My dog has cancer

[Aunt Angus]

Just found out my doggie, Hattie, has cancer. She had surgery last week. Now she needs radiation. I am moving to our new house next weekend (finally), and I put a lot of savings into the purchase. I do know how much I can afford, and I am heartbroken.

I know a lot of people can just shrug it off because she's just a dog, but I love her very, very much. Please be kind if you choose to reply. I know that, speaking practically, I should just let it go. But practicality be damned. I love my dog.

 

[reddogmaster2]

Just found out my doggie, Hattie, has cancer. She had surgery last week. Now she needs radiation. I am moving to our new house next weekend (finally), and I put a lot of savings into the purchase. I do know how much I can afford, and I am heartbroken.

I know a lot of people can just shrug it off because she's just a dog, but I love her very, very much. Please be kind if you choose to reply. I know that, speaking practically, I should just let it go. But practicality be damned. I love my dog.

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My heart goes out to you @Aunt Angus

I can tell that is one good dog! And that dog loves you a lot! I can tell.

My prayers first. And my suggestions are; Feed that dog some really good things, I'm talkking REALLY GOOD THINGS! And, love that dog every second you are around it and whatever decision you make, will be the right one!

Hugs to both of you!

 

[IamRainey]

Our dog, who was even then elderly, grew tumors in her leg. They were located, or at least extending into, the space between the bones. What I'm saying is the veterinarian surgeon was able to remove most of the tumors but we always knew there would be residual malignancy there.

One vet we went to had a whole regimen of chemo and radiation all lined up for her. The vet who performed the surgery said for a dog that age she would remove what she could of the tumors and we would proceed based on how she recovered.

It's been 4 years since the surgery. She never had additional treatments. We are just now beginning to see that she has trouble with that leg. But at her present age, she's also having issues with deafness and we're not sure how well she sees. Her time is approaching. But she had 4 more good years and what she didn't have was constant trips to the vet and all the side effects of those drugs and radiation.

Animals have those awful side effects too, you know. Make sure the vet will discuss them honestly and candidly with you.

We feel like we made the right decision. It's the decision I would have made for myself. Will make for myself one day, if I'm lucky and can be consulted. You'll have to make yours. But, whatever you decide, remember that we were all born with expiration dates. That's not a bad thing, it's just the way of life and we all pass through the very sad times and get to the happy memories.

Best wishes to you and to Hattie. It will be OK. ...whatever you decide. And Hattie has already had a whole lifetime of your love and care.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I honestly think dogs are too good for us humans.

 

[TwoCrows]

Oh I am so sorry Aunt Angus! Our dogs really do become family, it hurts deep when they are ailing and in your dog's case, with cancer. Much love and hugs to the both of you!

 

[The Happster]

That is such a sweet looking dog....sorry you're having to deal with this. How old is she?
My current dog is only three years old and already I am so attached.

I know a lot of people can just shrug it off because she's just a dog

She isn't just a dog. I don't see where the just comes in. Dogs are such intelligent, sweet animals. And that looks like a very special dog. I love her smile.

 

[Tortoise]

I will spend whatever it takes to keep my dog alive and living well. Almost 30 thousand on my last one over her 12 1/2 years. Had to put her down earlier this year due to brain cancer
Cancer treatment is very expensive and of the few people I know that have done the cancer treatments the life was not that great and they didnt get many years, 2 or less and one even had the cancer come back. Cancer treatment for dogs just isnt that great yet.
Keep in mind each kind of cancer is different, each dog is different.
I would choose, if it were me and if the dog isnt really young, to make the time left as good and pain free as possible and make the decision for euthanasia when the pain or quality of life can't be controlled.
Good luck and I am so very sorry. They are not just dogs or animals. They are a huge part of the family and our hearts.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

Just found out my doggie, Hattie, has cancer. She had surgery last week. Now she needs radiation. I am moving to our new house next weekend (finally), and I put a lot of savings into the purchase. I do know how much I can afford, and I am heartbroken.

I know a lot of people can just shrug it off because she's just a dog, but I love her very, very much. Please be kind if you choose to reply. I know that, speaking practically, I should just let it go. But practicality be damned. I love my dog.

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I want to put my fist through a wall when people say "It's just a dog."
We always act like we're high and mighty, above them, but I think it's the other way around. Because when all else fails, when our friends and family have left, when the world is crumbling around us, guess who is still there to lick our faces. They stay by our sides. They don't dwell on the past. Or worry about the future. They live in the moment. You know how we call some dogs 'rescues'?
Well, let's just say it's mutual.

Good luck. I'm so sorry this happened.

 

[Tortoise]

My dog had lymphoma. We chose to give him one of the more expensive treatments because he wasn’t very old. We spent a couple thousand dollars on the treatment but it was worth it because we got an extra month with him. In the end we had him put down because his legs were hurting him and we couldn’t let him be in pain any longer.

As long as it's a month, months or years of a good life for the animal. These are the hardest times. We have to put our own feelings aside and think of the animals and what they are going thru. It sucks cuz they can't tell us. We can only do what we feel is the best for them and hope we did the right thing. We have to be able to live with our decisions too, which also makes it harder. There is no one answer and no easy way to come to a decision.
Sorry for your loss.

 

[microchick]

Deepest condolences and yes, I understand completely how you feel. We have a 20 year old cat who is diabetic. Most people would euthanize a cat with diabetes, trust me, it's no picnic giving him shots twice a day, occasional glucometer sticks, etc, let alone buying 150 dollar a bag cat food plus insulin and syringes but we love him so it isn't a hardship, it's a blessing as every day with this sweet boy is a treat.

My advice is talk to your Veterinarian about the plight you are in. There may be a teaching hospital nearby that would be willing to treat for using your pup for teaching or treat for lowered cost.

Don't give up. Don't despair. Start making phone calls and see if there are any humane societies or rescues near you who might have resources or references for you if your vet doesn't.

I wish the very best and a long life to your fur baby. We have 7 dogs, 5 cats and 40 chickens. They all leave paw prints on your heart.