We open the doors of Glen Highland for any Senior in need, knowing that a short stay is often the result. We had no choice with Oreo’s situation because his abdominal mast cell tumor tripled in size in the two months with us. From the size of a softball to larger than a football, there was no real comfort left and nothing ahead was going to end well.

So, before his suffering worsened, we kindly said goodbye to Oreo.

Oreo was a charmer with such a strong personality...the life of the party. Eager to meet anyone and everyone the minute the door opened, he was first in line for attention. His curiosity about everything new was hilarious at times because his stubborn ‘Gotta go see it’ attitude left the other Seniors way behind ‘in the dust’. Much like a strong-willed human, Oreo got what he wanted, when he wanted it!

We will miss this sweet fella. He was the beloved companion to his person for 12 years, until her death. He was clearly adored and their union had a magic only possible between canines and humans who are deeply united. If reunions are real on the spirit side…we are certain Oreo is pushing his way through the crowd to get to her.

Godspeed OREO…your journey goes on…

His immediate health needs were obvious with a mass the size of a cantaloupe. Unfortunately, it is a malignant mast cell tumor - a challenging cancer. Known for ‘exploding’ when ‘bothered’, even the aspirate used to confirm the cancer type was risky. The mass began a year ago, only the size of a quarter.

Thankfully, his chest x-rays are clear so the cancer has not yet moved to his lungs. Obviously Oreo is going to have a very shortened lifespan, likely only months. This type of cancer is generally not painful, but he can have a very aggressive downturn at any time.

For now, the Glen Highland team has made Oreo super comfortable with his very own UNI-BRA! A single bra (EE) cup contraption was created to hold the huge dangling and irritating mass out of the way. Oreo is really enjoying the freedom of normal movement!

A STAFF t-shirt adds a little extra support over his shoulders. Of course he loves being on duty!

As long as Oreo needs us, we will be here for him.

Special thanks to our evaluators, GH adopters Ellen Simcik & Erica Snyder, who confirmed Oreo was ok for rescue. And to our transporters who kindly made Oreo's journey possible from western Pennsylvania to Virginia: GH adopter Joanne Cook & her friend Marlene Saye and GH adopters Renate & Pete Goodloe .