03/07/2026
Last night we made the most heartbreaking, yet kind decision we could ever imagine. We let both Lotus and Po go to heaven together.
Po developed mild lethargy yesterday and when he wouldn’t eat a treat I worried. We had him medically evaluated despite the fact that I thought I was overreacting. Even on examination he didn’t let on what was going on in his body. A preliminary ultrasound showed masses in multiple organs with fluid in his abdomen. We rushed him down to a multi specialty ER for a CT scan to gather more information and to see if we could help him. Po’s CT revealed a hemoabdomen with diffuse metastatic neoplasia, likely hemangiosarcoma, in his liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs. No surgery or treatment would make sense at this stage. I truly have no idea how he hid this from us. I knew he was a good boy but I had no idea he was so stoic.
As many of you know, Lotus has fought a battle with transitional cell carcinoma for an absolutely incredible 2+ years. The median survival time for her disease is 6 months. She far exceeded the odds all while having an excellent quality of life and keeping her happy, playful demeanor through it all. She taught me so much on her journey, more than I can ever explain. While we could have brought her home last night, it made the most sense to ease her of her daily struggles before she experienced distress. It was something Jake and I have been talking about and preparing for.
Last night, Lotus and Po were together, comfortable and content, they snuggled, and we gave them all the love we had. They were both complete opposites from the beginning to the end. Despite the unimaginable pain Jake and I feel, their story ended in a beautiful way and we know they are at peace together.
