Today is Rainie’s 13th birthday! To be able to say that feels so good considering the fall we have been through. We went through a few months of knowing Rainie had a splenic tumor and via ultrasounds and such we determined as best we could that it was benign. Yet, it was still a tumor and could rupture causing internal bleeding and ultimately death. And, it was getting larger. It was ultimately my call to put her through this surgery in order to have it removed. I was worried and worried and worried every minute of every day for weeks that it would rupture. Her belly was looking fairly distended as well. Knowing she was as healthy as an almost 13 yr old could be, I decided to schedule the surgery with Charlie Meynier knowing full well he would do his absolute best and take care of her. And, that he did. She was a rockstar and really did so well. She stayed overnight for monitoring, but her spleen and tumor were removed all together weighing almost 4.5 lbs. Imagine that in your gut! She has so much more energy now and acts like her old self once again. Hopefully, we have prolonged her life a bit longer.
Me & Sawyer visiting Rainie the morning after her big surgery. She was pretty chipper!
Rainie has been by my side for 13 years. She is the best friend and companion a guy could ask for. I am so lucky to have had her all these years through the many adventures, tough times, and the happiest of times. She really is the best of the best. You know you truly love something when you love that something more than yourself. Here’s to Rainie and more happy times with us on this earth!
A much younger me and Rainie on the summit of La Plata Peak
Mt. Harvard’s summit over a decade ago
The four of us on a winter climb of La Plata Peak
Me & Rainie at the Sand Dunes a long time ago
My buddy Lee Hoffman took this great pic of Rainie with Mt. Aetna behind
An old pic of Rainie and I on top of Lionshead Rock with Mt. of the Holy Cross behind. This was one of our go-to hikes for years and years
The Spider’s summit in the Gore rainge with Rainie
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Been there and I know those were gut-wrenching decisions you had to make. So glad to hear Rainie’s doing great!! 4.5 lbs…Holy Cow!
Rock on Rainie!!
I big tumor, John! She will keep rockin’ on, buddy. Thanks
Happy Birthday Rainie! We’re so glad you’re feeling better. Thanks for a wonderful time with our boys over the holidays. They still look at the painting of Rainie and Kona with glee. Teo points to her and says “wuff wuff.”
Thanks, Carrie! Glad we were all able to have that holiday time together!
Oh Brandon….so happy Rainie did so well with the surgery! Give her hugs from us!! xox. Lj and Allan. PS Jarrell is delivering her baby tomorrow….another girl! Number 4!
Thanks, LJ! Wow, Jarrell and their #4! Hope the delivery goes fantastic!
So glad all went well and she’s feeling better man. Here’s to Rainier continuing to kick ass for several more years!
P.s. That Harvard pic is awesome
Thanks, Ben! I like that Harvard pic too, man. Old school long johns and shorts – I miss those days.
Rainie’s argyle sweater! Like a champ. Happy Birthday Rainie!