Buddy came into ARF care from Domestic Animal Services on 23 March 2020. Buddy was a small, senior chihuahua. He had been diagnosed at DAS as having a severely damaged heart, however, ARF wanted to give him a warm, loving home in the time he had left.
Once in care, Buddy had a full check-up with an ARF vet, where it was confirmed that his heart was in such bad shape that he only had a life expectancy of 3-4 months. So, it was agreed that he should remain with his carer in ‘palliative care’.
Buddy was a sweet, slow and sometimes grumpy old man. He liked his personal space, but enjoyed being part of a family, and loved evenings on the couch with his foster mum, two foster chi brothers and foster cat. Little Budbud loved to follow his carer around, and spent many hours sitting outside soaking up the sun. He liked to potter in the garden with his foster mum, and even though he was sight and hearing impaired, he liked to bark at the neighbours noisy doberman. He loved his food although there were times where he was not well enough to eat. Buddy came to enjoy outings in the car, and short walks around the neighbourhood.
On 25 May, I awoke to find Buddy was noticeably unwell. He was having trouble moving, and his whole little body shook with each heartbeat. I wrapped him in a little blanket and held him, talking to him and stroking him. Two hours later his heart-rate became erratic then slowed, then stopped. He had lasted 2 months and during that time he was part of a family. He was loved and cared for.
RIP little man, we were honoured to have you in our family, even though it was only for a short time.