We had to say goodbye to our sweet Bessie. Her health issues became too much for her little body to continue on, and she was let go peacefully in her forever foster mama’s arms. Her words are below.
Rest in peace sweet Bessie. We’ll never forget you.

Our sweet Bessie girl was here for a good time, not a long time.
Words can’t express the impact this little girl had on me and everyone she met. From the minute we sprung her from the shelter she was non stop smiles, tail wags and snuggles, and made herself right at home immediately.
I truly thought that we were going to get years and years together but unfortunately that’s not what the universe had planned for her. My sweet girl fought a hard battle and I’m comforted knowing she is finally breathing easy and was welcomed by so many sweet furry souls on the other side.
She found me for a reason, and although the last couple months have been tough I know she was in the right place and most loving arms.
Our last 17 hours together were spent as “official” mother-daughter after a surprise adoption announcement in my email, thanks to Auntie @kybinks . That meant more than you know. We’re so grateful for you and our entire senior squad.
Although Bessie was so lucky to have @ladybirdanimalsanctuary in her corner – we were all the lucky ones to get to know and love her 🐾💕

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Bessie came into Hamilton Animal Services as a stray and was not claimed. She was very stinky and matted when she arrived at the shelter. Her teeth are in terrible shape, and she has a large, pendulous mammary tumour. Despite all this, Bessie is the happiest girl!
We were thrilled to be able to get Bessie out of the shelter and straight to the groomers for a bath and haircut. (Thank you Grooming by James!) She looks like a totally different dog now! And we know she must feel better without all that tangled, dirty fur.
A vet visit has been scheduled where we’ll put a plan in place for Bessie’s care going forward. Hopefully she’s healthy enough to have the tumour removed and get the dental surgery she so desperately needs. She’s already made herself comfortable in her foster home, and she’s lapping up all the spoiling and love her foster family are giving her.

Welcome to Ladybird, Bessie! We’re so glad you’re here!

* UPDATE August 21, 2022 *

At Bessie’s vet visit, she had blood work, xrays, and she was put on medication for a urinary tract infection and a respiratory infection. The exam of her mouth showed that her teeth are in much worse shape than was first thought. Her teeth are basically rotting out of her mouth. Poor Bessie! The vet discovered Bessie has a heart murmur, so an echocardiogram was done. It showed very early signs of congestive heart disease. It’s not an issue yet, but it is something that could become of concern down the road. Thankfully, Bessie’s heart is healthy enough for the surgeries she needs. First will be the spay and removal of the tumour on her underside, and the second surgery will be her teeth. Unfortunately, the two surgeries can’t be done at the same time, because it would be dangerous to keep her under anesthetic for too long, and because of advanced risk of infection. The first surgery is booked for mid September.
In the meantime, Bessie is being absolutely spoiled rotten by her extended foster family. She gets to go on many adventures, and she’s definitely living her best life! We’re so happy to know that she will never feel the heartache and pain of neglect ever again.

Go Bessie!

* UPDATE September 16, 2022 *

Bessie did great for her surgery! Here she is, just waking up from anesthetic.
It’s a good thing she had this spay and tumour removal surgery when she did, because her uterus was massive and filled with puss. The vet said they’ve done spays on Rottweilers who had smaller uteruses than poor Bessie. This kind of infection can be deadly if not caught in time. Another reason why it’s so important to spay and neuter your pets!
The dental xrays showed that Bessie only has twelve teeth left, and that they all need to come out. We’ll post another update once that surgery is scheduled.
Way to go Bessie! You’re a super star!

* UPDATE October 18, 2022 *

During Bessie’s dental surgery today, her remaining twelve teeth were removed. She is doing great after the surgery and we know she’ll feel so much better without all those stinky, rotten teeth!
Way to go, Bessie!

* UPDATE December 23, 2022 *

Over the past few months, Bessie has been back and forth to the vet for stomach issues. We’d think we had things sorted, and then she’d have another bout of trouble. Medication and a food change eventually helped her feel better. This month, when we thought things were finally sorted with her tummy, Bessie started coughing. It started out as just a bit of a cough, and then progressed to a serious cough. An x-ray at the vet revealed that Bessie has multiple large masses all through her lungs. Her last x-ray in August showed that her lungs were clear, so these are fast growing masses that are unfortunately likely cancerous. This is not something that can be fixed with surgery, and the masses are not the kind that can be reduced with medication. Thankfully, Bessie is still doing well. Though she’s coughing, she’s still her happy, friendly self, and she’s eating normally. She’s been put on medication to help with the cough, and she’s considered palliative at this point. With this development, we’ve made the decision to make Bessie a permanent resident. Her foster family are more than happy to continue to love and care for her until her quality of life allows. She’s right where she should be with her forever foster family.

We love you Bessie!