Tuxhugsrupert_medium
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Rupert
Male
Rat Terrier
20 lbs.
Kewanee, IL
Lymphoma
April 24, 2006
4 years
January 7, 2011
4.5 years
Yes
3-6 months
183 days
July 25, 2010
Rupert's public profile :
http://www.fightdogcancer.com/dogs/115-rupert-rat-terrier-Lymphoma
Rupert's story

I adopted my beautiful little boy on December 29, 2009 and found out six months later that he was stage 5 lymphoma. We were getting treatments at the University of Illinois Small Animal Oncology Department.

Rupert was out of remission for about the past month and no treatment drugs had any impact.

I let Rupert go this morning at 8:20 on the floor of a large animal vet who was kind enough to take care of our needs because Rupert's doctor is out of town.

Rupert was the best patient and a wonderful, wonderful friend.

Cancer fighting tip from Rupert's owner Gayle G.

Be positive and seek out the best hospital you can afford.

Rupert's treatment
Filtered
Yes
N/A
N/A

Natural > Diet >

Canned

Conventional >

Chemotherapy
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  • Tuxhugsrupert_small
    Rupert's owner Everyone on this site has been so helpful. We all share the joy, the tears, the hope and the loss. I was fine yesterday, talking about him without tears. Then, while in the flooring section of our local home improvement store, the vet assistant called to tell me that Rupert's ashes were there. She was very kind. She said that some people pick them up right away, while others wait until they can face that step. I'll wait until Friday. It'll be one full week on Friday. In the meantime, the squirrels have returned to my bird feeders after several days away. Maybe they know that Rupie's not here to chase them away.
    about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
  • Hailey_dec_2010_013_small
    Hailey's owner I'm so sorry abt. little Rupert. I can totally relate to your pain. Rat terriers are great little dogs--so spirited & fun! Unfort, the grieving process is something we all have to go through. My heart is with you.
    about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • Tuxhugsrupert_thumbnail
      Rupert's owner I love the idea that Hailey and Rupert have met in that great somewhere else. When I get another dog, it'll be a rattie...Rupert introduced me to a wonderful breed.
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • P8143351_thumbnail
      Summer's owner Terriers are wonderfully smart & spirited.
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
  • Tuxhugsrupert_small
    Rupert's owner This morning, I looked out to see that some snow fell overnight and covered the grass...and all signs of Rupert in the yard. We've had so much snow, and I was diligent about shoveling paths for him to make moving around the yard a bit easier. I shoveled from the house to the raspberry bramble, and to the bird feeders so he could chase squirrels to their trees. He still wanted to be challenged by the snow that was often taller than his shoulders. He still ran around and enjoyed it as much as he wanted; as much as he could. Then, last week, it all melted away, except where the taller piles lay. Now, there's more snow...and no sign of him. I can't put on the coat that my mother finished for him last week and take him out. He never had one accident...even yesterday morning. He still found the energy to go out on his own steam. Even though he was in pain, and had trouble taking in air, he still got up and went outside. Then, he got in the car, with a little assist, and we drove away. I woke up the morning and Rupert's not here...what do I do now?
    about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • P8143351_thumbnail
      Summer's owner I ate ben & jerrys for 2 months out of the carton. today i finally ate vanilla out of a bowl. When i was done, there was no one to lick the bowl. I haven't been on the scale since Summer has been gone. I've been eating. Nothing else for me to do. Rupert was very cute. May be Tux can give you some extra snuggles.
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • 11_thumbnail
      Bailey's owner That is the hardest part...the emptiness in the house. The first thing I did when I got home from the vet's office that horrible day was to pack up everything in the house that was his...that would remind me of his absence and put it away. I didn't throw it away because I wasn't ready to part with his things but I just couldn't look at everything without feeling the overwhelming loss. And then I just made myself as busy as possible. I worked like mad and leaned on family and friends when the sadness was particularly prevalent and now the tears come farther apart and those old habits are not so knee-jerk. Believe me there are still and will always be times when I miss him so much it is just excruciating but I'm thankful that those times no longer come as often. Rupert and Bailey and Summer are no longer in pain and no longer have to fight the difficult fight. We should all take comfort in that thought and know that they are happy and watching us from the other side of rainbow bridge. They would not want to see us sad.
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • Hailey_dec_2010_013_thumbnail
      Hailey's owner so true!
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • 11_thumbnail
      Bailey's owner Yes it is and Hailey is right there with them.
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • P8143351_thumbnail
      Summer's owner Unfortunately, Summer was my best friend & only friend around here. Family is 4 hours away. She was all I had. I would like to get a relative/puppy, but no luck so far.
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • 11_thumbnail
      Bailey's owner http://petfinder.com or http://adopt-a-pet.com has all kinds just waiting to be your relative/puppy. That's where I'll be going when I'm ready.
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • P8143351_thumbnail
      Summer's owner We already have 2 rescues. I'm hoping that's good enough Karma to go buy a puppy now. The dog we have is still a freak, and the cat bites. I want a labrador to bond my soul to.
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • 11_thumbnail
      Bailey's owner I don't blame you...they have such a great personality. But you know, they still have lab puppies and some of them look pretty pure bred to me. Maybe you could save yourself a couple of hundred dollars and still find your soul mate.
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
  • Tuxhugsrupert_small
    Rupert's owner Thanks for all of your kind words. I am so grateful for the support of animal lovers like all of my FightDogCancer friends. I changed Rupert's picture to reflect the relationship between Tux, my cat of three years, and his brother. Tux really loved Rupert too. I was told by a vet assistant today, that people bring their pets in to have them euthanized because they just don't want them anymore. It breaks my heart. I would have given a thousand dollars to have another week with Rupert, yet so many people just throw pets away. When I get another dog, and I will one day, it will be another adopted dog. It is only right because my Rupert was adopted and he showed me how valuable a "second hand" pet can be. Peace to everyone on this site. I treasure you.
    about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
  • Lucy27_small
    Lucy's owner I am so sorry to here about Rupert. He sounds like he really made an impression in your life. We lost our Lucy on December 11th and I am still seeing her where ever I go. I still do things unconsciously, like pat the bed to invite her up. I choose to believe that perhaps she visits me when I need her most. Rupert will visit you to. I am sure that he loves you as much as you have loved him! Thinking of you.
    about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
  • Tuxhugsrupert_small
    Rupert's owner Rupert needed to be released. He was lost these past couple of days and was clearly in pain. He went out to relieve himself this morning, then I helped him into the car and we drove to a vet. He's at rest now. Six months to the day since his diagnosis...and 373 days as best friends.
    about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • 11_thumbnail
      Bailey's owner Oh I am so very sorry. I know how hard it is to say goodbye and I feel your loss. Rupert was a tough little guy but he let you know that it was his time to rest and you did what was best for him. I know how much you will miss him over the next days, weeks and months but it is true that time makes it easier. I have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Peace.
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
  • Tuxhugsrupert_small
    Rupert's owner We wish everyone a Happy New Year and pray that some of our dog buddies make it. We fought a good fight and we're just living each day together.
    about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
  • Tuxhugsrupert_small
    Rupert's owner Last Thursday was Rupert's last trip to Urbana. No treatment because the last four drugs have laughed at his cancer. His blood was remarkably good, but the lymph glands get larger every day. He chased a huge flock of geese off of the side of a hill today and enjoyed himself. As long as he can have some good days, I'm happy.
    about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
  • Tuxhugsrupert_small
    Rupert's owner We are trying anything that might work now, but time is running out. We've had a great run and Rupert has been happy and hasn't really suffered throughout this ordeal, but his lymphoma was bound to win. I love this dog more than words can say.
    about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • Tuxhugsrupert_thumbnail
      Rupert's owner If his Thursday CBC doesn't show a rise in his white cell count, it might be time to let him rest. Christmas may be very difficult this year...and we haven't even had a Christmas together!
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • Cody_the_miracle_dog_thumbnail
      Cody's owner Oh Rupert is in my thoughts. Sometimes they just come back. That happened several times with Cody.
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
  • Tuxhugsrupert_small
    Rupert's owner The little man was back for chemo on Friday and he is no longer in remission. They turned to the drug that he was doubled dosed with in September and hope that his lymph glands react positively. We have had four plus months and he was done so well, despite the setbacks. He's a bit down today, but the weather doesn't help either of us. Rainy and dreary. I pray that we are still together at Christmas so we can celebrate a year together. He deserves that. I am living in an area where most people are into farming and don't have any respect for the lives of animals...they shoot them or send them to slaughterhouses when they reach a certain age. Even pets don't get any special treatment because they don't make money for their owners and it's all about profit when these people are discussing animals. The fact that I'm fighting for my dog's life and spending money on treatments is considered really stupid. It's nice to have this website where people understand. Thank you.
    about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • Cody_the_miracle_dog_thumbnail
      Cody's owner Rupert and your family will be in my thoughts. I think fighting for anything you love is never a bad choice. We understand and are pulling for you.
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
  • Tuxhugsrupert_small
    Rupert's owner Rupert had more chemo yesterday. He's even more naked than before, but he's happy, fat and cancer-free right now. His cell counts are great and the doctors are very happy with his status. His gramma is making him leg warmers to keep his little pink legs warm. He's sleeping across my stomach right now. Quiet and warm.
    about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • 11_thumbnail
      Bailey's owner What a wonderful success story. I wish I could meet Rupert and give him a pat on the head. He's a tough little guy.
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
  • Tuxhugsrupert_small
    Rupert's owner Rupert has been up and down lately, but is in remission at present, eating well, exercising daily, plays with his cat brother, and is living life to the fullest. He is happy and that's what counts. His chemo treatments have been weekly, but we're going every other week now and his white cell counts are high.
    about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • 11_thumbnail
      Bailey's owner Rupert is amazing and so are you for taking care of him so well and giving him so much love.
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • Tuxhugsrupert_thumbnail
      Rupert's owner I'm not doing anything extraordinary but keeping my little buddy as healthy as God and medicine will allow. He runs, plays, chases rabbits (only for fun), eats like a moose and sleeps soundly when he's tired. He has lost most of his hair on the belly and legs, but I doll him up in coats or sweaters and he's ready to go. Rupert is special because he's Rupert. If you knew my little man, you'd know why I love him so much. My father used to say, "it's only money." We've never had much, but it's enough to survive. I can do without luxuries and vacations and the like for a few months (I hope) with Rupert.
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • 11_thumbnail
      Bailey's owner And that's what makes you extraordinary. He's as lucky to have you as you are to have him.
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
  • 11_small
    Bailey's owner Praying for Rupert.
    about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
  • Sunriver8-30-02_014_small
    Ginger's owner I just read about Rupert and am very concerned too about the big dose of chemicals for a little guy! How's he doing today? I don't know if you are open to something natural, but it sounds like he could use some help. Let me know.
    about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
  • Tuxhugsrupert_small
    Rupert's owner Rupert is sleeping next to me. He had a rough day yesterday, but seems better today. His treatment on Friday was intended to push his bone marrow into developing more white blood cells. His count is low.
    about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • Tuxhugsrupert_thumbnail
      Rupert's owner Why does my dear little man have to be sick? What is responsible for his cancer? He's so young!!
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • Cody_the_miracle_dog_thumbnail
      Cody's owner How is Rupert doing? Did is counts come back up?
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • Tuxhugsrupert_thumbnail
      Rupert's owner Thank you for asking. Rupert's numbers improved and he has had chemo two Fridays in a row. He was given Doxorubicin on August 6. He's playing, demanding long walks and acting like himself again. We're hoping for full remission by his next U of I visit on Aug. 20th.
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • Cody_the_miracle_dog_thumbnail
      Cody's owner Oh so glad to hear it. My thoughts are with you and Rupert for a speedy recovery.
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • Tuxhugsrupert_thumbnail
      Rupert's owner Rupert is officially in remission. His lymph glands look very normal. He will continue five more months of protocol, but he is happy, energetic, and adorable. Every day we have is a blessing.
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall
    • Cody_the_miracle_dog_thumbnail
      Cody's owner This is great news! Go Rupert go!
      about 1 year ago on Rupert's wall