Sad News: The Fezzer Is Sick

I'm unsure as of now where this post is going to end up, or how long it will be, or if I will publish it. And I think I will probably write it over the course of a few days, saving drafts as I go along, adding pictures and memories as they come to me, and of course taking time out to regroup as each word will be difficult yet beneficial to write, but the moral of this story is Fez, our 2.5 year old Shih Tzu is sick. Not the good kind of "warm nose" sick unfortunately, the bad kind, the worst kind. Our little guy has been diagnosed with Lymphoma and his timeline is unknown, but I can tell you it's very short.

Liz and I got Fez as a 7 week old Puppy and naming him was not tough - for those that don't know, Liz and I met at Fez Batik, a nightclub in Toronto. So to honor his parents, not the "That 70's Show Guy" his name was to be Fez - and it suits him perfectly. Here are some of the first pictures ever taken of him:






Before going on much further you should know Fez is very much his usual self. He's happy, comfortable and is proving he has far too much gas in his tank then his destination requires. But that attitude will make it much easier for those around him who are obviously devastated with these developments. And I've got to tell you, there are worse ways to make an exit in this world then to know a countdown is on. As an owner of a very young Lhaso Apso who did not survive being hit by a car, this atleast builds in those extra memories you pray for when instances as above take place... Something we have already begun taking advantage of. And I'll be damned if he doesn't get sick of doggie treats by the time I'm done with him!

Sharing the news of losing a family pet is never an easy process either - but I'll tell you something, for a dog that is not even 3 years old this is extra tough. Not because he's not yet 3 years old and far to young for this news (although that is very true and part of the problem), but because in that short amount of time he's made more friends than you'd think possible for a dog. Most dogs don't get invited places, or have people fighting over who gets to babysit them, or if they do they don't get invited back or volunteer again. But Fez is different then most dogs I find in that way. He's quiet, well behaved, incredibly polite, mostly stays out of the way (the size helps), never begs for food (unless a Bahlieda is around of course) and he generally provides that extra bit of fun and joy that's required now and then that only a dog can exude. After typing that I bet you all were trying to find a way to get Fez to come visit without me coming with - Sorry :)

APRIL 20th, 2007

I took quite a break from writing this post. I was never sure if I was going to post it, but Fez's been such a part of all my friends lives as well it's only fair I do. A lot of you already know, and have even had the opportunity to visit him and give him your well wishes and pass along your prayers - thanks. Since my last paragraph:

TAZ

TAZ has been a big help for a number of reasons. As much as Fez hates the idea of a new dog around the house, Fez has been far more active being chased by TAZ, and even his anger has turned to positive energy, which has been great for him, and us. Also, we figured it would only be a huge bonus if our new little guy got the chance to meet the best damn dog that has ever existed. Perhaps some of Fez's good qualities will rub off on Taz, perhaps some words of wisdom from one to the next. Of course it also keeps Mom and Dad busy once Fez is no longer around, to hint at a replacement would be silly because the Fezzer can't be replaced, but someone else to pass our love onto is a good idea, afterall we had 10 more years of Fez love stored up that we've tried to pack into this 2 weeks, but there is still much more left over.

FEZ


Up to now, Fez has been on the good side of the disease. A little tired, a few minor changes in attitude, but he's given it a pretty good go. The past few days his Lymph nodes in his neck have drastically grown - the steroids have perhaps stopped working. Last night, it appeared he was having difficulty breathing because of this. The first sign official sign that Fez may not be happy. And the first official time I've began to consider the alternatives.

This morning he appeared to be breathing much better, but perhaps tired from lack of sleep he's more lethargic. I'll keep a close eye on him over the weekend, up the steroid dose to attempt to improve the breathing, but I think it's time to finally admit to ourselves that our little guy is sick.

I'll tell you though, doing the rounds of saying goodbye, getting special treatment for a few weeks, seems like the right way to do it. Of course Fez would't have done it another way.