05/07/2026
This past Saturday was an incredibly heavy and sad day for us at Doggy Dog World Spa. We lost a very special member of our family, a sweet boy named Buddy. Buddy had been coming to us almost from the very beginning of our opening.
Buddy came through our doors full of life, accompanied by his little partner, Max. After their baths went perfectly, Henry decided it was a beautiful enough day to dry them on our outdoor grooming table. I remember glancing out the window and smiling to myself, thinking about how adorable the two of them looked together.
I went back to my work, but just moments after the blow dryer started, the silence was broken. I heard the loudest, most distressing cries I have ever heard from a dog in my entire life. The sound was so piercing that even the fur baby I was grooming inside the salon began to cry in response.
I rushed outside immediately. I took Buddy from the table and held him close, rocking and rubbing him in my arms to comfort him. After about thirty seconds, he finally quieted down. I was deeply confused; Buddy had never reacted this way in the years we had known him. Once he seemed calm, I brought him inside and sat down with him on my lap, continuing to rub his back and reassure him that he was safe.
However, as soon as I tried to lift him, his entire body went limp. I noticed his breathing had become shallow and he was starting to pant. Recognizing the urgency, I immediately called his mom and asked her to come to the salon right away.
While waiting, I placed him on the table to perform a thorough examination, looking for any external sign of distress I might have missed. Being CPR certified for dogs through the American Red Cross, I remained by his side, prepared to provide breathing assistance the moment it became necessary.
Buddy’s parents arrived moments later and rushed him to the vet. We later received the heartbreaking news that Buddy had an unknown tumor in his stomach that had suddenly burst. With senior dogs, options in these moments are often tragically limited, and the most important thing is ensuring they are no longer in pain.
Buddy is at peace now, waiting at the Rainbow Bridge with so many other beloved fur babies. We send our deepest, most heartfelt sympathy to his very loving family and everyone whose life was touched by this sweet boy. Please, hold your babies a little tighter each day.
Rest in Peace, Buddy. You will always be remembered and missed.😔❤️
