queenwinniesmom

I don't think I've ever seen such gentle eyes. Claudia, I know you miss your precious girl every day.

Oh, Jen....Lydia and I were just thinking about you and Crisco this morning. I can't believe you are faced with this monster again, and my heart is breaking for you. I don't have any real advice, as I think you know that following your heart is the best decision you can make. You are so intuitive and connected to your dogs, even one who has been with you such a short time. Given the physical boundaries---is the tumor in a place that could be removed with amputation, are his lungs clear---I think you need to wait to see what OSU recommends. And then take into consideration so many things---his disposition, how you are set up for helping a tripod recover and adjust, etc. I don't know if there has been much research on how or if artemisinin can help if there is no amputation, but it would be worth looking into. I don't think it could hurt, in any case, but Dr. Couto is very knowledgeable about it, so you might ask. Bless your heart for taking this sweet little senior into your home and hearts. However long he has with you, I know it will be a very special time---safe and spoiled and loved. Sending you prayers and white light. ETA I was posting about the artemisinin while you were posting! I'm glad you ordered some more. See if you can ask someone about pycnogenol too. It's another natural immune system booster.

Winslow is out there kicking butt and taking names---all is right with the world! Barring a blizzard of epic proportions, we plan to be there to help celebrate 10+3. I've already bought him a present. It's BIG!

Mary Pat, that's GREAT news! This journey is a series of small victories, set-backs, ups and downs, and we cherish each step along the way. Didn't it make your heart fill with love for your precious girl to see her doing something, seemingly small, but so meaningful? They are amazing, aren't they? Yes, you KNOW that pain is gone, and it's now adjusting to life as a tripod. It sounds like Diamond is doing a wonderful job. Good luck with the chemo---we will be keeping you both in our prayers.

I think if that option is available to you, having the vet come to your home is a wonderful idea. Since this is the last thing your precious hound will experience, it's important to make it as peaceful as possible. A lot of people who have never had to put an animal to sleep question whether they will be able to be there with them. I'm hoping that you've decided to stay. It may be the hardest thing you've ever done, but it is worth it. Please cherish these few days you have together. Our animals do not understand the concept of future sadness, so make sure he knows that he is safe and loved. I'm so sorry you are faced with this decision. Whether it is the first time or the 10th, it doesn't get easier. Know that you are not alone.

I know how painful it is to lose a heart kitty after so many years together. My Daphne died in my arms too, at 17. Though it hurts you so much, this is the way I would wish for our babies to leave us. She shared so much of your life, through so many changes---you must feel as if a part of your heart has been stolen away. I'm so sorry you lost your precious little lady.

Diane, I'm so sorry you lost your precious Pablo.

Well, those are 2 words that you REALLY want to hear---no cancer! Those feet can be a pain till everything is cleared up. Our Nick had so many ups and downs when his 2 middle toes were amputated (due to injury, not cancer), but once he healed, he was great. Sending lots of good thoughts out to your sweet boy.

Sending prayers out to beautiful Cali. I'm so glad she got to see her family tonight. That's good medicine.

I'm so sorry that Star has gotten this terrible diagnosis. But I'm so glad that you found GT. Hopefully, you will check out Circle Of Grey as well. It sounds as if, otherwise, you wouldn't have that much support, and I commend you for being persistent in finding out what needs to be done, and what is best for your girl. Please remember that this is an extremely personal decision---no one here will tell you what is right or wrong. We are all doing what we think is best for our Greys because we love them. So try not to second guess yourself. Remember that your Star lives in the NOW, only aware that she is safe and loved, and not afraid of any sadness to come, whenever that might be. It is important to try and keep her pain managed as well as you possibly can, and make the most of each day that you are blessed to share. It doesn't sound as if the vets in your area, though well-meaning, are as knowledgeable about Greys and osteo as they could be. OSU will be invaluable in their expertise, not to mention if you need chemo, cost-wise. Too many of us here have experienced what you're going through, so please don't ever feel hesitant to ask questions, or come here for support. Star is so young! Osteo is a monster whenever it rears it's ugly head, but it is doubly heartbreaking when it affects such a young dog. Given her age, I would probably lean towards the amputation too (Winnie, the lovely lady in my avatar, was 8 when her right hind leg was amputated), but as others have said, there are many factors to consider---her temperment, if the cancer has spread, etc. We were lucky enough to have Winnie for 3 1/2 years after her amp. While she was a true inspiration, I hesitate to give others hope that they would have that long, as it is the exception, rather than the rule. But would I do it again, even knowing that we would have less time? Yes, I would. Would I feel the same way about any of the 3 Greys I have now? Not necessarily. They are all very different, and I would have to proceed according to what my heart told me. You just do what you can, and hope for the best. This is such a difficult time while you are struggling with a decision. I would say that when you make a decision, your purpose becomes clearer, and you can move forward. There will continue to be ups and downs, of course, but you will continue to have support. Please know that you're not alone. You and Star are in our prayers.

Sending prayers out to you and Lexi, and hoping that there will be good news tomorrow. Please, Lexi, please eat!

Oh, my goodness! Sending lots of good thoughts, and wondering how they are doing.

Thank-you for sharing Cora with us in your wonderful tribute and heart-breakingly lovely, tender and complex pictures. I think she was perfection! And she was so lucky to find her perfect forever family. However short the time, she knew that she was exactly where she was supposed to be. I'm so sorry you lost your precious little lady. An angel's star is shining brightly in the heavens today.

This is great news! It sounds like you are doing everything with much consideration and responsibility. Keep up the good work, Tigger---we want to hear lots more good news.

Patricia, I'm just seeing this. I'm so sorry you lost your precious Cowboy, your very special guy.

What an exceptional dog she was! I'm so sorry you lost your precious Zoey.

So much sadness.... Thank-you for sharing your beautiful girl with us---how she was loved. I'm so sorry you lost your precious Sahra.

How tragic that he didn't have more time with his forever family. My sympathy to those who loved this special boy.

I'm so sorry you lost your precious boy. How beautiful he was.

Oh, Pam. I don't have any advice, but just wanted to tell you how sorry I am that you and Cody are going through this. I know how much you did together, and how it must be breaking your heart to have to limit him so. I would vote for giving acupuncture a try too. Sending continued prayers and white light.

Beth, I'm just catching up on everything I missed, and have been reading about Smiley. How you love that boy! And how beautiful he looks (Peanut too, the little sweetie). It's good to see that he's doing so well, and good that your vet moved so quickly. You and your sweet boy are in my prayers.

I'm sorry I'd missed this. Sending lots of good thoughts out to you and Chase.

Has it changed size since you noticed it? Sounds like a cyst, or maybe a wart to me, especially since it's moveable. Good luck on Wednesday---let us know.

Our angel Nick had the 2 middle toes of his right hind leg amputated when he came off the track at 2 1/2. He'd badly injured that foot, and it healed so badly twisted that the vet decided to amputate when he had his neuter. I won't say it went smoothly at first---those middle toes provided cushion for his foot, and he got some sores. There were a few ups and downs, but we kept working at it, and it did heal. He never had any problems with that foot for the 7 1/2 years we had him. He walked normally most of the time, only holding that foot up occasionally. I think that was partly because he'd had so much pain for so long before the amputation, and was used to limping on it. But he did fine, and it added to his charm---the ladies loved it. He had a Therapaw for that leg, and if he was going to be walking a lot, he wore it. Hope things go well with your girl.

Oh, Drake, the ladies send their love to you too! You and your sister are so lovely. How's he doing on the Metacam?