he will have a lot of pals to play with.
Much love and prayers to you and your family.
Michelle, I have never met you, but I feel as if I know you and your family so well, through reading your blog for many years.
My eyes are welling up with tears (now they are rolling down my face), and my heart is so heavy for you. What a love of a dog that Einstein has been! Such a great pal and companion…..he is lucky to have had you and your family, and you have been blessed to have him in your lives. XXOO