Danny Boy is me & my dad's dog, I've mentioned him on here a few times in the past. His medical issues have gotten to a really bad point this last year or so
I want to share his story and ask that you keep him in your thoughts.
We adopted Danny from our local shelter. He's a golden retriever/lab cross. When he was a puppy, he and his litter mates were chained to a log in a back yard. The man who owned them beat them very badly. Only three of the puppies were found alive, and one of those three died in the shelter due to injuries from the abuse.
When I first saw Danny he was doing the best he could to dissapear into the floor of his kennel at the shelter. He was around 5 months old. I had just moved back to WY and was living with my parents for the time. My little sister was voulenteering at the shelter, and she introduced me to him. He wasn't interested in toys, and he didn't want anything to do with people. My sister and I sat in his kennel quietly for a while but Danny stayed pressed against the back wall, terrified.
That night I asked my parents for a special Christmas present. Danny Boy became a member of our family the very next day.
Danny was scared of everything. He didn't want to be touched or played with, he just wanted to hide. He didn't know how to be a puppy. My dad's older golden, Shiloh, accepted him quickly and being with another dog made Danny's tail wag a little bit. We worked with him slowly, every day, and brought him out of his shell. Eventually I was able to take him for long walks and bike rides. He came to trust again, and to know that he was safe. To this day though, he dose not trust men other than my dad & a few of my dad's friends.
When I moved out of my parents house, I knew I couldn't separate Danny & Shiloh. Danny stayed, and totally became my dad's dog. Danny, Shiloh, and my dad are inseperable. The dogs sleep in comfort on the bed and are pretty much spoiled. They lead a comfy life
Unfortunatly, as a possible result of being badly beaten when he was a puppy, Danny developed seizures. His seizure disorder has gotten worse in the past few years, and this last year it has escalated to the point where the only option may be to put him to sleep
His seizures have become increasingly violent and his quality of life is rapidly going downhill. My dad has tried many different medication combonations & treatments, and most seem to work for a while but the seizures always return. This past weekend Danny had the worst seizures of his life, and my mom suggested to my dad that it is time to let Danny go. There is one last medication my dad is trying, and if it dosen't work he said he will take Danny to the vet for the final time. Danny Boy is six years old.
I know this is just tearing my dad to pieces. Danny and Shiloh are more than just dogs to him. Shiloh is about 15 years old, and though he is happy he has quite a few age issues and probably will not be around for much more than another year. And now, it looks like my dad will have to let Danny Boy go very soon as well. He's given Danny a good life, poor Danny's come so far since his horrible experience as a puppy... I feel so sad that his life is already comming to an end. As hard as it will be for me to say goodbye to Danny, I have a feeling it will be 10 times harder for my dad
Please keep Danny Boy and my dad in your thoughts. Shiloh too. And thank you for giving me a place to share Danny's story. I will post any updates I get here, though it may be a while before we know the results of this new treatment. I have my fingers crossed but honestly I will be very surprised if it works
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