by David Martin
It was two weeks after I had just said goodbye to my female rottweiller, Pookie, who had liver cancer, when my best friend Shaq, a 9 year old Rottweiller was diagnosed with bone cancer. I cried so long for him, not knowing what to do. After numerous hours consulting different doctors, I had decided to have his right front leg amputated, which is where the tumor was. It was a very hard decision, as the doctors told me that typically, dogs with this very aggressive cancer don't live more than 6 months. I felt that if he could live a happy 6 months with 3 legs, then it was worth it.
I spent all of my time I had available with him, and showed him the love he had always shown to me. He was by my side whenever possible.
As time passed, and after intensive chemotherapy treatment, it seemed that the cancer was in remmission.
Three years later, as Shaq was now 9 years old, he was having a harder time getting around.
I took him to the doctor whom told me that it appeard there was another tumor. My first reaction was to cry for Shaq, as I did not want him to be in pain anymore. I decided that it was time for him to join Pookie, and wait for me at Rainbow Bridge.
I cried non-stop for two days after I had made the decision, but I spent as much time with him as I could. He could not walk, so I had the doctor help me put Shaq on a stretcher and take him outside of the hospital to lay with me on the grass. I would hold him and comfort him.
He was getting worse by the minute, so after about 6 hours of just me and him, I decided it was time.
I held him in my arms during the whole time. It was the most painful experience I have ever been through. This just happened yesterday, March 10, 2002, and I am having a very hard time coping.
I know he is now in a better place where he is happy, and one day we will be together again. He was my best friend and I miss him dearly.
I love you Shaq.