queenwinniesmom

Oh, he was so loved....I'm sorry you've lost your sweet boy. It's doubly hard when it's so sudden.

I'm so sorry you've lost your precious girl. So beautiful.....

Diane, thanks so much for posting this. I kept thinking as I was reading, What a lucky, lucky dog.....Glynnis is an angel! I was also thinking, I hope Aerosmom (Snicker's Mom) reads this too. And I see that she has. That's great. I think it would be informative and comforting for any owner of a new tripod to have an idea of what to expect. And the pictures....especially the last one. He is so regal, so beautiful.

Well, my vets weren't worried about the seepage right after surgery, but a build up of fluid as she recovers could be a breeding ground for infection. Winnie had a little bit of that right before she was to get her stitches out (about 2 weeks), and the vet put her on some antibiotics just in case, but she was fine. Of course, I'm not a vet, just a fellow Mom of a tripod, so I know if you're really concerned, you'd want to consult with your vet. Wow, Snickers went up the steps by herself! I can understand your mixed emotions about that! What a girl! One thing we learn through these ordeals is to never underestimate them. For your peace of mind, it's good to keep her confined when you're not around. But I guess that's a better problem to have than if she didn't want to do anything. It sounds like she is really going to participate in her recovery, and that's wonderful. Keep up the good work, Snickers, you're in our prayers.

I'm so glad Snickers is home. Aren't they amazing? The first night home is usually rough. They could be reacting to the pain meds, and their bodies are still eliminating the anesthesia. Like us, I think it takes a little while for things to get moving inside again. I should tell you that it might get worse before it gets better. But try not to stress---it WILL get better. I think the vet will tell you that the edema in the other leg is pretty normal. I remember reading on CoG a post from someone who freaked out and rushed her dog to the emergency vet in the middle of the night because the other leg was swollen only to be told that she could just put a warm compress on it. So when Winnie's other leg was swollen, that's what I did, and she seemed to like it, and the swelling did go down. The fluid after surgery is pretty normal too. When I saw Winnie for the first time right after her surgery, she was "leaking" watery blood-like liquid. I barged in on the vets when they were in surgery and they assured me it was normal. Do you have carpets in your house? If there are slippery floors, you might want to get a bunch of throw rugs for her so it's not too scary. Please keep us up to date on her recovery. There is a lot of good advice here. And a lot of good listeners. And if you have a specific question, the Circle of Grey folks are very knowledgeable. They have lived through this stressful time too, and there is bound to be someone who knows the answer. Keeping Snickers in my prayers for a quick and uneventful recovery.

Surgery is scary, so it's normal for a Mom to be worried. But these dogs are so resilient. Hope she's doing well--please let us know. I'll be sending prayers for a quick recovery.

I'm so sorry you've gotten this devastating news. There's been some very good advice here, and you are right, we do know how you feel. I know it may be a long shot at this point, but have you considered trying artemisinin? Lots of info on it in the Celebrating Greyhounds Cancer issue several years back. I've had Winnie on it for 3 years---yes, she's still here 3 years post amp (no chemo or radiation). But it was in her lower hind leg, and she was only 8. You just never can tell. With Patsy, who had lymphosarcoma, which is supposed to respond well to chemo, we did everything right. Removed her spleen before it burst and spread, started chemo, which she tolerated well. But less than half-way through, it spread to her central nervous system, and we had to let her go. Knowing you may have a short time with your precious girl, don't let her see your sadness. Try not to let that sadness steal the good days from you, because then the Monster will have won. Make sure she knows she's safe and very much loved, and she will tell you when it's time to say good-bye. That's all we can ask for, and all we can give. You are both in our prayers.

Oh, I'm so sorry. Run free, sweet girl.

Hope she's wagging her tail and feeling better tomorrow!

Hey, Diane, I've never used Prozac, but I just wanted to send you and Foxy a hug! I'm usually not emoticon inclined, but you've been dealing with an awful lot. Prayers as well as hugs, Nancy

I'm so glad you started this thread. Not only because I think it will help you to read the stories of others who are missing their babies too, but because these stories are really beautiful and touching. I love reading them. I truly feel that we should not doubt that they are with us still. Just accept that and find comfort in that, and I think your sign will come. The signs are all so different, as unique as each precious dog. I too hoped for signs from all of the pets I've lost, especially my heart cats or dogs. And sometimes they came, and with others, I'm still waiting. The first one was when my Angel Patsy died. She was only 6, and had fought so hard and so bravely against lymphosarcoma, and we were totally devastated by her loss. For days, I couldn't stop crying. One morning when I was in the bathroom putting on make-up, Winnie (this was before her amputation) came running up to the door. She just bounded up to me with this....light...in her eyes that I knew immediately and with absolute certainty was Patsy. I was so startled that I said out loud, without thinking, "Hi Pat." Winnie stood there a few seconds longer with her lower jaw trembling (nits?) just like Patsy used to do all the time. Winnie NEVER did this, and hasn't since. We just looked at each other, and I actually felt the love that used to wash over me when I looked at Patsy because she was truly an angel dog in every way. The moment passed, and Winnie just looked at me calmly, as if to say, "My work here is done," turned and walked away. The tears came again, but this time they were mixed with gratitude, just to know that Patsy was okay. When my heart dog, Nick died suddenly last July, the sadness and grief and emptiness were so strong they were like a physical presence. I just missed him SO much, and longed for him---even just to touch him one more time. He was such a gentle, innocent soul, and a big, quirky guy who had a dry, almost human, sense of humor. I knew he would send me a sign because that's the kind of guy he was. And he did. Actually, he has done that several times, when that old emptiness washes over me without warning, and I'm missing him more than usual. One of Nick's greatest pleasures was shredding paper---Kleenex and paper towels in particular. And if he could sneak into a room when we weren't watching, grab something out of the wastebasket, rip it into shreds, leave it on the floor, and stroll casually back into the room, well, that made Nick as happy as a Greyhound could be. He did it whenever possible, and since he got such joy from his accomplishments, we couldn't help but laugh with him. We called it Greyhound Installation Art, and have several pictures of it. He must have done some the morning he died without us at the emergency vet, because when I went downstairs like a sleepwalker, still in shock, there it was on the bathroom floor. He also sent us Tess, who is as much like Nick (a big gorgeous fawn) as a tiny red brindle female could be. Could she be responsible for some of the other "art" he's sent us? I really don't know. The other 3 girls have never done that, and though Tess is a bit of a power chewer, I've never actually seen her rip paper towels into shreds. I think maybe Nick whispers something to her when he knows I'm missing him the most, and there it would be. And it does make me smile. I'm so sorry you lost your sweet girl. But she WILL let you know she's okay.

I'm so sorry. It seems there have been so many diagnosis lately. And yes, you need to cry. I cried a lot when Winnie was diagnosed 3 years ago. But I tried not to let her see me. Our precious hounds live in the moment, they don't understand our sadness when we think of a very uncertain future. Find out all you can, and armed with that knowledge and support, look into your heart for the answer. You will do what's right for you and your girl. A lot of us here have experience with osteo, and the people on Circle of Grey have even more. And Dr. Couto---his knowledge and compassion are invaluable. If you go to the Hope For Hounds website, you can read Winnie's story---yes, she's still here and doing great. She sends telepathic Be well thoughts, and I send my prayers.

Same with Winnie. She'd be embarrassed that I'm sharing this, but there used to be many wet spots on her bed, the couch, etc., after she was laying there. We started her on Proin too, and haven't had a problem since. We give her 1/2 in the morning, and 1/2 at night. There are things to be careful with with this drug, so if it's determined that spay incontinence is her problem, talk to your vet about the Proin.

Each time I hear of another hound with osteo, it just breaks my heart. I looked through your first post, but didn't see if you'd said how old Sophie is (sorry if I missed it). Also where on her leg is it? I think what you decide to do depends on many things---her age, her disposition (would she adjust to life as a tripod?), the location of the tumor, whether X-rays show it is in the lungs, if YOU can deal with the post-op adjustment (which many times gets worse before it gets better), and realistically, your finances. If she is a strong, stoic girl, and it hasn't metasticized, you could think about amputation. I know I keep repeating Winnie's story here, but if you are leaning towards the amp, but are scared or uncertain though you feel she could adjust, maybe my girl can be an inspiration. We did the right hind leg amp in July 2004, 2 months after her biopsy and diagnosis. Her lungs were clear, she was 8, and she's a stubborn girl who wants to be here. And she still is. We just came back from Gettysburg, where my amazing Queen pulled me all over town. We didn't do chemo, instead starting her on artemisinin and other immune system boosters. Even though I know that we were incredibly lucky, as well as just doing what we thought was best for her, I think I still would have had no regrets had we not gotten as much time. We were so afraid that bone would shatter, necessitating a life or death decision immediately. This is my often repeated mantra---Cancer is a crapshoot. You do everything you can, and sometimes it's enough, and sometimes it's not. But whatever you do, whatever you decide, you are the one who loves and understands her the best. It will be the right decision. There is a lot of support here and on CoG. And Dr. Couto is an ANGEL. Please feel free to PM me if you have questions. You'll both be in my prayers.

I'm so sorry you've gotten this devastating news about your sweet girl. Please come here if you need to talk or question. Cocktail will be in our prayers.

Oh, I'm just seeing this! I'm so sorry you lost your precious boy. Your love for him shines through in every post. You tried so hard to keep him with you, and he tried so hard to stay. But what wonderful memories you have of a very special Grey. Thinking of you with sympathy.

Ah, Patrick, I was thinking about Gino yesterday, and then realized it had been a year. I know his absence seems huge on this sad anniversary. Winnie is going to GIG tomorrow---can you believe it---and we will feel his absence there too. I still look at pictures of them together and smile. Hugs to you and Dudley.

Oh, Dr. Bill, I'm so sorry. I didn't know you'd lost your sweet Sky. I know you did everything you could for him. I'm so sorry for your loss.

I'm so sorry you lost your sweet girl. It's doubly hard when it's sudden. We lost our Nick that way, only sick for 2 days, but he died without us at the emergency vet, in the middle of the night too. I wanted so much to be with him. I know how much you're hurting right now.

I'm so sorry you've lost your precious girl. What a legacy she leaves---so many smiles from your lovely creations. Cancer is a monster.

Such a shock....and so incredibly sad. I know the entire Greyhound community mourns the passing of a dedicated, unselfish man who truly made a difference in the lives of countless hounds and humans. Prayers and white light and sympathy to Marilyn and her family.

How sad that she didn't get more time to be loved and spoiled in the forever home she deserved. I'm reminded of the Greyhounds Prayer----"When I die, let it be as a pet, so that someone will remember me." Sweet Gracie didn't have that chance, but she WILL be remembered, by all of us.

I'm so sorry you lost your sweet Pammy. Your siggy picture says it all---how you loved each other!

Thank-you so much for telling Ruby's story. I think she epitomizes the quiet courage and dignity of those wonderful brood moms who race successfully, and patiently raise their pups. Bless you for understanding her so well and loving her so much. I'm so sorry you lost your precious girl.

Oh, what a precious little boy. That innocent, beautiful face...so young.....it' just not fair that you didn't get to have him with you for very long. But they live in the moment, and it's clear from those wonderful pictures that he was happy and very much loved. I'm so sorry you lost your sweet boy.