From: Erickson, Gayle
Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 2:47 PM
To: Shirley Moore
Subject: Contacts: Success Story- Kylie has passed away
 

Hi Shirley,
 
I just wanted to let you know that our Kylie has passed away from complications from
lymphoma.  Her prognosis (in August when we found out that her lymphoma had returned) was 3
months and she lasted beyond our expectations.  I am so happy that she had a good autumn;
she spent many days laying and soaking up the September sun and had her wonderful Labrador
appetite until Sunday night when she started to fail.
She was panting, forced breathing and not sleeping and not eating; even hesitant to sit up; the
exact symptoms our vet told us would happen when the Prednisone stopped working.  On
Monday, my husband and I took her to our vet in Westborough and put her to sleep; very
peacefully and dignified.  I brought her bed with us where she laid and held her to the end.  I
think she is happy and at peace.
We only had her for about 6 years; too short, but she was my graceful sweet Kylie-girl who we
miss terribly.
The house is so empty; our cat is constantly looking for her which breaks my heart.
I have attached one of the last pictures of her; she loved to go to the Westborough Reservoir
and just sit with me.  She didn’t like to go into the water; that was the Greyhound in her, but she
loved being near it.
I have thought long and hard about homeopathy and your advice on Frontline and unnecessary
inoculations.  I did use Frontline on Kylie and will most likely use a more herbal form when I
adopt another dog. 
Thanks for caring.
Gayle Erickson
 
 
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Shirley Moore [mailto:shirley@saveadog.org] 
Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2008 6:09 PM
To: Erickson, Gayle
Subject: RE: Contacts: Success Story
 
Hi Gayle,
 
I just found this article which might be helpful. I am studying homeopathy and have
several advisors with whom I work. Let me know if I can help in any way. I have a remedy
kit and have the Thuja if you want to try it.
 
Shirley
 
 
From: Erickson, Gayle
Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 2:48 PM
To: webmaster@saveadog.org
Subject: Contacts: Success Story
Hi Shirley,
I just wanted to send you an update on Kylie, (formerly Bones) from the Erickson’s in
Westborough, MA.  Kylie was diagnosed with lymphoma last summer and we
immediately took her to the New England Veterinary Oncology Group (NEVOG) in
Waltham.  We went through 6 months of chemotherapy treatments and Kylie was the first
patient of a wonderful young doctor, Michelle Silver, DVM.  Dr. Silver gives her so many
hugs and treats.  Kylie tolerated the infusions of chemo well and only was sick once;
didn’t show any other signs of illness other than being tired and sleeping more often.
She has been in remission since February and when I took her for a checkup last week,
we found out that her lymphoma has returned.  It’s in the beginning stage, but she will
not tolerate the treatments as well and the prognosis is not good.
She is on Prednisone and we are doing our best to keep her happy and pain-free.  I am
bringing her back to NEVOG for a check up in 2 weeks and will know more at that time
and will keep in touch.
Our hearts are all very heavy; we cry a lot but want to give her the best months we can
possibly give her.  By loving her and taking her for short walks and having this wonderful
fall weather will be helping her.  She loves to lay in the grass and just hang out near us.
I cannot tell you what a companion and best friend she has been (especially to me); as
my children left for college, got new apartments, new careers which took 2 of them out
of state, Kylie has been my #1 buddy.  My husband works a lot for the gas company; he
gets called in at all hours for emergencies, but it’s ok because I have my buddy.  Kylie
and I walk or go everywhere together!  My Jeep Cherokee with the black lab hanging her
head out of the back window is a common sighting in town.  I never dare go on an
errand without her and every time I look at the toenail scratches on the leather seats I will
cry and think of her.
I hope I have given her the best life for she has given us so much.
Fondly,
Gayle Erickson