I remember being a little upset the day that Lucky came to be ours. I could not believe my husband would buy a puppy without consulting me. However, it was only a few days before this cutie stole my heart and never gave it back.

Lucky came with a bit of an attitude problem but we had an understanding by the time he reached adulthood. We tried not to look at him while he ate and he tried to refrain from eating us. We always knew when to leave Lucky alone.  Unsolicited affection was generally met with a deep growl. If we persisted, he would show us his teeth. Don't get me wrong, Lucky loved affection, but only on his terms. Nonetheless, Lucky was a wonderful dog with a loving spirit and a great love of cheese.

About six months ago, Lucky began to develop a knot on his leg. At first we thought he had fallen or sprained his foot. After a day or so without improvement, my husband took Lucky to the vet. He called me from there with the horrible news. Lucky had bone cancer and it did not look good. It hit me pretty hard and I just started to cry. I told my husband to just bring Lucky back home. The vet reviewed our options with us. Amputation of the leg was a possibility however, Lucky's back legs had never been totally right. He had difficulty even before the cancer. We decided that the problems with his back legs and his weight would make adjusting to three legs very difficult for him. We opted against treatment. Lucky's disposition would have made chemo traumatic for him and the poor soul trying to administer it. There was nothing we could do.

We stocked up on Rimadyl and spent the next four months nursing Lucky at home. He remained in pretty good spirits and actually became a little more loving and tolerant of affection. The vet had mentioned that we should try to limit his activity because of the fragile state of his bones. This was difficult because we have another very playful rottie, Lucky's mate, Shasta. We had several near misses, but as the tumor grew, Shasta became more calm around Lucky and careful not to hurt him.

Rimadyl really seemed to help. But with any cancer patient, there are good days and bad days. As of Last Friday, the tumor had grown bigger than a baseball, and his foot began to swell. By Sunday, he could not longer put any weight on that leg and was unable to find a comfortable position. He was so restless.

Monday morning came with a wave of sadness. I woke up knowing what we had to do today and it broke my heart. I reluctantly prepared Lucky's last meal, bratwurst and cheese. I hand fed him that morning with tears running down my face. He so willingly took the cheese balls not knowing that they contained the sedatives that would make his last trip to the vet more comfortable. My husband and I were with Lucky when he passed from this world. I so wish that he could have died peacefully at home but the cancer was out of control. The only way Lucky was going to pass peacefully was with help. We carried Lucky's remains to be cremated. The whole experience was gut wrenching but I am glad I was with him and glad that I did NOT just leave him at the vet's office. I feel like we saw it through to the very end and that it was our responsibility, even though it hurt us so.

It has only been a few days since Lucky left this world and our family deeply feels the loss. Lucky gave us seven years of love and entertainment and we are so blessed to have gotten the opportunity to know and love him. Goodnight sweet Lucky Boy, we love you. You will be missed.

Lucky Van Bowen
6/12/97 - 10/20/03