Ullaluv

Burke and I decided long ago that we would not amputate or pursue chemotherapy if one of our dogs was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Now that we are facing this situation head on we are even more certain that this is the right decision for Bee Wiseman. We will fight the osteo, though. We will fight it with medicine that keeps Bee pain free for as long as we can. We will fight it by letting her have all the steak and ice cream she can eat. We will fight it by giving Bee as many hugs, kisses, and belly rubs as she can stand. And there will be pictures. Lots and lots of pictures. Bee Wiseman turns 10 on September 19th. This will be our first milestone. We hope to celebrate that birthday with Bee and with all of you here fighting this horrendous disease." Thank you, Tricia, for doing the loving thing for Bee. You're a wonderful Greyhound Mom for putting you girl first. As far as osteo in Greyhounds, it does seem like everyone is dying from osteo right now, but I've lost 4 dogs since last Dec 23, none to osteo, and I can't count how many others since I adopted my first Greyhound, again, none to osteo. Sometimes I think it comes down to we, all of us, canine and human, die sometime, just some way too soon.

Carol, I am so, so, so sorry about your loss. You're beautiful girl is running free at the bridge, no more pain or broken bones. Thank you for giving her the wonderful home that she so deserved. Give my love to Yukon. I hope he's doing OK without his friend.

Tricia, sending tons of prayers for you very precious girl.

Carol, Call me if I can do anything. Keeping you and Nikki and your whole family in my thoughts and prayers.

First time I have heard of Trazadone being used in dogs. Trazadone is one of the oldest antidepressants used for people. It hasn't been used as an antidepressant for a long time, but is sometimes used as a sleep aid for people because of its sedative side effects. The usual dose for humans is between 50 and 150 mg at bedtime. Has it been studied in dogs? I'd be interested to know.

Robin, my heart is breaking for you. I was going to say RIP, Phene, but I don't think he will resting - I think he'll be catching up with Loca and all his other friends that left before him. I cannot begin to tell you how sorry I am that he had to leave.

She has been getting prednisone for the last month. OSU now recommends doing a tapering course of prednisone for the first month along with the Wisconsin CHOP protocol. She got her last pred last month. I would guess that they wouldn't want to continue it until and if her immune system is back to normal after the chemo. Jane, I might be able to take the labs for awhile. I will mention this to my doctor at OSU. She is an oncologist but I know she checked with the internal medicine department about what else to do. But it can't hurt asking about it.. Thanks for the suggestion. Jane She is now getting 500 ml in the morning and 500 ml in the evening. She ate well this weekend but didn't want to eat this morning. I am going to call her doctor about upping it to 500 ml three times a day. She tolerates it very well. The only thing that bothers her at all is the initial needle stick. Otherwise she gets petted, hand fed treats and has time with me all alone. I will also ask my vet about the supplements you mentioned. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am feeling guilty about something I am doing to help an acquaintance out. This person is actually a friend of a very good friend whom I have met a half dozen times or so. She and her family were suddenly evicted from a house they were renting. Long story but simplified version is they were renting from someone who didn't pay the mortguage and lost the house. They came home one day and the locks were changed and their dogs were taken to the pound. They were able to find a month to month apartment on short notice that would allow 3 of the six dogs. She called my friend in tears yesterday while we were out together saying that the remaining 3 dogs were going to be euthanized if she didn't pick them up by 5:30 yesterday. Well, I couldn't have that. My friend also lives in an apartment and can't have any more dogs so I have taken in the 3 labradors until their owner can find a house to rent. This isn't what I wanted for Twister's last weeks with me but I know I wouldn't be able to live with myself if these dogs were killed and I could have done something. At least they are older (7 1/2, 10 and 12) so they don't have that much energy. So now I am feeling guilty about my Twistie. She deserves her last weeks to be calm with me doting on her. I know these dogs will settle in (it has been less than 24 hours after all) but I still feel like maybe I did the wrong thing. But if I didn't, these dogs would be dead. I so wish life was easier and it was crystal clear what I should do. Jane

Checking in on Chase.

Anne, I'm so sorry for your loss. I don't know what to say that others haven't already said. Lots of hugs, and my prayers are with you.

Good news, Lindsay.

Jane, I am so sorry to hear this. I know how much you love your girl. I also know that you'll do everything you can to make sure what time she has left is the best you can make it. If there's anything at all I can do for you or Twister, please let me know. I'll never forget the angel you were when I was going through my Princess' illness.

I was going to suggest the same thing. If part of Chase' fluids could be suQ, you could do that at home. Or is there any chance they could put in a catheter so you could do IV push at home. It might have to be replaced every couple of days, but it might be easier for Chase to go in for that and come back home. You know her best. Mt heart goes out to Chase and to you. I have followed her story and am totally in love with her. I've tried to figure out if there some way she could come here for the rest of her days, but I always wind up thinking that wouldn't be fair to her - I think she's where she belongs already. Anyway, my prayers, white light, crossed appendages and everything else is with you. Please give Chase a very gentle hug from me and mine.

That sounds like an encouraging report from the vet. I hope she gets her appetite back and then her mobility. You're doing everything you can to help her fight this, and I know she feels how much you love her.

Melissa, how is Ruby doing today?

Jane, that's wonderful news about Joe. I hope that Twister does really well and has lots more good time with you. Keeping you all in my prayers.

Checking in to see how Ruby is doing this morning.

Don't have any experience with it, but if his pupils don't constrict, I wonder if he wouldn't benefit from doogles?

Similar thought here. I have been wondering if she had a stroke or other neurological event that caused her to walk into the door, rather than running into the door and causing a neck injury. Some of what you describe sounds neurologic. Dogs certainly recover from strokes. I hope she responds to the treatment and to the love that you have for her. Sending tons of white light and prayers.

also checking for an update. I hope no news is good news.

Glad the chant worked!

I had a 14 year old foster who had a dental with multiple extractions. He felt SO much better after all that nasty stuff was gone. Sending many good thoughts for Chase.

Great news! Keep us posted.

Joining in the chant!

Sending many prayers for Clark, and for his Mom, too.

I've had great luck with Kayla, whom I adopted last year at age 11 with horrendous teeth, by putting on Clindamycin and using Petzlife. Used the spray initially, until she was able to tolerate brushing with the gel. We pulse the Clindamycin occasionally when I get behind on her daily maintenance, and have been able to forgo the dental which she would have otherwise had to have to protect her from the really bad health consequences of her chronic gum disease. Incidentally, she is a lovely girl.