UPDATE Thu. 25 Feb. '10 Naomi writes:

"I adopted Leo, the Alaskan Malamute last year. I wanted to let you know that about two weeks ago I had to have Leo put down.

"He had been diagnosed about one month before with a brain tumor. We treated him with medication to control his symptoms for a time. He bounced back multiple times. I kept him going as long as he was happy.

"Eventually it became obvious that he was having many more bad days than good, and then almost no good days the last week. He was having small seizures (at least a few every hour) throughout the day; also he struggled to get up and down, and his walk was very labored. He was going to the bathroom on himself. He shuddered with pain frequently when touched. He also had stopped 'woo-woo' talking and displaying all his other happy behavior." (Click to enlarge thumbnail picture.)

"It was a very hard decision for me, but in the end I believe it was for the best. It was not fair to keep him going for me while he suffered. He made my life joyful this past year and was a wonderful friend. I love him dearly and am still heartbroken over the loss. I wanted to let you know that he had passed and that the year he spent with me was amazing. He had two winters and a year of salmon treats, walks on trails and through the park, with endless hugs, kisses, belly rubs and rolls in the snow and mud. My life is better and more meaningful because of him — the year with him is something I will cherish forever."

See 'Rescue Networking' in Dec. '09 B.A.M. newsletter for Leo's story.

Sat 12 Dec. '09 Naomi writes: "Overall Leo is doing great. He had a checkup about two months ago and everything was normal. He is a little slower on his walks, and can't go for long walks everyday, but he still walks, plays with toys, loves belly rubs, and playing with the cats.

"We had a scare this past Saturday night though. At about 1:00am he had a seizure. Luckily my dad was visiting, and he helped me lift Leo into the car, as he was disoriented and would not walk. We rushed him to the emergency vet, where he stayed for 24 hours. He has not had another seizure, and his behavior is normal. As of right now, we are just watching him closely. Hopefully this is an isolated event, but I am watching him closely for any changes. If he hasnt had another seizure in two months, the vet will check his blood work. The vets suggest not giving him meds unless he absolutely needs them, because of the side effects. I'm hopeful that this is an isolated event, and even if he has a seizure every few months the vets say it would not be worth the side effects of anti-seizure meds, and that keeping him pain free and happy as long as possible should be the goal. Worse case would be a brain tumor, but it has been six days and no seizures, so hopefully that is not the case. I will keep you up to date in the coming weeks and months. It was frightening, and at the time I feared the worse, but I'm trying to stay positive and hopeful.

"Leo does not seem any worse off though. He didn't seem to remember or know how he got to the vet, was happy when I picked him up, and has not shown any signs of being ill. He is happy all the time. Happy to get belly rubs, pets, to take walks, happy when he gets treats or a new toy. He is just overjoyed with everything all the time! He really has added so much love and joy to my life. He makes everyone that meets him smile. Small children giggle and give him hugs, and he lays down to let them pet him. He licks the cats constantly and 'woo-woos' at them to play. He is especially happy now, because winter is here and it is freezing! Snow is on the ground, and he happily rolls in it and takes naps in his favorite spots in the yard, now covered with ice and snow.

"I hope all is well, and that you are continuing to save senior animals."