In the middle of January 2010, while playing with Bosley, we noticed a nasty looking growth on the very inside of his thigh, up near his groin.
It seemed to come up out of nowhere ... and we knew it had to be removed immediately.
Bosley had surgery a few days later and the biopsy came back as a soft tissue sarcoma with a prognosis of probable return and often metastasis. Sadly because of where the growth was located and the thin skin in that area, we did not get clean margins.
After conferring with Dr. Couto at OSU, we determined that Bosley would begin chemotherapy. Very often this is enough to keep the sarcoma from returning and/or metastasis. After waiting for almost eight years for a home of his own, this sweet boy deserves every chance we can give him.
After two attempts to do chemo, we realized Bosley would never be able to finish treatment. Each application left him very sick. He had dropped to 47 lb and was lethargic and refusing food and then water. After two hospitalizations, I brought Bosley home to Grey Haven to try to give him back some of his health. It was extremely painful to see this once happy, bouncy, outgoing dog lay on a dog bed and barely pick his head up. He was a walking skeleton and heartbreaking to see.
With the help of some of Bosley's biggest fans, he slowly got his appetite back and began to show an interest in food and his surroundings. We started with four meals a day that consisted of "Satin Balls" ... and nothing else. Over a period of a few weeks, we were able to add other foods and eventually his kibble. As of now, he has gained a good portion of his weight back and we tell him that he is starting to look like a dog again.
There is no way to know what the future holds for Bosley. I would love to think he will forever be cancer free, find that perfect home and live happily ever after. He sure deserves that ... but since that probably won't happen, Bosley learned that he now has a new last name of Varnberg and he lives here in the house with the others and can start calling me "mom".
I don't know why these things happen, but maybe he was just meant to be part of the permanent Grey Haven Gang ...whatever the reason, I am thrilled to open my eyes in the morning and see his huge brown eyes staring back at me.
Welcome home, Bosley!!!
Originally posted January 16, 2010:
Bosley is a 7 and a 1/2 year old boy who thinks he is 2 and a half 1/2! He can be very playful. loves to run and chase his toys and anyone who will chase him. He is also very gentle and can stand quietly by your side if you pet him. He loves people and he enjoys the company of other dogs.
Bosley came to us from a farm in Texas where he spent his time thinking about having a home of his own.
You can write a message to Bosley on his wall.
For more information about Bosley and our adoption process, e-mail Marilyn Varnberg.
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