We learned on 4/7/13 noon that Gus was lethargic due to his heart having a hard time functioning. After taking him to an emergency animal hospital we learned thru xrays that he had a pericardial effusion. We had the fluid surrounding his heart (lots of blood) drained through a catheter inserted in his chest. He regained activity and alertness then. He even barked (bayed) when he could.
After further testing the Dr and radiologist determined the cause to be a malignant tumor in his heart causing the bleeding. Additionally lumps on his lungs, secondary fluid leaking throughout the body and also one more tumor found behind his hind leg.
At 5pm Colin and I decided to take him home to spend his last beautiful moments with us....however much time he had left. He walked w us at the beach after we bought him a pizza from Giorgios. He ate 3 slices.
But his energy did not last very long. Since 7pm he lay on the living room floor with us by his side, resting and taking little sips of water. He only got up to pee and Colin helped him do that. We listened to music and watched videos of gus with Kirra. His ears perked when he heard the sweet sound of her giggle. All night felt like a road trip, Colin and I taking shifts caring for gus and listening to Arcade Fire or Postal Service. All of our road trips together always included Gus, and it will never be the same without him in tow. He was holding on with shallow breath and heart beat. We chanted loving reminders of our eternal gratefulness and of what a complete life he lived, and also that he helped us live, along our side.
By 4am on 4/8/13 he failed to stand up. He collapsed a few times while trying to pee or poo. We helped him through it all. He refused water or food. We knew this was his end. It would happen soon, and perhaps at this point it would be better to expedite the suffering.
After Colin dropped Liam off at daycare at 7:30 (he blew 3 kisses to Gus), we called IP Kirra on Google Hangout video chat to see and kiss Gus one final time. She made funny faces and asked if Gus was still sick. "Gus eat avocado?" She asked. She will find out when she comes home next week why Gus is no longer with us.
We called in a compassionate house vet who eased Gus' shallow breathing and pale face while we held him and cried hard tears down his gentle face. It only took 15 seconds for his heart to cease beating, and in his final small breaths we relished in the warmth of Gus' never-bad-breath. His gaze froze but we still spoke to him and reminded him of how much we love him.
The vet wrapped him in a Green Google swag towel that we used to keep him warm. It will be only fitting to have him cremated w this towel since he practically grew up on Google Campus since 2005.
It is so hard for us right now as we cannot believe how suddenly this happened. But we are trying to open our eyes to our bright and charming children. We are eternally grateful for Gus' love of life and dedication to us, our children and our hobbies. We will be forever celebrating and remembering the full life of our first baby and #1 family member who faithfully walked with Gusto by our sides.
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