In Memory of Nelly

We have lost another one of our beloved Roxy dogs. Sweet Nelly passed away this weekend. If you knew Nelly then you know she was kind and patient with the most soulful eyes. Nelly and her owner/handler, Mary Helen, visited Autistic Support classes for several years and were always there to support the Bereavement Support Group at CB West as well. She will undoubtedly be missed by all who knew her.

Here are some words from her owner and handler, Mary Helen Hughes:

“It is with a heavy heart that I want to relay the news that on Saturday 2/20/21, we lost our beautiful, loving Nelly, adopted 11 years ago through Brookline Lab Rescue based here in Warrington. Nelly was happy, playful and seemingly healthy as late as Thursday evening, however after distress that began in the wee hours of Friday followed by multiple x-rays, ultrasounds and bloodwork, it was found that she had an undetected (most likely malignant) mass deep in her intestinal tract that had perforated and caused her to become septic. Surgery was a possibility but given her age she had a small chance of surviving the surgery and if so, there would most likely be little the docs could do but possibly buy her a bit more time. It was recommended by the specialty/emergency vet we were sent to see after two examinations by her lifelong veterinarian, that euthanasia was the kindest, most compassionate option.

With broken hearts, we decided to go through with it and Nell passed peacefully surrounded by her immediate family around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. The only consolation is that she did not suffer very long, and as many dogs do, tried her best to put on a brave face to make us feel better, weakly wagging her tail and giving kisses until the very end.

She was estimated to be about two years old when she became part of our family and found her forever home. She rose spectacularly above her difficult beginnings to become a wonderful pet, an AKC Good Citizen and a member of our wonderful organization. She loved all of the friends she made; from the students, teachers, office staff and her Roxy “co-workers.” We miss her terribly, but are comforted to know that she is busy making new friends in Heaven.

Thank you all for your friendship and for all you do, and I hope I can continue with our organization in the near future!”

Our sweet Nelly

Nelly with her soulful eyes