A Corgi Love Story
Awesome-O became a part of life during the summer of 2008 when he was just about six months old. Our paths crossed sort of by accident: I’d been looking to get a Corgi puppy and as such, ended up on a a waiting list with a breeder in central Virginia. Around the same time, Awesome-O was returned to this breeder as a result of his original family not being able to take care of him. Sure, he was a little bit older, but he needed a loving home just as much as the next dog, so I was more than happy to step up to the plate and provide one.
I’d never had a dog before, but had wanted one for a long time, and as soon as I laid eyes on him, it was love at first sight. He was smart, loyal, sweet, funny, mischievous, and by my side all the time, especially in light of the fact that I worked from home. He became my one and only constant colleague.
Awesome-O, or AO as he was often called, loved being the center of attention, especially if it involved playing with other dogs and kids. He quickly became a local dog celebrity of sorts, from our neighborhood to cyberspace, where stories of AO often flooded my Facebook, Twitter, and blog pages.
If you’re wondering about his name, it originated from a “South Park” episode and became a litmus test of sorts to those who we lucky enough to meet him. About one out of every eight people got the reference immediately, and for those who didn’t, it was always fun to explain regardless.
AO loved being outside regardless of the season, and despite his short stature, he would take on snow mounds, leave piles, and hiking trails with the best of them. He also had a habit of hoarding things under the dining room table or bed, including socks, cash, credit cards, keys - whatever he could get his mouth on (or into, like my purse). He liked to sleep on his back with all four paws in the air, and he could give any human a run for their money in the “Who can snore the loudest?” department.
Awesome-O had always been a relatively healthy dog, with a few exceptions. He had a tendency to get rather, ahem, barfy, but this was mostly because he ate too fast. Yes - I had a dog with an eating disorder, more or less. We actually had to feed him his meals in a “Slow-Bowl” to keep his pace in check. In early January 2009, he also developed an upper respiratory infection that quickly turned into pneumonia, thanks to his little lungs. He ended up being hospitalized for a day or two due to dehydration, and though the condition was never life-threatening, we were of course totally on edge.
He bounced back quickly though, and seemed to be in great shape...until the day after Thanksgiving 2009. AO had suddenly become noticeably lethargic and he also urinated inside the apartment, which he’d never ever done. It was also extremely bright it was in color, almost orange, so we had him at the vet within the hour. He was diagnosed with Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA), a condition that aggressively attacks the immune system and red blood cells. IMHA also usually is a symptom of a bigger problem, such as cancer or a tick-borne related disease. Both were eventually ruled out in AO’s case, along with several other potential sources, and as such he fell into the majority percentile of those afflicted with this condition: never knowing the exact trigger.
The IMHA was treated with every defense possible, enlisting not only his regular (and incredible) vet, Dr. Suzanne May, but also the wonderful staff at Animal General in the Upper East Side. Awesome-O underwent a blood transfusion, which he seemed to accept successfully, and after a dangerously low 17% RBC, he was quickly back up in the safe percentile of high 30s-low 40s. Steroids were added in to his daily regime, which unfortunately came with their fair share of side effects including increased thirst and excessive urination, along with another immune drug, coupled with weekly vet check ups to monitor his progress.
The steroids made him much slower than usual, and as a result, as some point Awesome-O also strained his back, so the doctors added a pain killer on to his daily meds. While he definitely wasn't his normal goofy, spunky, playful, charming self (he hadn't been since the IMHA first hit), he did seem to be getting better, slowly but surely. He continued to go in for his check-ups and blood tests weekly, and at his last one in late January 2010, his RBC levels were holding steady and even seemed a bit more energetic throughout the weekend.
The weekend came to a close, and on the evening of Sunday January 24, 2010, the routine was in line with what had been adopted since AO first got sick, which involved being up with AO at various points throughout the night, refilling water bowls and changing pee pads. At around 6am, I heard Awesome-O up and about, getting another drink, so I went to grab my coat to take him outside for a walk. By the time I got back to the bedroom, he was gone. Just like that.
Later, his vet would share that Awesome-O likely suffered a blood clot (which he was more susceptible to as a result of having IMHA), and the clot then caused an aneurysm, which took him quickly - in other words, there was nothing we could have done. I’m of course grateful that he didn’t feel any pain, and that I was right there with him when it happened, but my profound devastation over the loss was indescribable.
The grief was relentless and drowning, but a few weeks later, the decision was made to try and channel it in a way that might help another animal in need, by opening up hearts and home to a puppy rescued from a shelter. Though she was touted as an Australian Shepherd mix, my guess is she’s actually part of the Catahoula Leopard dog breed. She has one blue eye and one brown eye, and after tossing around several ideas, landed with the name Nancy Drew. As good as it feels to have saved this little one’s life, the grief for Awesome-O, of course, continues. I know there will be days and days and years and years of more tears ahead, but I do believe he’s watching over all of us, and I tell Nancy Drew stories about him every day.
Awesome-O was my heart and soul, and as such, it wouldn’t seem right to have a personal website without any mention of him. Though it’s hard to articulate how much joy he brought into my life, I created this album featuring some of my favorite photos of him in the hopes that it might at least begin to do so.
So I’d like to introduce you to Awesome-O, and I’m positive he’s pleased to meet you.
Awesome-O
First time I ever laid eyes on Awesome-O
Awesome-O
Playing with AO on VA farm where he was born
What happens when you leave AO alone
AO loves cupcakes, just like his Momma
AO at Bark for the Cure 5K in May 2009
AO snoozing
AO with one of his Woobies (i.e. blankies)
AO Christmas 2008
Hark, who goes there?
SG and AO
AO as Tina Fey
AO in bed - ours, not his. Okay, his too
Rare shot of AO actually IN his own bed
AO in the “Bat Cave” i.e. under our bed
Which one is AO?
AO digging the snow
AO in Central Park NYC
AO at Union Square dog park in NYC
AO chilling at the dog park
AO on his usual perch i.e. park bench
AO in car
Mr. AO Goes to Washington
AO in Lake George, NY
AO Christmas 2009
Awesome-O as Fortunate Cookie spokesperson
AO & SG = TLA
