queenwinniesmom

Oh, Mara, I know that everyone who has followed Mattie's story is heartbroken at your loss. From your very first post, the love that you and Mattie shared was so clear, I think that's why we became as invested in her recovery as we did. Some dogs and owners just seem to be special, and that was you and Mattie. Though her loss is still so fresh and so overwhelming, please know that you did the right thing for your precious girl. How she loved you! She would have stayed, you know, just to be with you and your husband, but the pain was just too much, and her body wasn't as strong as that love. To set her free was the most loving, unselfish thing you could have done. She'll send you a sign that she's running free of pain, safe and whole, and forever in your heart. You said she was your angel.... An angel's star is shining in the place where she is free from pain and fear and weariness, those fragile, earthbound things, and she would tell you not to cry. Your angel's found her wings.

What she spoke!

I'm so, so sorry that cancer is stealing another precious Grey away from us. Sadly, so many of us do know what you're going through right now. Doesn't make it any easier to say good-bye to your sweet girl, but do know that you both are in our thoughts and prayers. Cherish your time together. She knows that you love her.

Oh, Buddy, will the humiliation never cease? First you've got everyone scrutinizing your heinie way more than you'd ever want or need, and now we suspect that your sister may have BITTEN YOU IN THE BUTT? You tell her to keep those toofers to herself or Uncle Doug will come up and give her a stern talking to. Which, come to think about it, she probably wouldn't mind all that much. Well, anyway, we're glad it isn't something more serious. Though antibiotics may clear up your problem, I hope your pride isn't too badly wounded.

Oh, no! I'm so sorry you've gotten this sad news. Pam, I think you have sensitively expressed what any of us would tell you. You know just what to do for your heart boy. It's just that it's so damn hard. And the kind souls who open their hearts and homes to seniors know too well and too often what to expect. It's something that you know may be waiting around the corner, but you still do what you do because it's worth it. The time spent together never seems to be enough. But he does live in the moment, and safe in the circle of your love, that is all he knows. Try not to let the sad thoughts of what is yet to come steal your precious time away today. But you know that---it's so clear. Prayers going out to you and Scooter.

Thank-you for sharing those beautiful pictures. I'm so sorry you lost your precious girl.

Each day, I check back and hope for better news, and my heart breaks to see that Mattie is still having such a difficult time---as you are too! I can feel your frustration and distress---please try to contact Dr. Couto again. I don't know your vets, but it just doesn't seem that they are doing well by your sweet girl. I was just wondering, since eating is a problem, is she getting any support fluids? If she doesn't eat or drink for a while, she really needs fluids so she won't get dehydrated. They can put a lot of nutrients in the fluid bag. If she can take any liquid at all, I'd second the suggestion of Ensure. And also what Xan suggested about having a friend accompany you. This is a LOT to be going through on your own. Said a big prayer for Mattie and you this morning.

Though I'm just seeing this now, please know that so many people are following Mattie's story. And if you can, check back often so we can know how she is doing. Also, I think it helps to be able to write about this, and there are lots of people here who are so knowledgeable. And I don't know if you've checked out Circle of Grey. They are a site especially for Grey owners who are dealing with life threatening illnesses, especially various types of cancer. Though it is most commonly osteo, there may be someone there who also has experience with this type of cancer. I just feel so bad for you and for her. What a lot to go through, especially when your husband has just been deployed. Sending prayers and white light for healing.

Thanks for the wonderful update. And the pictures. What an absolutely beautiful boy he is. It sounds like he has truly turned a corner, and I hope he continues to get better and better.

I'm so sorry you've gotten this saddest diagnosis. I feel that this has got to be the worst time. You don't know what to do, and there are so many possibilities and questions. You're sad and angry and scared. You may not know much about osteo now, but there is a lot you can learn. You've gotten some good advice, which I would second. HeatherDemps is just a few months ahead of you in this journey, and though all of our experiences are different, so much is the same. Find out everything you can---Circle of Grey is an excellent source of info and support. And Dr. Couto is a saint. You just need to decide what is best for Cannon. Eight is not that old. Is he strong enough to deal with the surgery and recovery and life on 3 legs if you choose to amputate? You know him best. My Winnie was 8 when she was diagnosed too, and we knew she was strong enough to deal with amputation. And we knew she wanted to be here---she wouldn't have given up, and so we didn't feel that we could either. We didn't do the chemo, but did start her on artemisinin right away. Please research this---Dr. Couto is doing studies on it, and there has been a lot of success. There was a good article about it in the Celebrating Greyhounds cancer issue a few years ago. Winnie was on it for over 3 years. Yes, she was with us for 3 1/2 years---good, quality years--- after the amputation. I believe that she beat the monster osteo. We lost her to kidney failure just before her 12th birthday. Of course, I realize that we were probably amazingly lucky, and every dog and owner is different. But you just do what you can, and hope for the best. Sometimes it's enough, and sometimes everything we do just doesn't bring us a lot of precious time. But look into your heart, and make a decsion that is right for Cannon and for you, and then don't second guess. There is no right or wrong decision, only what is best for your sweet boy. First, I hope you do have a chest X-ray done. I'm surprised that your vet said "probably in the lungs". Well, there could be lung mets, and his lungs could be clear, and that would make a big difference in your decision. I think an oncologist would be able to give you much more insight. I hope you return here when you can. It really helps to know that so many others know what you're going through, and understand. Sending prayers and white light to you and Cannon for strength and healing.

Your eloquent tribute brought tears to my eyes, but then I read Spotty's story (I hadn't known it)....and I'm sitting here crying. You have a gift for words, you know, matched by the gift of love and patience you gave your precious boy. I'm so sorry you've lost him. But even while we share your sadness, we know that Spotty was blessed to have had the perfect Mom, and to have spent his new life precisely where he was meant to be. He became the dog you knew in your heart that he was, unique and complete, because you found each other.

Oh, that is wonderful news. Hoping that he improves every day, and starts eating.

Ah, I'm so sorry. We'll be thinking of you and Snowman tomorrow.

What a terrible, terrible thing. I know you are consumed with thoughts of his recovery, and this must be mentally and physically exhausting. Can't tell you not to worry, but please know that you and Dude are in the thoughts and prayers of everyone here. I'm going to keep visualizing him eating and drinking---and you getting some much needed rest! Please keep us updated.

Oh, my gosh, that gives me the chills just thinking about it! So sorry you both had to go through that, but it's a good cautionary tale. I don't sew either, but when you think about it, there are lots of sharp things they can, for some reason, swallow. Glad it's out!

It's so clear that John was exactly where he was supposed to be, with the people who knew him best, and loved him unconditionally. What a complex, quirky, fascinating guy he was. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Yay for Julio! What a dear little face. It looks like he may surpass my Winnie---she went 3 1/2 years.

I'm so sorry you've gotten this sad diagnosis. Sending prayers to you and Alex.

Oh, Irene, I'm so sorry you lost your big, sweet guy. I can only imagine the pain you're feeling now, with 2 losses so fresh and huge. He sounds like he was a wonderful dog. Sharing your sadness.

I'm so sorry you've gotten this diagnosis. I really think that the time right after you get that dreaded news is the worst. You are processing so many emotions, and thinking of so many possibilities. I know how tough it is---I've had one with lymphoma and one with osteo. Once you start getting information and deciding on treatment, you have a focus. CoG and GT are wonderful support, and information sources. And of course, Dr. Couto is so generous with his time and knowledge. You will learn a lot, and you are already moving in the right direction. When my Angel Patsy was diagnosed, our vet, who is not prone to heroic measures, told us that it is the type of cancer that does respond well to chemo, and I've known many dogs who did well. We agonized over that decision, but decided to do the chemo. Though everything seemed to progress the way it should have, we only had her for about 4 months before it moved to her central nervous system, and we had to let our precious girl go. But cancer is a crapshoot. You'll hear amazing successes and heartbreaking losses, but you know you have to try. You just need to do what you know is right for Bonnie and for you. And please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many.

I love hearing about Dempsey. Your love and his courage shine through in every post.

You must be beside yourselves. Saying prayers that your sweet boy is going to be fine.

Sending prayers and white light to Bonnie and you. Playing the waiting game is exhausting---you can't think of much else. Hoping you get good news.

Oh, no! I was following Harley's thread with such hope. Tears in my eyes because I know how hard both of you fought. You know, we just do what we have to do, what we think is right, and sometimes it is enough, and sometimes everything we hope for just isn't to be. Please know that you did all you could for him, and let him know he was so very loved, even at the end. But cancer is a traitor that lets us dream our dreams, then takes them from us suddenly, and our hearts will break, it seems. From the poem I wrote for Winnie when she was diagnosed. I'm so, so sorry you lost your precious boy.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with osteo again. We did do the amputation (no chemo), so I can't give you an estimate. But maybe this will make you smile---we had Winnie for 3 1/2 years after her diagnosis! I would suggest that you look into starting him on artemisinin ASAP. Winnie took it for those 3 1/2 years, and I truly believe that it was a factor in her remission. We lost her to kidney failure one month shy of her 12th birthday, not to osteo. Lots of studies being done on it, and Dr. Couto is very encouraged with their findings. Sending prayers to you and your boy.