Farley

October 27/1998-July 28/2008

It is with infinite sadness that we announce the passing of our sweet boy, Farley.

Farley was a nine year old Boston Terrier who was burdened with epilepsy, hypothyroidism, the removal of a benign tumour and congestive heart failure.

Despite these afflictions, Farley never took a backwards step in his active life.

Over the years , with both veterinary and cardiologist approvals of course, he participated in Agility classes, attended Toronto Blue Jays and St. Michaels Majors hockey team ‘Dog Days’ events, took part in various charity walks, and won First Place in the ‘Best Smile’ category in the 2007 Taste of the Kingsway Dog Show.

Farley also enjoyed going for walks in his two favourite parks, High Park and Centennial, as well as browsing the titles in two local bookstores.

There are so many funny and happy stories I could relate about Farley, from puppyhood to just last week, but one of my favourites is one that shows two of his characteristics; toughness and stubbornness.

Farley enjoyed going to the local indoor dog park, Doggie Central in Mississauga, where he exerted his status as ‘Alpha Dog’ to any dog larger in size than him (this attitude was in evidence back in his ‘Puppy Class’ days, where a trainer described him as a ‘very, very stubborn dog’.).

During one of the indoor dog park visits, there was a massive dog in attendance, one that had to be at least five times the size of Farley. This dog was intimidating to the humans, not to mention all the dogs.

Well, he intimidated all but one dog..

Farley wound up standing face to face with this dog, essentially in a stare down.

As I was formulating an escape plan for my big guy, the other dog lifted his paw, patted Farley on his shoulder, and walked away.

If I did not see this I would not have believed it happened, but the look on Farley’s face said it all; ‘I am the King’.
Unfortunately 2008 was not a good year for Farley or us.

In January he was hospitalized for five days with pneumonia and in late March underwent surgery to correct a Brachycephalic syndrome condition that was diagnosed during his treatment for pneumonia.

However Farley, being a tough guy, came back strong from both challenges and was doing very well and enjoying life until mid-July.

During a visit to his cardiologist it was found that his heart condition was worsening, and a stronger medication was prescribed to hopefully counteract the disease.

On July 28th Farley spent the day at the clinic for a day long check up to monitor the effects of the new medication, with his cardiologist giving him a guardedly optimistic analysis and scheduled a further appointment for mid August.
That evening we had to take Farley back to the clinic, only two hours after his discharge. Part of his heart had shut down and he was suffering from hypoxia.

At 9:00pm that evening we let Farley’s body rest, as he could fight no longer.

Farley made friends wherever he went, due to his good looks, character and personality.

We would like to give thanks to his medical staffs at both the Veterinary Emergency Clinic and the Kingsway Animal Hospital, both of whom described him as an exceptional patient, for their assistance, understanding and support over the years.

Finally, one more Farley story; on the day we picked up Farley from the breeder, we took a transportation box with us, with breathing holes, to keep him safe and secure for the ride home.

We were not even ten minutes into the journey when I felt the top of the box being pushed, and pushed hard, in the attempt to open it.

I relented and opened the box, and ten week old Farley spent the remainder of the trip with his head moving back and forth watching the scenery, with no fear or nervousness of his new surroundings.

That is how Farley spent his life; as a participant, not a spectator and not afraid of new experiences.

Farley was a noble soul and a true friend who contributed significantly to our lives and, he deserved a better fate and a longer life.

We love and miss him greatly.
Rob and Hayley Phillips

Farley Phillips October 27/1998-July 28/2008