From Spencer’s humans:
Thank you everyone for your outpouring of love for Spencer! It brings us so much joy to know that he has touched the lives of so many.
The test results came back and Spencer has been diagnosed with advanced hemangiosarcoma this week. His prognosis is very bad because the cancer has destroyed a kidney and part of his liver. It is very painful for him to urinate.
We are crushed with the prospect of losing our Golden angel. It all happened so fast. Though we are sad we are smiling for Spencer to make his last days the best they can be. He has given so much joy to others in similarly trying times, he deserves nothing less.
We have taken time off work to spend every minute with Spencer at home. He is on pain medication and has many stations set up where he can enjoy the world as he always has. We’ve dubbed it “Camp Spencer”.
He enjoys our excursions into the yard to keep an eye on the squirrels.
And we have a family camp going at night complete with a fire in the fireplace.
Our hearts are broken but Spencer will be in our hearts forever.
Dear Spencer, Mom and Dad,
Sadly, we have also been through this but know that our golden (Joshua) is up in dog heaven just waiting to greet Spencer so he can show him all the ropes. They will be best of friends in no time at all, pain free, running and frockling and happy as pups.
Mom and Dad – Spencer will never forget you and how loving and caring you both have always been. He will be waiting for you at heaven’s gate when your time comes… to pick up in heaven where you left off on earth.
Thank you for sharing your lives with us. Until we meet again…
Oh my God I cant even think of anything to say right now. Spencer has been such an important part of our blogosphere and he has touched so many people and dogs alike. We will have your family in our prayers during this difficult time. Please know how much Spencer and his kind and gentle sould means to this world and the blogosphere. It just would not be the same without him.
jaime, benson and gibson
i haven’t stopped by here for a long time and when i read the posts, i am in shock…. i can’t imagine how hard it must be both for Spencer and for his humans… As for me, every time i see a Golden Retriever, the first name i think of is Spencer, i can’t think of any other name… even if i’ve only met him through this blog. he’s certainly has touched many lives and i am one of them!
Oh Spencer, we are so sad for you….But we know your hoomans are giving you the best days a dog could ever wish for. Super big hugs to you my super friend, and to your Mum and Dad. We are sending all the prayers and strength that we can muster. And are thinking about you a whole lot. We love you Spencer!!!!!!!!
You are all in our hearts and prayers! Sending lots of lover your way!
from your Canadian blogging buds
Simba + Melissa (HM)
Spencer & Family –
I am so sorry to read about this.. its the hardest thing in the world, to watch a pet drift away. I just recently went through this with Destiny http://awalkwithdestiny.blogspot.com/ and I am so sorry you are going through it too…
I am glad to read you are spending all your time with him … its comforting to him, its comforting to you.
If you need to talk, please swing by Destiny’s blog or shoot me and email. I’ve been through it, and its tough.
HUGS to Camp Spencer…
Cilly
We’ve just been directed here by Addie. :( Poor Spencer, he looks such a sweet guy. You must be heartbroken to hear how poorly he is. I hope he has a wonderful time before he crosses over.
~Ludo and Dee
Spencer, please… let us know how you are doing, ok?
We’re very concerned.
Please bark to us!
All your bloggie friends are trying to conect with you with strenght.
We’re here, Spencie!
Dear Spencer and family,
What a wonderful family you are. Spencer will leave this earth knowing that he was loved and cared for until the last second. Our paws go out to you as you face these hard days ahead.
Wuv,
Dog Mom, Gus, and Waldo
We came over from Addie’s blog and wanted to say how sorry we are to hear about Spencer’s terrible illness. We lost a beloved one recently and so we know that such a loss is like a losing a part of our heart. But the love you shared will always be with you.
Tom, Tama-Chan and their #1
we came here thru our friend Addie and Pipa…
we are sorry to hear about spencer. we dont know him well, but we empathize with the pain that all of you are going through. our furfamily is very much a part of our family, too and having someone ill is just devastating,
we are praying for his recovery the soonest. we hope that he will be allayed from the pain and will be up and bouncing very soon. we know that you are going through a lot. we would like to send our warmest hugs and kisses and prayers that you will be able to endure this difficult period in his life.
may all that is beautiful and blessed pour all over your household today and in the days to come.
from our family,
Aki, Poopie and Manang Micchi
w00f’s Spencer and family, me iz sooo sorry, wish there were words i can say to help ease the pain, but there’s not…..his last days will b spent with the ones he loves and that love him…ur in a thoughts and prayers…mayb our angel Lacylulu will meet him and show him around the bridge..
a sad,
rocky
bear
angel lacylulu
and mama..
Sweet Spencer… our hearts are just breaking for you. Reading your post brought tears to our eyes.
We are very thankful that you have a loving family to ease your pain and stay at your side. Although we have not had the pleasure of meeting you until now, we can see that you are loved so much and that you have had a wonderful life!
We will be praying for you and will send you all of our happy thoughts to try to make you feel better. We are soooo sorry that you are going through this.
Lots of Luv & Kisses
Addie, Lucie and Staci
Spencer,
I’m at a loss for words right now. I was so hoping for better news when I saw that there was a post. My heart is breaking for you and for your HM and HD. Bless your little heart. You’re truly and inspiration little man. You’ve touched many hearts along the way and will never be forgotten.
To Spencer’s HM and HD…my thoughts and prayers are with you. Please know that after his time comes and he is at peace, he will always be with you. I don’t know if you’re a fan of the author Dean Koontz or not, but he is a huge golden lover and recently lost his beloved golden Trixie. On his website there is a story where he talks about losing Trixie and then later walking with his wife in their garden and seeing a butterfly and knowing that it was their dear Trixie still with them. Nothing can take away the anguish you must be feeling right now, but you might like to read to his story and know that others have been there.
Hugs to all of you.
Monica and Abby (my golden girl)
My tail wags for you and your special humans…..My owners know what you are going through and are very sad.
Moose & family
Homer sent me here fur I saw the sad news on Homer’s blog…
Now Spencer khan get those skhwirrels without the pains he knew here…
The biggest gift our peeps khan give us is to set us free when the time khomes…and to rekhognize it is time…
My mom send our best hugz&khysses…
Spencer: please look fur my Golden khousins Lexy and Sierra…I never got to meet them but their pikhtures remind me of WOO!
Khyra and Her Mom
Dear Spencer and family,
We are very sad that this has to happen. Words cannot express how we feel.
Spencer was a wonderful dog and we are going to miss him.
Lots of love, hugs and kisses
Homer and family.
Spencer and mum and dad
My heart is very heavy for you and I am purring that Spencer spends his last days feeling your love, and feeling no pain.
Huffle Mawson, Honorary Husky and Explorer Cat
Hi Spencer! We heard you werent feeling well and we wanted to drop by and give you hugs and kisses! XOXOXO We love youuuuuuuuuu Love Valerie Joey and Kealani
I heard about Spencer’s serious condition over Pipa’s blog & immediately came over. I am so very sad to hear about this. I am actually lost for words! Spencer is a wonderful dog who has touched so many people’s hearts, he even has touched ours. He was just a great pal! I think he’ll appreciate the last few days with his family. We will miss him very dearly when he goes. Spencer, don’t forget we’re always here for you. Love you buddy!
Sad,
Amber-Mae & Family
Ohhh Spencer. I have enjoyed your stories for a while and have been amazed by your life and the things you have done – so much indeed. You have been a movie star, but you are still a huge star in my eyes. I’m so sorry that you are so sick and feeling so yucky. I see that you have so much love all around you at home; warmth from your HMs and from the fire; I’m glad you can keep your eye out on the squirrels. My mom and dad and me are saying prayers for your comfort. We love you Spence – so much – and so do so many others. We send you and your HMs support and hugs – huge huggies from us all here.
Love,
Samantha, Miche and Bill
Oh Spencer and family,
It’s so sad to hear that you are so ill. We’ve been through so many ups and downs with our own 13 year old gal Sierra that my heart just breaks for your pup parents. We’ll keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. We send you warmest wishes and pray that you and your family enjoy more sun filled days napping together.
So sorry to be meeting Spencer just as he is given a sad diagnosis. We lost our Golden suddenly too, in late 2007, and we have been grieving ever since. Spencer is in my thoughts. He looks like a warm and wonderful dog. I’m happy to see him warm in a blanket, looking out the window at the flowers.
Spencer,
I am in Colorado and have enjoyed your blog for over a year. Your hm and hd have made it easy for us to know and love you. My Goldens Hoagy and Cody send you a big puppy hug with love. A hug to your owners too. They are awesome. Love you Spence!! Judy, Hoagy and Cody
Spencer, you are a wonderful, sweet, golden example of the blessing that dogs are in the lives of our humans. How blessed you are to have had the love and companionship of your doting family. God is calling another angel home, well done Spencer!!
Your friend Digby and my doodlebugs and my mom Nancy
Oh Dear Spencer-
This is WAY beyond HEARTBREAKING!!! I just knew in my heart that they were going to find out that this was not cancer and they could cure you!!! I just can’t imagine life without you Spencer and your escapades!!! I do know this Spencer, and to your parents too, there is NO such thing as death!!! Your spirit lives on forever!!! You will be with your human parents and they will be with you when they leave this physical world!!! You are SO VERY LOVED Spencer by so many people and you have so many hugs, kisses, pets and prayers coming your way!!! I’m not going to say goodbye, because I know that there will be a day that I too will see you again!!! We Love you Spence!!!
Nicholas, Holly, and their mom, Kim
Woof! I am very sad to read about your health. My (and my family) prayers and thoughts are with you. Enjoy every moment/day you spend with Spencer … Woof! Hugs & Kisses Sugar
I am so sad to hear of Spencer not feeling well. I have not had the privilege of getting to know Spencer but I can see that he is very loved. Good luck and I will be thinking of you.
Spencer, you know… in these times of so much hurt and pain for our humans, I’m so glad we’re dogs. You know why? ‘Cause we don’t know… we don’t realize what’s happening to us. We don’t know we’re very sick, we just know we feel a bit bad. So, you will enjoy every single minute of these days… to you, they will be sunny and happy and perfect, ’cause you have your funtastic humans with you, around you, shring that supreme love with you. YOU WILL BE HAPPY!
Spencer, I don’t know what to say. My paryers and thoughts are with you.
Carla and John are so sad. You are gorgeous, you know???
We all wish you don’t feel pain, my friend. You are in your hearts.
A word of confort to your humans: it must be so hard, so horrible. You are great owners. Our hearts go out to you!
PIa, Carla and John
Your Spencer looks and sounds a lot like my Buddy who we lost to hemangiosarcoma on 2/11/08. The tears are flowing once again but the love and joy he gave sustains us… though we miss him terribly. He was my gentle giant… he did not even bark at squirrels! He accepted every creature… baby ducks, baby chicks, rabbits, cats, rats, mice, birds, etc. You name it, we had it and Buddy was there for all of them… even when I raised a wild baby rat that our cat, Crystal, brought home.
I can tell Spencer is really special and very loved. He was very lucky to have a family like you and you were lucky to have him. My heart is broken for you all but as the famous quote goes… “it’s better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.” I know he will make instant friends with my Buddy at the Rainbow Bridge. Please take care. ~ Cheryl
Oh man Spencer , our hearts are broken ! You are such a nice boy ! Hope you & your human spend the memorable moment together happily !
Aww Spencer…my heart is aching for you. You have a made such a positive difference in the world and have touched so many…and will continue to do so. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
BIG HUG and kiss,
Eva aka alilsumptinsumptin
So sad to hear Spencer. Even tho we never met and live a world apart, still our hearts go out to you. Enjoy every day you have and we know you are proud. Your Mom and Dad will make you comfortable so take advantage of it as you deserve the love!
Take care and God bless
Love
Deke, Chase and Mindy
Humans – Darren , Kelly and Travis
We are so sad to hear about Spencer’s health.
We really don’t know what to say. We wish we could do something for him.
Spencer and you are very special.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza and mom
I want to say how very sorry I am to read about Spencer. I discovered his blog a while ago when I brought my first golden home and was doing research because I wanted to know everything there was to know about these beautiful babies. Since then I had to find my boy (Brice) a new home.Visiting spencer and Brice at his new home is my relief from missing the love that they can give. I check Spencers blog daily and am thrilled when ever there is a new post. I get to have my golden vicariously through your loving family. I know there are no words to make this time better, but know that Spencer made a huge difference on many lives and he will be missed.
Spencer,
All of us Bumpass Hounds are very sad to hear that you are feeling so bad. We are howling to the sky to ask DOG to make your get better. We’ have asked all of our friends to howl too. We send our prayers and best caring wishes to you and your people. You started us in blogging cuz we wanted to be like you. You have has done lots of good work helping dogs less fortunate than you find good homes. We remember how you and your people worked to help dogs like the little puppies Ben and Jerry; you are an inspiration for all of us. We know how much your people love you and they will take the very best care of you that they can. They will always do what is best for you because they love you as much as you love them; you are a family. You are not alone in your fight, we are all standing with you.
– Homer J., Jubal, J.E.B., Sophie, Shelby Belle, Jack, Abby, Max, Shiloh, Alex, Boru, and Jenny = The Bumpass Hounds (TBH)
You are the BEST family, and we’re so glad Spencer has you for his humans. We’re completely broken hearted for you. Praying for your comfort and for sweet Spencer. XXOO
I’m so sad. I love Spencer. You are such good doggie owners and knowing you’re taking care of him, and knowing he was lucky to have you as humans, well that makes it all a little better.
{{{hugs}}}
So heart broken for you and lots of tears. He is lucky to have a wonderful family who enjoyed his healthy time and is working so hard to make the most of what he has left. I can not imagine how difficult it is but know that it is what you do for family. Moose sends his love too.
Hi Spencer
We have been thinking about you all day. I hope you and your hm and hd had a chance to spend a wonderful sunny day together. You have shared so much. Savor each and every moment now. You are very much loved. God bless you Spencer
Trinity
We’re not sure why God would allow you to be in so much pain right now…… And we’re certain He didn’t have this in mind for your humans, either.
We’re pretty devastated to lose our wonderful, golden friend.
As rescued golden retrievers, it seems like we only have a very short time with our ‘forever’ homes. You know – the home that we were supposed to be with from the very beginning.
We’re sure that we’ll only have a short time with our ‘forever’ home, too. But we wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re glad we waited to pick our Mom and Dad. (Our Mom is kind of a basket case right now….She’s squeezing us too tight!)
We know you’ve had a much better life in a warm bed, chasing squirrels, helping others feel better and those tennis balls!!! We know that you have given more to your humans than anyone could ever have. We know because we’ve read your blog everyday!
Will you please wait for us at the Rainbow Bridge? We’re not sure when we get there, but please save a tennis ball for us.
Don’t worry – the rest of us – whether humans or dogs – will look after your human Mom & Dad and we’ll make sure they’ll be OK.
Goodbye Spencer. God bless you. We love you very, very much. Thanks for sharing your life with us. We’ll miss you very much. We hold all paws up for Spencer!
Althea and Buddy Vallante
I’m the voice of The Bumpass Hounds; not the spirit. You probably can’t understand, but we are as devastated by the news of Spencer’s cancer as you. We have lost two Goldens to cancer over the last 18 months; one with a 3 month prognosis and the other even more suddenly than Spencer’s situation. We know exactly the stage of feeling that you are experiencing. I wouldn’t have believed that we could come to feel so strongly about a dog through a blog. Your blog was perhaps the first dog blog that I had ever seen and it inspired me to start one for my herd. I followed your family adventures routinely. We enjoyed the trip up the coast, the excursions to the park, the quest for squirrels. It was a window to Spencer’s world for us. I endured your pain with Ben and Jerry; we even tried to help out financially in a small way. We were shocked by their sudden loss. I know that life can be cruel but some things hit you like a ton of bricks and Spencer’s situation is one of those things. I lay awake at night worrying about your dog. He is so fortunate to have shared his life with you and you with him. If only I could wake up and realize that this is all just a bad dream. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Oh Spencer, we’ve been gone so long and lost so many, and came back to read this.
You’ll always have a special place in our hearts. We love you.
Hugs to you and your people.
Kerrio & co
We are so sorry it was not better news. We feel so bad for you and your hm and hd. You are a lovely boy, and so lucky to have a family that can take time out to make your last days as good as possible. We hope you are very happy and cozy.
Heidi, Tucker and Daisy
We are devastated. Our stomachs are wrenching with pain. Our prayers are with you and Spencer. If only we would wake up from this nightmare. We went through this with our 7 year old Golden Retriever Chance. At least we had 8 weeks after diagnosis. This is all so unfair. We are praying anyway; we feel so helpless.
The Bumpass Hounds, Bill & Annmarie :-(
Spencer & Family:
A message from Gracie’s mom….
I am so so sorry and heartbroken for what Spencer and yourselves are going thru. He has been such a joy to many people and touched the hearts of all, even those who never met him. I faithfully read about Spencer every day with my morning coffee and it was with very big heavy tears that I read about him this morning. My heart is broken for all of you. Your blog of Spencer is so great, it is like we all know him as the dog next door.
I am truly saddened by what you are going through and what will be over the next couple of days. I know there are no words that can make it any easier. You are wonderful parents to him and he will miss you both immensely. And you him. You have given him a life like no other and for that you should be very thankful.
I am at such a loss for words. I want you to know, that I am thinking of you all. Please give Spencer a great big hug from his pals in Vancouver BC!!!!
Lots and loves of love,
Stephanie & Gracie
Dear Spencer,
My heart is breaking, too. Thank you so much to your humans for taking the time to do an update. I want to tell you, Spencer, that besides being a real mascot dog, you’ve been a mascot to me for a long time – for how a mature Golden Retriever should act, for how wonderful and beautiful a dog blog could be… I’m glad your humans are with you and taking the best care of you there is. I wish there was something I could do, too. I’ll tell you what – I’ll help you keep an eye on the squirrels from here. Rest easily, Spencer. You are and always will be my very special Pooch Pal.
Joey
Spencer
I prayers are with you and your hd and hm. We all love you.
Trinity
Thank you for the update on Spencer. You are very special people with a very special dog.
Peace to all of you.
OHHHHH Dear friends!!!!
we are very very very sad….
mum and we are crying and the tears don’t stop….
we would want to be able to do something for you and make to become everything only a bad dream……..but we can’t do this……
sorry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
but we’re sure that you Spencie have had the great life as possible with your humans……..in those pictures we can see how much they love you!!!!!
they spend all of their time with you…….to give you all the love…cuddle….tenderness….warmth….is possible…..
hope that you don’t suffer……
we’re near you with the soul and with the all love that have!!!!
your parents and you will be in our prayers every day…..and you will be forever in our hearts….
we love you Spencie!!!!!!!!!
Paco & Milo and family