November 15, 2014 was the beginning of a life-changing journey for our family. We had decided to adopt a chubby, wrinkly, four-and-a-half-month-old puppy into our family of rescue pets. We named him Vincent after the ever-so-loyal dog from the TV series “Lost.” There was no doubt in our minds that Vincent was going to be one special dog.
For a young puppy, Vincent impressed us with his manners and his ability to adapt quickly to our lives. He became best friends with our rescue dog, Libby, and we were head over heels in love with him. Vincent joined us on car rides, he loved running and playing ball and he even got along with the cats and other rescue dogs. He had a way of putting a smile on anyone’s face.
In the spring of 2016, we were alarmed when one weekend, Vincent preferred sleep to playing with his foster sister. After finding a small bump on his chest, we took him to the vet – the beginning of a heart-breaking month for our family.
After tests, x-rays and speaking to some of the area’s best surgeons and veterinarians, we found out that Vincent had cancer. It was something we hadn’t expected from such a young and happy dog. Friends and family graciously helped raise money for the costly surgery, which had to be done immediately due to the tumor’s location near Vincent’s heart and lungs. But the cancer was more advanced than initially expected, and surgery was not recommended. After exploring multiple options, the best thing we could do was make sure he was comfortable in his last days.
May 17 was Vincent’s last day. He ate Nerds, Bottle Caps, pizza, and watched TV with his dad all morning. He was surrounded by family who gave him the love that he needed and deserved. We were and still are very heartbroken, but we knew we had to do what was best for Vincent.
Photos of Vincent by Pixel Pop Photography