Phantom would have been 13 years old today, Halloween 2025. Even on his last day, he was still able to enjoy some of his favorite things: going on short walks, going between inside and outside at will, using his automatic dog door—even using it as a window when he just wanted to “sniff” the air outside (thanks, High Tech Pets, for a life-changing product!), herding his “treat ball” around the basement, and playing hide-and-seek.
Phantom loved the “idea” of a walk and would get so excited to go out, until I would open the front door—“You mean out there?!” he would cock his head as he backed away. His neighborhood friends could coax him outside, as his FOMO was greater than his fear of the world. It’s hard being a Border Collie, with an automatic instinct to herd and not being able to “work” in an urban setting. When he was younger (and, more importantly, when there was a place, space, and company that made it possible—for dogs to chase a lure through a half-mile course), it was amazing to watch how he used his mind to watch and strategize his approach, sprinting in a beautiful, elegant glide to snatch the lure at just the right point. Warren, the gentleman who operated the course, always said Phantom would make him work extra hard—trying to outsmart each other and the lure!
Although his anxiety worsened with age, he was smart, curious, devoted, loyal, and loving. He left his mark on all of us (in some ways better than others). It’s not the same without him. I will forever miss him.
He greeted Dr. Jillian by jumping up to say hello and almost knocking her down! She paused to double-check that she was at the right house. Yes, unfortunately, she was. He had recently been diagnosed with metastatic cancer that had spread—over 30 nodules in his lungs! There wasn’t much room for him to breathe, yet he hid it well. We never discovered the primary source; it wasn’t necessary, as there were no good options. He was still so full of life, but there were times when he was visibly struggling. It was most pronounced at night, panting and struggling to breathe, even while sleeping. It was time.
I am forever grateful to Dr. Jillian at Caring Pathways for facilitating such a beautiful and peaceful transition. To Dr. Summerfield, Morgan, and Kyle at Broomfield Meadows Animal Hospital—his lifelong vet and team, his friends! To Dr. Emch and the doggie neurology team at VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital—for detecting and making the unfortunate metastatic cancer diagnosis, and especially for the compassion shown while delivering news no one wants to hear. Dr. Jillian H. and the staff at Caring Pathways and Amare Crematorium showed great care and compassion at such a devastating but beautiful time.
A huge shout-out to the crew at Paws ‘n’ Play, our local pet store, for all the treats and love you showed Phantom over the years—and especially during our last week together.
Phantom made it about a month post-diagnosis—long enough that the kids and I could say our goodbyes. He went out eating a Frosty Paws ice cream, here at home.
