In the years before sweet Autumn came to us, we were guardians of two golden retrievers, Cassie and Toby. Cassie was a laid-back love; Toby was always a little on the muscle with other dogs. Into our lives came Cali, a friend’s dog who taught Toby how to play appropriately. When we learned Cali’s breeder was planning another litter with the same parents, we decided one of these puppies would be a great addition to our family. Autumn became a tolerant and happy playmate for Toby; and made friends with other dogs and people wherever she went. Her wiggling, tail-wagging body and squinting eyes (especially when holding a stuffed toy in her mouth) became her trademark. She shared another trait with Cali: a front leg that would often shake when she sat, especially when she was waiting in anticipation for a treat or other exciting event. Another trademark was her pre-dinner spinning behavior. Initially, she probably offered the behavior and then began repeating it due to our positive reaction. For most of her adult life (even though she moved more slowly during her last year on chemo), she would whirl around in the room in which she ate dinner as we counted “1, 2, 3, 4….”, flinging spit in her wake.

 

For 13-1/2 months Autumn ignored her symptoms while dealing with two kinds of lymphoma, one a very rare cutaneous form. She accepted every poke, prod, and treatment with grace and equanimity, treating each vet visit as another opportunity to beg for treats and pets. She was a favorite of the staff and was an ambassador to other patients and their guardians, who couldn’t believe Autumn was 12 since she generally acted like a puppy.

 

Autumn tolerated most of her chemo treatments well. It wasn’t until her last weekend that she began to act “sick”. We had to carry her to the car on Monday when we brought her to MSU for the last time; and yet when she saw the two techs with the gurney, she stood up in the back seat and walked towards the car door, tail wagging and squinting with that sweet Autumn smile.

 

We miss our sweet girl every day but are so thankful for the loving care she received and the kind support we were given in making a very difficult decision. Bless you all; you were angels to our golden angel, and to us.

 

Mary Beth and Duncan Jones