The Good Life: September 2011

Buffy is my female boxer.

As a puppy she didn’t look or show much toughness in her character, except for her great appetite for food and keenness in taking showers. She’d run away at the sight of cats and didn’t know how to throw a mean bark.

Buffy is now 8 years old and she’s grown into a beautiful strong dog. I think it’s from the many challenges life throws at her.

She’s been through numerous life threatening experiences. One of it was the constant fight for her space around Mercury. Mercury was my 6 year old ferocious Great Dane mix Napolean Mastiff. Mercury and Buffy has had numerous ugly bloody fights. In almost all of them, we had to pull them apart or one of them would have gotten killed. I’ve read, breaking up a fight between 2 dogs is a dangerous and risky affair and I must say, I agree with that entirely.

Somehow, miraculously I’ve/we’ve always managed to pull them apart and Buffy is always the one with major damage. She’s gotten her ear torn, deep bloody bites on her neck and chest. These fights kept repeating numerous times, and during those fights, I’ve wondered if this will be Buffy’s last fight.

The more they fight, the more determined Buffy stands her ground. No matter how many times Mercury buries her teeth in Buffy’s neck; she’d heal and move on.

Sometimes, I could see the fear in her eyes when Mercury is around. Despite the fear, Buffy would gather her courage and walk pass Mercury if needed.

That’s Buffy for you. Stubborn like a bull.

Buffy keeping her distance from Mercury (black-grey coat)

About a year ago, Buffy was diagnosed with pyometra.

{Pyometra is a serious infection of the womb. It generally affects older dogs, soon after they are in season (estrus/heat). It is most commonly treated by surgery, and if not treated, it is often fatal.
The signs of pyometra are often not specific, and your dog may just appear to be 'under the weather'. The most obvious symptom of open pyometra is a discharge of pus from the vulva in a Female that has recently been in heat. However, symptoms of closed pyometra are less obvious. Symptoms of both types include vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, and increased drinking and urinating. So, it is important to be aware of this condition and its potential severity. }

We found out what she was having and admitted her into an emergency vet the very same night. After ultrasound and blood test, the vet told us it was serious. Her uterus had enlarged and if she doesn’t operate immediately she might not make it.

The surgery was too expensive so I tried to take her to another vet the next day, hoping it would be cheaper. Buffy was advised not to move too much because it could cause the uterus to burst and that would be fatal.

Eventually, after travelling up and down, we decided to go ahead with the surgery at the first vet we admitted her in; Segar Pets Centre & Veterinary Services 2 Jalan Manis 3, Taman Segar, Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-9133 4192.

Reason being, the vet I was hoping for couldn’t act fast enough and seemed less concerned. I didn’t want to take any further risks.

The operation was successful but the vet, Dr Ben told us, ‘it’s up to her now’

When they carried Buffy into the kennel, I was extremely sad to see her looking lifeless. It was tough for me to leave her there. I came in every morning to see her. She hadn’t eaten and didn’t look good. I was getting more worried. Every day, I’d go in and hope she’d improve. I’d force-feed her by wiping some soft food on her muzzle, she’d have no choice but to lick it off out of irritation, and that’s how she’d eat for days.

Dr Ben, checking on Buffy’s progress.

Dr Ben removing Buffy’s stitches

On some days, I’d bump into different doctors who’re on duty, and the not-so- positive ones would say, “She doesn’t look good”. I’d immediately blacklist that veterinarian out of my sight and only speak to Dr Ben, the vet who operated on her. He was more optimistic and certainly way more caring than the rest.

I think by day 4 she was looking stronger. I’d take her on short walks outside the vet and go back to see her in the evening before they close. I was beginning to smile and feeling more positive that she’s going to be alright. Every day I’d look her in the eye and tell her, “you’re a fighter Buffy, you’ll come out of this”

It felt like we were both lending each other strength. I’d go home with an image of Buffy’s eyes staring into mine.

I brought Buffy home on day xx.

That’s Buffy for you. A fighter.

6 months ago, Buffy had a growth on her elbow, we learnt it was hygroma, so we provided lots of cushioning in her resting areas and put her on glucosamine. That really helped reduce the swelling. Not long after that, she was suddenly limping. We found out she has osteomyelitis. One some days, she’d only use 3 of her paws but still facing the world full of zest. She was on antibiotics for 2 months. I didn’t want to put her on antibiotics anymore and have started on supplements.

She’s showing signs of improvement and is walking as normal again.

Recently, Buffy was diagnosed of heart failure.

{In boxers, rhythm irregularities may be present before x-rays show abnormal findings. The lungs of dogs in heart failure are abnormally dense due to fluid build up within them. Unfortunately, pets with this problem do not live long. Medication can prolong the lives of some pets for a while, but most pass on within the year. Big breeds with the severer form may only live a few weeks from the time you notice the problem. A few live as long as two years.}

We’re not sure how long she’ll live but she’s showing no signs of dullness. She’s as hyper as she can be. Of course, she toned down a bit but the magical look in her eyes shows me how happy she is.

These days, I minimise her activities and keep her indoors close to me. She enjoys watching and following me around. I talk to her as she watches me and constantly thank her for her presence in my life.
She’s now on heart medication for as long as she lives.

I’ve learnt so much from her. You can’t teach an old dog new trick, but you can learn a thing or two about life from an old dog.
Put a human being in the same position, you’d probably sense sadness in his/her life. Dogs are not attached to material/physical things; probably that’s why they don’t dwell on their physical inabilities like humans might. They just trudge on.
Now, that’s something I learnt from Buffy. As long as you’re able, cut your losses and move on.
Until today, she still performs her duty as a guard dog and watches over me, as protective and loving as ever.
Her illness only slowed down her physical activities but not her zeal.