A tribute to Gordy

For those of you who attend group classes at the ranch, you have surely met our awesome, old lady basset hound Gordy (aka G. Marie....aka Gordita Juanita the Latin Temptress). Gordy was a 14 year old spunky basset hound who knew what she wanted and how to get it. Unfortunately, her little life was cut short this morning, as she passed away in her daddy's arms from the cancer she had so valiantly fought for the past 3 years.

Gordy came in our lives in 2006, when we pulled her from the shelter at 10 years old. She was abandoned their by her "owner" after he had used her repeatedly to produce basset hound puppies that he no doubtedly sold to make a quick buck. She was overweight, stinky and her nails curled all the way around and punctured the pads of her feet. She an open sore on her back end and severe arthritis. The shelter told us that given her medical condition, they had deemed her unadoptable and had planned to euthanize her. We weren't about to let that happen. We immediately pulled her from the shelter and although we already had a house full, I decided to take her home.

When we got her home and got her cleaned up, it quickly became apparent that she suffered from a terrible case of pneumonia. She was hospitalized for quite some time and for a while, we weren't sure she was going to make it. But, after knowing her for the past 3.5 years, it became increasinlgy apparent that she was a stubborn fighter who wouldn't let something like pneumonia slow her down!

She beat the odds and recovered from her pneumonia. It was now time for her spay. When we went into the vet for the eval, he let us know that she had several mammary tumors he was concerned about. We had them biopsied and the news was grim - it was cancer - and not just any cancer, but an extremely aggressive form that they believed would cut her life short. We were devastated - it was amazing how attached we had become in a few short months. We opted for a radical mastectomy to remove the cancer she currently had and hopefully buy her some time. The surgeon was not optimistic. Although she was able to get clean margins on the tumors, given the type of cancer she had, they believed she'd relapse in 6-8 months and they recommended a second surgery and chemotherapy to buy her some extra time. We respectfully declined. Her recovery from her first surgery, where they practically removed her entire stomach, was rough and we couldn't see putting her through that kind of pain again. We switched her to a holistic diet and decided to enjoy what time we had left.

Her surgery was just over 3 years ago. Since then, we learned just what a fighter little Gordy was. She was pushy, demanding and knew how to get her way - and we loved her because of it (not despite it). She could regularly be found ripping treats out of your pocket or growling to get you to pet her. At times, she would growl so loud, it would make her sneeze and ultimately, send us into fits of laughter. She was never trained and got her way by barking, growling, biting and forcing her way through doorways when you weren't looking. Just what you'd expect from a dog trainer's dog! But she was old and fiesty and we loved that about her.

This past weekend, we could tell the cancer came back. She began rapid, shallow breathing and seemed a bit reluctant to get up and trot around the yard. She wasn't breaking into the training field to steal the treats we were using for training as often as she had used to so we knew something was up. Yesterday, our worst fears were confirmed as Gordy, our half pig half basset hound declined her dinner and wouldn't take treats. This was unheard of for her. I took her in bed with me last night and we tucked her under the electric blanket for warmth. Her breathing was labored and her heart rate had sky rocketed. We knew it wasn't long but wanted to give her the peace of dying in her own home - a home she no doubt longed for most of her life. This morning, we let her outisde and she layed in the sun. Things were looking grim. She stuck around long enough for her Auntie Christine to say a tearful goodbye. After what seemed like an eternity of her laying in the sun, panting and barely able to lift her little head, we decided it was time to intervene with humane euthanasia. Rob went to the yard, scooped her up to carry her inside so we could make that dreaded final vet visit and within a few quick seconds, her little body went limp and she peacefully slipped out of this world to join her brother Koby in heaven.

Gordy passed away this morning in her daddy's arms. Although she only graced our lives for a short time, looking back I can't imagine life without her. She was one of the best friends I have ever had and we will miss her every day. It's amazing to me how someone could just throw away a little soul like Gordy's. But her prior owner's carelessness was ultimately our gift and we will always be grateful for the time we had with her. Give 'em hell up their Gordy. And give your brother a big sloppy kiss from his mama and daddy....

For our doggies in heaven: