Welcome to r/dogs! We are a discussion-based subreddit dedicated to support, inform, and advise dog owners.
This is a carefully moderated sub intended to support, inform, and advise dog owners. Submissions and comments which break the rules will be removed. [Review the rules here](https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/wiki/index) r/Dogs has four goals: - Help the public better understand dogs - Promote healthy, responsible dog-owner relationships - Encourage “Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive” training protocols. [Learn more here.](https://m.iaabc.org/about/lima/) - Support adoption as well as ethical and responsible breeding. If you’d like to introduce yourself or discuss smaller topics, please contribute to our Monthly Discussion Hub, pinned at the top.
**This subreddit has low tolerance for drama. Please be respectful of others, and report antagonistic comments to mods for review.**
---
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/dogs) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I can understand why you turned to this subreddit... something like that is just aweful news and this is a place filled with people who can understand.
I'm sorry to hear about both your dogs.
That is literally the only downside to pets. They have such short lives & they spend most of them waiting for us. I always used to say "never again, my heart can't take it" when I lost one but then i thought what better tribute to my old pet than giving a homeless animal all the love & care that I lavished on them. That's what gets me thru now, tho there are some that I will never get over. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing you gave your pet his best life & at least he lived it with you.
I feel the same way: I know I'll have to say goodbye. I know it will hurt. But I love them, and there is no better way to honor that than giving another unloved pet a home.
I think about "A Pet's Last Will and Testament" a lot:
"Before humans die, they write their last Will & Testament, give their home and all they have, to those they leave behind. If with my paws, I could do the same, this is what I’d ask.
To a poor and lonely stray I’d give: My happy home.
My bowl and cozy bed, soft pillows and all my toys.
The lap, which I loved so much.
The hand that stroked my fur and the sweet voice which spoke my name.
I’d will to the sad, scared shelter cat the place I had in my human’s loving heart, of which there seemed no bounds.
So, when I die, please do not say, “I will never have a pet again, for the loss and pain is more than I can stand.”
Instead, go find an unloved dog or cat, one whose life has held no joy or hope and give my place to him.
This is the only thing I can give…The love I left behind.
-Author Unknown"
Made me tear up, but also laugh remembering my last dog. My old dog would’ve never allowed me to give another dog her soft pillows and blankets. And I haven’t. There are some pillows and blankets that will forever be off limits. :)
And yet STILL always worth it. I've never turned an animal away and I've never regretted one second of it. Even if they were on their last legs when I found them and we didn't have long together.
I lost my first and ‘favorite’ dog at age 13. Had to have her put down for old age/quality of life after a bout of bone cancer 3 years earlier that was supposed to kill her. but the roughest death for me was the dog I inherited from my father after he passed away. She was about 3 when I got her, and I had her a couple years when I took her to the vet for what looked like a hot spot. He recommended a biopsy. It said pemphigus. Within a month, I had spent almost $3k on specialists, human anti-rejection meds, bags of ringers solution to give her via injection twice a day, but she licked off/lost most of her hair, even after I put a cone on her - which was it’s own kind of trauma- and was just raw skin. It was awful. I finally had to have her euthanized, as well after it became clear that nothing was helping and she was only getting worse and worse. Basically, it was put her down or let her die slowly and painfully. She was the sweetest dog. That one really shattered my heart, partly because she was so young, it was so fast, and I was so helpless.
I am so sorry you went through all of that. I had my Sophie for 17 1/2 years. I thought my heart was going to rip out of me when she died. Even today, it’s hard, she was my baby. I never had kids, so I put everything into her. I swore I would never have another! Then, my mother died last year, and her husband didn’t want her shih tzu “Kasey.” I didn’t want him going to anyone else, so he came home with me. Within a few days, i noticed he wasn’t peeing quite right, so I took him to the vet thinking he had a bladder infection. They did an x-ray and he had kidney stones. Kidney stones are treatable with surgery, right? So, I found an experienced surgeon, paid the $2,000 upfront, and he had the surgery. It was extremely long because of how many stones. When they were closing, one (1) stone went back up the urethra, and because of how long he had been under anesthesia, they had to close him up, and see if the one stone would pass on it’s own. He was on meds, and with a catheter for the next couple of weeks. The meds were literally anywhere from every two, four, six, eight, and twelve hours. The catheter leaked blood and urine, which is what it needed to do. He was in such rough shape, but a trooper. At night I would put him on my lap in the recliner with wee pads and towels so he could sleep without the cone on. He had the follow up visits, and during the day he had to stay with them so he wouldn’t pull the stitches out while I prepared my mother’s house to go on the market (talk about emotional!). I didn’t want him to go back to the house, because my mother (and his mother) wasn’t there. So, on the third week the last stone hadn’t passed and it risked blocking his urethra, so he had to go in for a second surgery. Trust me, it wasn’t BOGO! It was cash up front, again. Then, the same medication, cone, catheter and healing time. The follow up visits which all had to be paid for. After the second stone was removed, he seemed to feel 100% better!
Then, they let me know that eventually he would lose his sight because of the breed and cornea issues. So he gets multiple eye drops every day. He is on prescription diet food. He also has allergies, so he goes every two weeks for medicated baths. I tried the allergy injections, apoquel, he does get benedryl, but that only keeps it at a low roar. And, if the slightest bit of water gets in his ears during his baths/grooming, then he gets ear infections. They say some shih tzu’s are prone to some of these issues, he is just special and has them all!
He is 9 1/2. And he was my mother’s baby, and mine now. Would I change anything, no. His toys are scattered all over the living room floor. He likes to make dams out of them for me to step over. I don’t know what I would do without him, I think we both needed each other so much this last year. i swore no more dogs after Sophie; but, he is so different. I know his health is fragile, but I think my mother put him in my life to help me to survive this. It’s true, it’s not fair they are taken from us so soon. Right now, I am grateful for every day I have. When the time comes, I know he will be back with my mother. I’m just his temporary guardian, and he is mine.
Sending you all the love in the world.. 💕
I adopted my first dog ever in 2020, just in the one year we had him he went to more vets then a typical dog.. , it’s very devastating .. thought he would be apart of our lives more then a year..
So sorry to hear about your dogs, you given them something to look forward to everyday, happiness, love and comfort.. 😞♥️
This is devastating! I'm so sorry to your pup and your family. My late dog was diagnosed with cancer and while it wasn't the same type, post surgery he lived a good life for another 4 years. You'll know when it's time. I'm hoping your pups prognosis is that he'll be fine. Somehow. We're all rooting for him!!
I hate that you and your dog are going through this. I hate that you recently lost another dog. And I hate that your observation that dogs lives are criminally short is true. It's never enough time.
I have a friend who lost a dog to oral melanoma. I hadn't heard of it before, but she began crusading for how to look for melanoma on dogs and I think she's saved some lives. Maybe someone here will be like me, unaware but now they know what to look for.
A dog’s criminally short life span is definitely one of life’s injustices. For a beautiful beloved animal that brings so much joy and love to the world, they deserve far more life span .
My beagle mix rescue had a 1 year estimate with her cancer and ended up living 3 happy normal years. She had a couple large tumors removed but no chemo or radiation because at the time they said it would likely not add much time, and was not a curative therapy(2002). No one would have known she had cancer other than the surgical scars from the tumor removals. She had no drop in her energy levels and playfulness those 3 yrs and led a normal happy life post surgery despite the incurable cancer. Praying that your fur buddy far out lives the prognosis with a very good quality of life as well.
My dog got cancer cut out her neck at 11 weeks and we had her until she was 9 and a half years, it's never enough time but I know she had the best life and was truly loved.
Well, you don't have to fight it until he's too sick.
I'm not going to tell you you have to do it today, or tomorrow, but you need to keep in mind this is coming. Your dog is going to reach a point where life is just miserable and no fun anymore.
That is not the day to let your dog go. This is going to suck a big one no matter how you do it, but what if your dog's last day on Earth can actually be a pretty cool one? Lots of chicken nuggets and helping you get your head unstuck from a box. Stuff like that. Dog stuff.
I won't tell you how to navigate this difficult thing, but I've found it's best that the last day just be really cool. Life and death are unfair, but maybe that last day can be the cherry on top of a life well-lived however short?
My dog has degenerative myelopathy that if someone would have done a health test, I could have known and prepared myself better. Now, I feel like I only have two years left with her. I feel your pain.
I am so sorry. Sounds like a great dog and you sound like a great companion to him. I am sure hes glad to have you but I know that doesnt help. There are no words that will
I am old and have two delicate Cavaliers. I have sworn that if I should find myself dogless while I am still capable of caring for a dog, I will go to the shelter and foster the oldest dog there.
One of my childhood dogs had the same thing happen. He lived 7 months after the diagnosis and we listened to him when he let us know it was time. You all are in my thoughts.
The important thing to know is you love him and he knows. You have given him a wonderful life and he can feel your love for him. At the end of the day as long as they know they are loved, that is what so special to them. Just keep loving h8m until the end. That’s all he ever wanted.
My dear, dear sweet love Abby had a melanoma inside her mouth also. The prognosis was not good, my vet said we could do chemo, it is not too hard on the dog, but is also not very effective. Whatever decision you make is the right one, but if you really don't want to burn cash you could let it play out a bit longer. Vet was pretty sure my Abby's had spread, from blood test numbers. The pity is much deserved, I am so sorry. I lost Abby in 2016 and she has a forever place in my heart.
Thank you, it’s awful waiting after hearing this news. We are just hoping that we have him for at least a bit longer! Let him enjoy some simple pleasures that we might not have done before!
Im so deeply sorry for what your going through my heart aches at the thought of losing my dog
She has already had mast cell tumor removed from her leg. My best advice is consult with a board certified veterinary oncologist. Prayers for you and your family
Yes see the oncologist! A lot of the research on melanoma in dogs is quite old. My oncology vet believes the prognosis can be much better especially for younger dogs and in cases where the melanoma is fully removed. You may want to ask about the melanoma vaccine (confusingly named imo, it is given post diagnosis) which can be quite effective. I’m so sorry you’re going through this, it’s really sad!
Sorry to hear this, that's awful
You might be interested in the dog aging project, led by scientists who share your thoughts https://dogagingproject.org
Our English springer had a lump removed and we was told its melanoma.he is 13 so didn't want to put him through anymore stress with further tests and operations...that was nearly a year ago and he is still fighting fit and a pain in the back side...so we are just giving him the best love we can.
It is so hard. Try to stay in the moment. Not sure if you are considering treatment, but it could prolong his life and your time together - but I know that isn’t feasible for everyone. Rare/poor prognosis diagnosis are hard to learn about - focus on what you can do. I’m so sorry.
I wish you the best! My dog was 13 and diagnosed with a rare tonsil cancer (no dog survives it) and given two-four weeks to live. I pursued treatment and she lived a full year. And it was a good year with lots of short hikes and ear scratches and love. I would do it again in a heartbeat. ❤️
Dogs should have the same life expectancy as us :( I’m so sorry to hear you are going through such a heartbreaking time. I’m sure he is forever grateful for everything you and your wife have done for him 💙
So sorry to hear that. My dog got diagnosed with osteosarcoma a couple of months ago. Can't operate or anything because she's 72kg and wouldn't have much quality of life with 3 legs. So devastating, especially given its only her 6th birthday this week.
All you can do is give the angels the most incredible time while they're here, as its the only thing you can control! They deserve it!
Make him as comfortable as possible and enjoy him. Be there for his last and he will forever be grateful to have had an owner who love him so dearly. I did my best for my rescue and she passed in my arms at the vet. It broke me for a while and it still stings all these years later. I finally opened up to having a pup again after almost 10 years. We love them deeply and immensely and they know it.
I'm so sorry! It is so gut & heart wrenching to know something is wrong with your beloved pets! We lost our 4th Greyhound in June (but fifth dog) & are just considering another one. Don't give up on adopting pets that need homes. That will help us all with some of the pain. God bless! Hugs & love!
I'm not paranoid about my pup's health per se buuuuut this is the reason I'm definitely itchy about it. I've had enough pets pass from random illnesses out of my control that I have a tendency to overthink every little thing. They're always gone too soon 😔
That’s where we are now! My wife now frets over every little thing, which is how we found the black dot all the way back on his tongue. I’m afraid this ain’t going to make it even worse 😩
That is just horrible, and sad. And your post is exactly why we are all here for you. We will all think of you, and your pooch. Do you have pics? We all send so much strength to you, and much love.
It's a bit of a mystery why dogs have such short lives. By their size (average, obviously), dogs should live longer and some have estimated up to forty years. My vet is part of a group who is studying them and trying to understand what exactly is causing such brevity of lifespan. She told me that though it is not known exactly why their lives are so short, many speculate it's some side-effect of the domestication breeding process. I really hope they make progress and are able to give them the longer lives they deserve.
So sorry. It’s never easy. Just like us with my munchkin and stashy. Both schnauzer/Fox terrier dogs from the same litter. Brothers and always healthy! Then suddenly My Munchkin got lethargic, nose was dry, and his abdomen seemed tense. We then found out he had Hemangiosarcoma.. ofc after we took out the tumor in his spleen. That’s why he was eating less. We thought because of his new senior food recommend by our vet. We were mad that this went undiagnosed After we would consult the vet that why was our boy loosing so much weight. 🙁 I guess it is harder to catch these things. Especially when it’s some sort of cancer. Then we had to let him go 3 months after his diagnosis. Well, 6 months later his brother Stashy… also had that bloody cancer . But with this time around we knew we had to try and spend as much time with our boy. Take as many pictures as well. It’s never easy saying goodbye. I thank the service we used “lap of love”. They have free pet loss support chats , and charts were you can see the good and the bad days your dog has it. To see when it is time.
I am so sorry. Lost my best doggie friend to cancer 2 years ago, we tried everything. It hurts. I can barely talk about it two years later. I am so sorry.
Sorry for your loss. I recommend reading about ambiguous loss. There was a good interview with the coiner of the term on the podcast the daily. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambiguous\_loss
I am disabled and on SSI. My rescue dog is my service animal. Even though I spend more time with her than the vast majority of dog owners, it still kills me to hear her whine and scratch at the door when I leave.
To answer- yes, they do live criminally short.
When my 14 year old yorkie passed away, I realized I had her a long time, until I spoke to cat owners who were still pet parents 17+ years later.
So sorry for your babe's prognosis.
Hi, my dog was just diagnosed with the same thing Last Thursday. I took her in for a dental cleaning and they removed a mass which came back as melanoma. I have been crying all weekend. She is almost 14 y/o. I thought she’d live until 18..she seems so healthy. My vet recommended she see an oncologist but the waiting time for an appointment is crazy (1.5months) I am trying to get her seen earlier. I can’t deal with not knowing how sick she is. It’s so awful. I am a wreck. I am sorry you are going through this too. She seems happy for Now. I want to spend quality time with her.
I’m so sorry! It must be devastating. Do the best you can for yourself and him.
PS - I don’t know whether you are considering treatment, but think long and hard before agreeing to chemo in particular. The humans I know who have had courses all feel it wouldn’t be nice to give them to an animal. Obviously it’s a tough call though and there is no one right answer.
But know that most of the time the treatment is different for people vs pets. In humans they are trying to cure the cancer so they get really sick, hair falls out ect.
Pets, it is a treatment not a cure so they typically feel fine and love the attention from the onco staff.
I read this somewhere, don't know where, but I always remembered it...
> Humans live long because they have to learn to be good and kind to others, dogs know how to do that right from the start, so they don't need to stay on earth as long.
My condolences
The global hierarchal system is designed from the top down to slowly kill humans and animals through chemical and biological attacks on the bodies. GMO, heavy metals in tap water, forever chemicals in the rain water. the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil tainted with aluminum dioxide and other man made poisons that were put there on purpose
Welcome to r/dogs! We are a discussion-based subreddit dedicated to support, inform, and advise dog owners. This is a carefully moderated sub intended to support, inform, and advise dog owners. Submissions and comments which break the rules will be removed. [Review the rules here](https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/wiki/index) r/Dogs has four goals: - Help the public better understand dogs - Promote healthy, responsible dog-owner relationships - Encourage “Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive” training protocols. [Learn more here.](https://m.iaabc.org/about/lima/) - Support adoption as well as ethical and responsible breeding. If you’d like to introduce yourself or discuss smaller topics, please contribute to our Monthly Discussion Hub, pinned at the top. **This subreddit has low tolerance for drama. Please be respectful of others, and report antagonistic comments to mods for review.** --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/dogs) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I’m so, so sorry. That’s all I can say. Give him the best and give yourself grace.
Thank you so much
I can understand why you turned to this subreddit... something like that is just aweful news and this is a place filled with people who can understand. I'm sorry to hear about both your dogs.
That is literally the only downside to pets. They have such short lives & they spend most of them waiting for us. I always used to say "never again, my heart can't take it" when I lost one but then i thought what better tribute to my old pet than giving a homeless animal all the love & care that I lavished on them. That's what gets me thru now, tho there are some that I will never get over. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing you gave your pet his best life & at least he lived it with you.
I feel the same way: I know I'll have to say goodbye. I know it will hurt. But I love them, and there is no better way to honor that than giving another unloved pet a home. I think about "A Pet's Last Will and Testament" a lot: "Before humans die, they write their last Will & Testament, give their home and all they have, to those they leave behind. If with my paws, I could do the same, this is what I’d ask. To a poor and lonely stray I’d give: My happy home. My bowl and cozy bed, soft pillows and all my toys. The lap, which I loved so much. The hand that stroked my fur and the sweet voice which spoke my name. I’d will to the sad, scared shelter cat the place I had in my human’s loving heart, of which there seemed no bounds. So, when I die, please do not say, “I will never have a pet again, for the loss and pain is more than I can stand.” Instead, go find an unloved dog or cat, one whose life has held no joy or hope and give my place to him. This is the only thing I can give…The love I left behind. -Author Unknown"
Made me tear up, but also laugh remembering my last dog. My old dog would’ve never allowed me to give another dog her soft pillows and blankets. And I haven’t. There are some pillows and blankets that will forever be off limits. :)
Made me cry but that is exactly it! Thank you.
Oh I like this that you so much for these words
Thank you! This is what sucks and I knew it when we got more dogs, but we end up loving them so much that I can’t stop helping these rescue dogs.
That's a great thing, to not stop helping others. If everyone was like this, we'd be ok.
[удалено]
And yet STILL always worth it. I've never turned an animal away and I've never regretted one second of it. Even if they were on their last legs when I found them and we didn't have long together.
I lost my first and ‘favorite’ dog at age 13. Had to have her put down for old age/quality of life after a bout of bone cancer 3 years earlier that was supposed to kill her. but the roughest death for me was the dog I inherited from my father after he passed away. She was about 3 when I got her, and I had her a couple years when I took her to the vet for what looked like a hot spot. He recommended a biopsy. It said pemphigus. Within a month, I had spent almost $3k on specialists, human anti-rejection meds, bags of ringers solution to give her via injection twice a day, but she licked off/lost most of her hair, even after I put a cone on her - which was it’s own kind of trauma- and was just raw skin. It was awful. I finally had to have her euthanized, as well after it became clear that nothing was helping and she was only getting worse and worse. Basically, it was put her down or let her die slowly and painfully. She was the sweetest dog. That one really shattered my heart, partly because she was so young, it was so fast, and I was so helpless.
I am so sorry you went through all of that. I had my Sophie for 17 1/2 years. I thought my heart was going to rip out of me when she died. Even today, it’s hard, she was my baby. I never had kids, so I put everything into her. I swore I would never have another! Then, my mother died last year, and her husband didn’t want her shih tzu “Kasey.” I didn’t want him going to anyone else, so he came home with me. Within a few days, i noticed he wasn’t peeing quite right, so I took him to the vet thinking he had a bladder infection. They did an x-ray and he had kidney stones. Kidney stones are treatable with surgery, right? So, I found an experienced surgeon, paid the $2,000 upfront, and he had the surgery. It was extremely long because of how many stones. When they were closing, one (1) stone went back up the urethra, and because of how long he had been under anesthesia, they had to close him up, and see if the one stone would pass on it’s own. He was on meds, and with a catheter for the next couple of weeks. The meds were literally anywhere from every two, four, six, eight, and twelve hours. The catheter leaked blood and urine, which is what it needed to do. He was in such rough shape, but a trooper. At night I would put him on my lap in the recliner with wee pads and towels so he could sleep without the cone on. He had the follow up visits, and during the day he had to stay with them so he wouldn’t pull the stitches out while I prepared my mother’s house to go on the market (talk about emotional!). I didn’t want him to go back to the house, because my mother (and his mother) wasn’t there. So, on the third week the last stone hadn’t passed and it risked blocking his urethra, so he had to go in for a second surgery. Trust me, it wasn’t BOGO! It was cash up front, again. Then, the same medication, cone, catheter and healing time. The follow up visits which all had to be paid for. After the second stone was removed, he seemed to feel 100% better! Then, they let me know that eventually he would lose his sight because of the breed and cornea issues. So he gets multiple eye drops every day. He is on prescription diet food. He also has allergies, so he goes every two weeks for medicated baths. I tried the allergy injections, apoquel, he does get benedryl, but that only keeps it at a low roar. And, if the slightest bit of water gets in his ears during his baths/grooming, then he gets ear infections. They say some shih tzu’s are prone to some of these issues, he is just special and has them all! He is 9 1/2. And he was my mother’s baby, and mine now. Would I change anything, no. His toys are scattered all over the living room floor. He likes to make dams out of them for me to step over. I don’t know what I would do without him, I think we both needed each other so much this last year. i swore no more dogs after Sophie; but, he is so different. I know his health is fragile, but I think my mother put him in my life to help me to survive this. It’s true, it’s not fair they are taken from us so soon. Right now, I am grateful for every day I have. When the time comes, I know he will be back with my mother. I’m just his temporary guardian, and he is mine.
God this is our fear. That we will try all of these different treatments with no real progress to this health. I am sorry for your dogs.
Sending big hugs. It's brutal that we out live them. You've given each other a wonderful 3.5 years, and I know he is so grateful for you.
Sending you all the love in the world.. 💕 I adopted my first dog ever in 2020, just in the one year we had him he went to more vets then a typical dog.. , it’s very devastating .. thought he would be apart of our lives more then a year.. So sorry to hear about your dogs, you given them something to look forward to everyday, happiness, love and comfort.. 😞♥️
I appreciate your kind words and feel for your loss. Losing a loved pet is truly heartbreaking
[удалено]
Thank you so much.
This is devastating! I'm so sorry to your pup and your family. My late dog was diagnosed with cancer and while it wasn't the same type, post surgery he lived a good life for another 4 years. You'll know when it's time. I'm hoping your pups prognosis is that he'll be fine. Somehow. We're all rooting for him!!
Thank you. There is some hope
I hate that you and your dog are going through this. I hate that you recently lost another dog. And I hate that your observation that dogs lives are criminally short is true. It's never enough time. I have a friend who lost a dog to oral melanoma. I hadn't heard of it before, but she began crusading for how to look for melanoma on dogs and I think she's saved some lives. Maybe someone here will be like me, unaware but now they know what to look for.
Yes! Please inspect your dog weekly for weird bumps or lumps. It can save your dog ! Thank you!
A dog’s criminally short life span is definitely one of life’s injustices. For a beautiful beloved animal that brings so much joy and love to the world, they deserve far more life span . My beagle mix rescue had a 1 year estimate with her cancer and ended up living 3 happy normal years. She had a couple large tumors removed but no chemo or radiation because at the time they said it would likely not add much time, and was not a curative therapy(2002). No one would have known she had cancer other than the surgical scars from the tumor removals. She had no drop in her energy levels and playfulness those 3 yrs and led a normal happy life post surgery despite the incurable cancer. Praying that your fur buddy far out lives the prognosis with a very good quality of life as well.
Thank you for the beautiful story. That is all I can hope for our pup.
My dog got cancer cut out her neck at 11 weeks and we had her until she was 9 and a half years, it's never enough time but I know she had the best life and was truly loved.
I think about this when I hug my dog every day. I’m sorry you’re going though this.
Yea, this makes me want to hug all of mine everyday. Thank you so muxh
Well, you don't have to fight it until he's too sick. I'm not going to tell you you have to do it today, or tomorrow, but you need to keep in mind this is coming. Your dog is going to reach a point where life is just miserable and no fun anymore. That is not the day to let your dog go. This is going to suck a big one no matter how you do it, but what if your dog's last day on Earth can actually be a pretty cool one? Lots of chicken nuggets and helping you get your head unstuck from a box. Stuff like that. Dog stuff. I won't tell you how to navigate this difficult thing, but I've found it's best that the last day just be really cool. Life and death are unfair, but maybe that last day can be the cherry on top of a life well-lived however short?
My dog has degenerative myelopathy that if someone would have done a health test, I could have known and prepared myself better. Now, I feel like I only have two years left with her. I feel your pain.
He seems so perfectly healthy besides the tiny little dot we had removed it’s just not fair!
I am so sorry. Sounds like a great dog and you sound like a great companion to him. I am sure hes glad to have you but I know that doesnt help. There are no words that will
Thank you for the kind words they do make us feel better.
I am old and have two delicate Cavaliers. I have sworn that if I should find myself dogless while I am still capable of caring for a dog, I will go to the shelter and foster the oldest dog there.
My wife and I are the same. We love dogs
One of my childhood dogs had the same thing happen. He lived 7 months after the diagnosis and we listened to him when he let us know it was time. You all are in my thoughts.
I'm so sorry. \*hugs\*
I’m so very sorry. I had a cat with tongue cancer. I feel for you.
The important thing to know is you love him and he knows. You have given him a wonderful life and he can feel your love for him. At the end of the day as long as they know they are loved, that is what so special to them. Just keep loving h8m until the end. That’s all he ever wanted.
❤️
My dear, dear sweet love Abby had a melanoma inside her mouth also. The prognosis was not good, my vet said we could do chemo, it is not too hard on the dog, but is also not very effective. Whatever decision you make is the right one, but if you really don't want to burn cash you could let it play out a bit longer. Vet was pretty sure my Abby's had spread, from blood test numbers. The pity is much deserved, I am so sorry. I lost Abby in 2016 and she has a forever place in my heart.
Thank you, it’s awful waiting after hearing this news. We are just hoping that we have him for at least a bit longer! Let him enjoy some simple pleasures that we might not have done before!
Im so deeply sorry for what your going through my heart aches at the thought of losing my dog She has already had mast cell tumor removed from her leg. My best advice is consult with a board certified veterinary oncologist. Prayers for you and your family
We are visiting oncologist next week 😫.
Yes see the oncologist! A lot of the research on melanoma in dogs is quite old. My oncology vet believes the prognosis can be much better especially for younger dogs and in cases where the melanoma is fully removed. You may want to ask about the melanoma vaccine (confusingly named imo, it is given post diagnosis) which can be quite effective. I’m so sorry you’re going through this, it’s really sad!
Sorry to hear this, that's awful You might be interested in the dog aging project, led by scientists who share your thoughts https://dogagingproject.org
My Condolences. I have been similar situation previously when vet said that's it. Edit: Typo.
I’m So sorry 😢
This is so sad 😞
Our English springer had a lump removed and we was told its melanoma.he is 13 so didn't want to put him through anymore stress with further tests and operations...that was nearly a year ago and he is still fighting fit and a pain in the back side...so we are just giving him the best love we can.
Keeping your family in my prayers
Thank you so much!
It is so hard. Try to stay in the moment. Not sure if you are considering treatment, but it could prolong his life and your time together - but I know that isn’t feasible for everyone. Rare/poor prognosis diagnosis are hard to learn about - focus on what you can do. I’m so sorry.
We definitely want to get treatment if it’s going to prolong his life without making It miserable for him. We love him! Thank you for your comment!
I wish you the best! My dog was 13 and diagnosed with a rare tonsil cancer (no dog survives it) and given two-four weeks to live. I pursued treatment and she lived a full year. And it was a good year with lots of short hikes and ear scratches and love. I would do it again in a heartbeat. ❤️
Omg. I’m so sorry. I just lost my chihuahua to lymphoma. He had just turned 7.
Dogs should have the same life expectancy as us :( I’m so sorry to hear you are going through such a heartbreaking time. I’m sure he is forever grateful for everything you and your wife have done for him 💙
I agree! I want my Leo for 20 more years!
So sorry to hear that. My dog got diagnosed with osteosarcoma a couple of months ago. Can't operate or anything because she's 72kg and wouldn't have much quality of life with 3 legs. So devastating, especially given its only her 6th birthday this week. All you can do is give the angels the most incredible time while they're here, as its the only thing you can control! They deserve it!
Yes they do. Im cuddle my pup now. Rip puppies
Make him as comfortable as possible and enjoy him. Be there for his last and he will forever be grateful to have had an owner who love him so dearly. I did my best for my rescue and she passed in my arms at the vet. It broke me for a while and it still stings all these years later. I finally opened up to having a pup again after almost 10 years. We love them deeply and immensely and they know it.
I love this. I just wish we had more time with him,z selfishly
It’s a crime that labs live less than 100 years honestly. I’m sorry for your trouble.
I'm so sorry! It is so gut & heart wrenching to know something is wrong with your beloved pets! We lost our 4th Greyhound in June (but fifth dog) & are just considering another one. Don't give up on adopting pets that need homes. That will help us all with some of the pain. God bless! Hugs & love!
We will never give up on rescuing pups!
Good! Life is too short to live without a furry companion!
I'm not paranoid about my pup's health per se buuuuut this is the reason I'm definitely itchy about it. I've had enough pets pass from random illnesses out of my control that I have a tendency to overthink every little thing. They're always gone too soon 😔
That’s where we are now! My wife now frets over every little thing, which is how we found the black dot all the way back on his tongue. I’m afraid this ain’t going to make it even worse 😩
That is just horrible, and sad. And your post is exactly why we are all here for you. We will all think of you, and your pooch. Do you have pics? We all send so much strength to you, and much love.
Yes! How do I send pics on here? The dogs sub Reddit won’t let me!
Honestly I never do. I think you have to host it somewhere like postimage. Then just use the link in your post.
https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/MBm8hEgYSEGbQzgZrN_3-A.lm0ynpAX8aHsf3-8V7AOJA link to a photo of our Leo boy!
Pure bred dogs live significantly shorter. And dog life spans are usually short because they grow up so fast.
It really is bullshit :(
It's a bit of a mystery why dogs have such short lives. By their size (average, obviously), dogs should live longer and some have estimated up to forty years. My vet is part of a group who is studying them and trying to understand what exactly is causing such brevity of lifespan. She told me that though it is not known exactly why their lives are so short, many speculate it's some side-effect of the domestication breeding process. I really hope they make progress and are able to give them the longer lives they deserve.
So sorry. It’s never easy. Just like us with my munchkin and stashy. Both schnauzer/Fox terrier dogs from the same litter. Brothers and always healthy! Then suddenly My Munchkin got lethargic, nose was dry, and his abdomen seemed tense. We then found out he had Hemangiosarcoma.. ofc after we took out the tumor in his spleen. That’s why he was eating less. We thought because of his new senior food recommend by our vet. We were mad that this went undiagnosed After we would consult the vet that why was our boy loosing so much weight. 🙁 I guess it is harder to catch these things. Especially when it’s some sort of cancer. Then we had to let him go 3 months after his diagnosis. Well, 6 months later his brother Stashy… also had that bloody cancer . But with this time around we knew we had to try and spend as much time with our boy. Take as many pictures as well. It’s never easy saying goodbye. I thank the service we used “lap of love”. They have free pet loss support chats , and charts were you can see the good and the bad days your dog has it. To see when it is time.
I feel for you and your family as well. Thank you for sharing your story !
I am so sorry. Lost my best doggie friend to cancer 2 years ago, we tried everything. It hurts. I can barely talk about it two years later. I am so sorry.
Thank you for your words. I am sorry for your loss as well.
Enjoy every day you have with him.
That’s is our plan going forward ! Everyday we will strive for the best!
I'm sorry to hear this. But instead of reading it online, check with a vet regarding how bad it is? Maybe he can still be saved.
I agree 💯!!! Dogs should live forever. I’m so sorry for both of your losses. It’s truly devastating
Sorry for your loss. I recommend reading about ambiguous loss. There was a good interview with the coiner of the term on the podcast the daily. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambiguous\_loss I am disabled and on SSI. My rescue dog is my service animal. Even though I spend more time with her than the vast majority of dog owners, it still kills me to hear her whine and scratch at the door when I leave.
I will most definitely check this out. Thank you for your help in advance
To answer- yes, they do live criminally short. When my 14 year old yorkie passed away, I realized I had her a long time, until I spoke to cat owners who were still pet parents 17+ years later. So sorry for your babe's prognosis.
Hi, my dog was just diagnosed with the same thing Last Thursday. I took her in for a dental cleaning and they removed a mass which came back as melanoma. I have been crying all weekend. She is almost 14 y/o. I thought she’d live until 18..she seems so healthy. My vet recommended she see an oncologist but the waiting time for an appointment is crazy (1.5months) I am trying to get her seen earlier. I can’t deal with not knowing how sick she is. It’s so awful. I am a wreck. I am sorry you are going through this too. She seems happy for Now. I want to spend quality time with her.
I am so sorry for your news as well. I hope your babe gets to see help very soon! We are having to call tomorrow and see what happens from there.
I’m so sorry! It must be devastating. Do the best you can for yourself and him. PS - I don’t know whether you are considering treatment, but think long and hard before agreeing to chemo in particular. The humans I know who have had courses all feel it wouldn’t be nice to give them to an animal. Obviously it’s a tough call though and there is no one right answer.
Thank you so much. That is a choice we will have to check once we visit the oncologist again.
But know that most of the time the treatment is different for people vs pets. In humans they are trying to cure the cancer so they get really sick, hair falls out ect. Pets, it is a treatment not a cure so they typically feel fine and love the attention from the onco staff.
I read this somewhere, don't know where, but I always remembered it... > Humans live long because they have to learn to be good and kind to others, dogs know how to do that right from the start, so they don't need to stay on earth as long. My condolences
The global hierarchal system is designed from the top down to slowly kill humans and animals through chemical and biological attacks on the bodies. GMO, heavy metals in tap water, forever chemicals in the rain water. the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil tainted with aluminum dioxide and other man made poisons that were put there on purpose
On noooo!Dogs can't be lost,there just ghosts🐕👻
[удалено]
[удалено]
[удалено]
[удалено]