Magdalyn58 Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 (edited) Some of you may remember that our beloved Border Collie was diagnosed with malignant melanoma of her upper gum line last summer. Since then she has had monthly debulking procedures to extend her life. The last one was almost three weeks ago and the tumor had traveled to her throat. The vet thought that it might hemorrhage but we went through with the surgery anyway, knowing that there was no other choice than to just put her to sleep, as she was having trouble breathing. She survived that surgery and came home happy and wagging her tail. She has been failing though over the past week. This morning, she refused to eat for the first time and is drinking very little. I know that these are signs that her life is coming to an end. The tumor has now invaded her nose and probably back in her throat. It is relentless and horribly aggressive. However, she does not seem to be in pain and even though she isn't eating, she still follows me around the house, albeit very, very slowly. She's getting weaker and I know that she will be leaving us soon. I'm having a terrible time dealing with losing her. It's not as if I haven't been prepared for this. Our vet told us that he never, ever expected that she would still be alive and happy eight months from this horrible diagnosis. She was "supposed" to only live a month or two. But Mittens is the best dog ever. She's tough and brave and she is my best friend in the world. How do I get through this? It is very, very important to me that she pass away as naturally as possible at home, as long as she is not suffering. So it seems that our very sad vigil has begun. I can't stop crying. Sometimes it feels as if it is unbearable. Edited March 17, 2011 by Magdalyn58 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 I'm so sorry she isn't doing better. Give her a little kiss for me, will you? And hugs for yourself. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgreys Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 My heart goes out to you and your precious girlie. Am holding her in my prayers for her highest good. Quote Jeanne with Remington & Scooter the cat....and Beloved Bridge Angels Sandee, Shari, Wells, Derby, Phoenix, Jerry Lee and Finnian.....If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heavenand bring you home again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EllenEveBaz Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 You get through it by being strong for her, keeping her from sensing that you are so upset, and making her life as happy and pain-free as possible. Then you can fall apart after she's gone. Quote Ellen, with brindle Milo and the blonde ballerina, Gelsey remembering Eve, Baz, Scout, Romie, Nutmeg, and Jeter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 :grouphug You are in my thoughts and prayers. Quote Darlene Mom to: Aladdin, Sophie ,Pongo, Jasmine, Relic Forever in our Hearts Champ at the Rainbow Bridge. Let a greyhound race into your heart Adopt Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions INC. Naples/ Fort Myers Chapter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieProf Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 (edited) By "pass away as naturally as possible at home" do you mean you plan to wait until she basically dies of starvation? I could not do that to an animal I loved. That seems like suffering to me, even if it's not exactly pain. My beloved cat Quinn had nasal cancer that had spread to the lymph node in his throat on that side, and eventually the node got so large that he stopped eating, though he didn't show much distress from the primary tumor. When it was clear that the not eating wasn't just a temporary thing and we couldn't get him going through any means (we tried every tempting food, even tried prednisone to stimulate his appetite), I knew it was time for him to go to the Bridge. It wasn't that his body was shutting down so much as that he just couldn't eat, and it sounds like that is what's happening with poor Mittens. I would think and hope you could find a vet who will come to your house. Edited March 13, 2011 by PrairieProf Quote With Cocoa (DC Chocolatedrop), missing B for Beth (2006-2015)And kitties C.J., Klara, Bernadette, John-Boy, & Sinbad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 You get through it by being strong for her, keeping her from sensing that you are so upset, and making her life as happy and pain-free as possible. Then you can fall apart after she's gone. This Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest june Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 (edited) So sorry you and Mittens are going through this. Holding both of you in my prayers. june Edited March 13, 2011 by june Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LindsaySF Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 I would look for a vet to come to the house to put her down. If the tumor is in her nose and throat, to the point where she isn't eating, it might soon interfere with her breathing. You don't want that, it will frighten her. Better to let her go before it gets to that stage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dante2zoe Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 I am just so sorry that you are going through this. Hugs to you and scritches for Mittens. Quote Cindy with Miss Fancypants, Paris Bueller, Zeke, and Angus Dante (Dg's Boyd), Zoe (In a While), Brady (Devilish Effect), Goose (BG Shotgun), Maverick (BG ShoMe), Maggie (All Trades Jax), Sherman (LNB Herman Bad) and Indy (BYB whippet) forever in my heart The flame that burns the brightest, burns the fastest and leaves the biggest shadow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Greytluv Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Holding you both tightly in my prayers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Stripeyfan Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 I am sorry Mittens isn't doing so well. Thinking of you both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 I am very sorry you are going through this. Our thoughts are with you and Mittens during this difficult time. Quote Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 ... But Mittens is the best dog ever. She's tough and brave and she is my best friend in the world. I am so sorry that this is happening. I know that losing an animal has always been devastating to me. To the point that when I lost my last grey girl, two friends in the mental health field, and numerous others asked if I was really sure that bringing another grey into my life was a smart decision. Maybe not "smart" but the only one I could make, for the same reasons that you state. If the cost paid for the love and the lessons and the pure joy that these animals give us is emotional devastation, it may not be "smart" but it is a price worth paying. Sending lots of prayers and good thoughts for Mittens and hugs for you both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BlueCrab Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 Hugs to you both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhead Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 Quote Mary with Jumper Jack (2/17/11) and angels Shane (PA's Busta Rime, 12/10/02 - 10/14/16) and Spencer (Dutch Laser, 11/25/00 - 3/29/13). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeofNE Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 My mother put our English Setter down this morning. She should have done it last week. He had stopped eating as well, and I was stunned when I saw him this weekend. He was skeletal. I'm terribly sorry for your pain-- Quote Susan, Hamish, Mister Bigglesworth and Nikita Stanislav. Missing Ming, George, and Buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesiRayMom Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 Much love & many hugs to you & Mittens. Quote Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greymama002 Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 to you and your precious Mittens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest zoolaine Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 I'm so sorry you and Mittens have to go through this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Shermanator Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 When we lost Sherman and Patton last year to osteo, we were destroyed. However, we took the last days of their lives, and treated them to anything they wanted. Bones, bully sticks, ice cream. Lots of snuggling, and love. They went to the bridge in my arms, wrapped around them them tightly, cooing in their ears how much I loved them. Afterwards I did fall apart, but 6 months after losing them, I am starting to smile at their memories. We also adopted 2 little girlie greyhounds, who have brought us a tremendous amount of joy. They are not replacements, but additions to our family. I can have peace in knowing I gave both Sherman and Patton the best lives we could, and that we helped them cross with dignity and love. I am so terribly sorry to hear about Mittens. I know how hard it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 Quote Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvhounds2 Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 My heart goes out to you. I know it is so very hard at the end. Your Mittens sounds like such a love!! Quote Barb, Mom to Grey's Tickertape & Grey's McCarthy.Always missing: Wizzie and Desi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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