DOGS

[toonia]

I like my mice but I don't want the house to be overrun. At least those two solved the problem by trapping themselves!
My friend had a dog who did eat a Scotchbrite, a tea strainer and any banknotes lying around! A very expensive pet.
At least frogs are edible, supposedly, but maybe not raw!

[JennyWrenn]

Ooooh Toonia am sorry I didnt know they were your pets - I wondered how you managed to get the piccies of them

J w x

[lottielady]

I'm on a roll now I know how to put photos on! My Girls!

Polly



Daisy

[lottielady]

And this one is soooo Cute!



LL x

[lottielady]

And Daisy again!

[lottielady]

And this just because it is funny! Might put it on the cat thread too!

[jlottie]

Just been to puppy classes with my daughter and her 12 week old black lab, Jeffrey loves it and so did I, it was like toddler group for dogs.

Granny is very proud of him



Loves the beach too

[JennyWrenn]

Oh Lottie Lady they are sooooooooooo cute

Is that a lupin I spy in front of the doggy dozing?

I was going great guns with two in my garden and the snails have been at them - nearly all gone now

I am destined NEVER to have lupins have tried many times

Jenny Wrenn

[chickadeedeedee]

Doggy Cancer. A Story.

I don't know if I should have made this a seperate post but it is about one of my dogs.

It is a long story that began in September 2005. Our German Shepherd, Bosco, is 10 years old and has been in good health. I noticed in mid-September he was wetting the bed. Hmmmm. I thought he had bladder issues until I saw him squirt out some urine as he was trying to get up.

OK.... That is different.

I felt his belly and could feel a mass in his abdomen, probably his spleen and or liver about the size of a grapefruit. I took him in that morning for x-rays and confirmed that he did indeed has a tumour on his spleen. The tumour was putting pressure on his bladder when he was getting up.....that was why he was having pee issues. Blood was drawn to see how everything else was doing before his scheduled surgery the next morning.

All the blood work was PERFECT. No hint of a problem at all!

The next morning (Sept. 30, 2005) his cancerous 3.2 pound spleen was removed. (I can post a pic. of the removed ugly spleen if any one wants to be grossed out!) There was no sign that it had spread to his liver or other abdominal contents. Three views of his lungs (right side, left side and on his back) also seemed cancer free.

That very evening, Bosco wanted to play with his squeaky toys and run! The biopsy came back as we expected, hemangiosarcoma. It is a cancer that not only grows very rapidly but spreads very early in the disease. The oncologist does not think that Bosco had the tumour more than 3-4 weeks before it was detected and removed.

As a precaution we started Bosco on a 12 week course of chemotherapy to kill off any microscopic tumour cells that may be developing ~somewhere~ in his body. We went though a series of injections: Adriamycin IV and Cytoxin; the following week was an injection of Vincristine and again Vincristine the week after. We repeated this protocol 4 times for a total of 12 weekly visits.

Prior to each visit he got a CBC done to make sure he has no infection or that his white blood count is not too low.

He loved going to the referral clinic and have everyone pet him and tell him what a good boy he is. It is an hour drive one way but well worth it to take every precaution that Bosco stays well. Our last chemotherapy visit was the last Monday of 2005.

After that he needs to have some x-rays done of his lungs three months later. If those look normal he gets another set of x-rays in 6 months. If he does have something evil in his lungs there is another medication to slow the growth.

Hopefully Bosco would be one of those doggies that remains cancer free for 2 years plus. The x-rays taken a few weeks ago show no changes in his lungs and his bloodwork remains normal also. His biggest problem now is to get him to lose some weight! :-) He gained 4 pounds while undergoing chemo.

So far so good. I have sprouted a few new grey hairs over this but whatchagonnado?

Bosco had x rays done every 2-3 months and complete blood work. They were PERFECT every time!

Then there was this past weekend....

Our battle with Bosco's hemangiosarcoma came to an end yesterday. He had been feeling ill with a fever of 106° F over the weekend. Their normal temperature is 101° to 102.5°F. So I went to work and raided the place of every antibiotic you can think of, IV fluids, IV catheter... It NEVER occurred to me to grab the euthanasia solution!

He got IV fluids through the weekend and a whole pharmacy of medications. His gums returned to a nice healthy pink rather than the ghastly white that had been. He even started to eat baby food that comes in a jar, some ice cream and played with his squeaky ball. He even got up and was walking around. :-)His temperature was NORMAL too!

His improvement was apparently his "last hurrah" which I have seen numerous times in terminal patients thoughtout the years.

His gums were white yesterday morning and was not breathing normally. I got him into the car by myself. (Amazing what the body can do in an emergency situation.) We took only one radiograph of his chest ... just to see ...

About 95% of his chest cavity was tumors. At least five were larger than the size of my fist! There was so much cancer that his heart could not be seen because of all of the tumours. Maybe some involved his heart too. There was a tiny area of his lungs one inch square that appeared cancer free. Certainly that is not enough for a 100 pound dog!

I believe that his cancer also infiltrated the intestines because he had black diarrhea yesterday morning. Black is an indication of severe bleeding and the blood has been digested before exiting the body. His type of cancer stems from the cells of blood vessels and there are blood vessels everywhere. He could have had a rupture of a tumor anywhere in his body.

That Bosco's gums turned white again was a sign that his tumors were bleeding. That was another painful thing for him plus it made it even harder for him to breathe. Maybe his back pain was the cancer in the spine? Everything was so nice and normal just 3 weeks ago (radiographs and blood work). We even had a check up with his oncologist in August and he was more than delighted how well Bosco was doing!

But ... one needs to have at least one billion cells change before the first change is seen on a radiograph. The hemangiosarcoma is also the fastest growing cancer in a dog.

I could not see him suffering any more although he never complained about anything I did for him! I called my Mom and told her what was going on and she too did not want this sweet dog to be in needless pain any longer.

He was on a thick soft blanket, I gave him a kiss for every family member, told him I was sorry that it came to this. He got an anesthetic through his IV catheter. He still had the one I placed on the weekend. He didn't even need to get poked again. He went to sleep and then I gave him the injection to stop his heart.

The guy I work with asked if I wanted him to put Bosco down. No. I needed to perform this final act of love and mercy for our dearest Bosco. Bosco was so trusting and he let me know through the look in his sweet eyes that it was OK and he was ready to leave his pain.

The dose is 1cc per 10 pounds of body weight. He died after he got a dose for someone only weighing 20 pounds. I did give him the full dose but for sure he was ready to go. Bosco will be cremated and we will get his ashes back in a few days.

I e mailed Mike, my husband, about what was going on and again yesterday what had happened. I don't think he has had time to check his e mails yet. The Internet situation in S. America can be iffy at times. Mike will be back in early October.

Daisy, our other dog, is looking for Bosco. Bruno the cat, Bosco's best friend, knows something bad has happened and is lying on Bosco's bed all day. None of the cats had eaten yesterday either!

We got his spleen out last September and while 80% of dogs die within one to two months of diagnosis, we were lucky ... did the 12 weeks of chemo and got to have another 11 months with him!

About 6 years ago Bosco fathered a litter of 7 puppies. ALL have his loving friendly personality. We were so delighted with his puppies we put some of his "representatives" into a sperm bank. Perhaps later if we find a nice female GSD, she might have some Bosco puppies and his line will endure. That is far down in the future. We need to cope, somehow, with this totally unexpected turn of events.

I gave myself a mega headache from crying yesterday and today. Drugs have dulled it a bit but not totally.

Time to cry some more.

Chickadeedeedee

[4pygmies]

OMG C3D, you have my total sympathy - you are obviously distraught but you know he had a wonderful live and was well loved - you couldn't ask for anything more. I am crying now as reading this reminded me of my beautiful Robbie dog who has been dead for 8 years. He was a Irish wolfhound cross and saw me through some terrible times (divorce, major move etc). I have to say I loved him nearly as much as my children! He lived for 12 years and the last night of his life we spent laying on a mattress together while I told him how great he was and fed him painkillers. The vet put him to sleep whilst I was cradling his head and it was the saddest moment of my life. I have another lovely dog now but, although I love him very much, I don't have the connection with him I had with Robbie. It must be a comfort to know that you have given other dog owners the chance to love his offspring as much as you love Bosco. 4P

[skarloey]

CD3, my eyes are full! I'm sending you a massive hug as words from me are going to be pretty ineffective.

With my deepest sympathies, Skarloey.

[Plocket]

OMG ChickaDDD - I really don't know what to say. I'm crying my eyes out here. You and your dog obviously had a very special relationship - the strenghth within you obviously helped Bosco and you got another year of his company through your hard work and positive attitude. I can only send virtual hugs and wishes, but they are heartfelt.

[Chuckles]

We all have wonderful memories of our beloved pets and the sadness at loosing them never gets any easier. In 25 years of married life I have had the pleasure of loving and being loved by 5 wonderful dogs. I will sort some pics out at some point. When the sad time comes to say goodbye I find reading htis helps a little.

If it should be..


If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what you must be done
For this last battle can’t be won

You will be sad, I understand
Don’t let your grief then stay your hand
For this day more than all the rest
Your love for me must stand the test

We’ve had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears
You’d not want me to suffer so
The time has come to let me go

Take me where my needs they’ll tend
And please stay with me until the end
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you do for me
Although my tail its last has waved
From pain and suffering I’ve been saved

Please do not grieve it must be you
Who has this painful thing to do
We’ve been so close, we two, these years
Don’t let your heart hold back the tears

[jlottie]

Oh C3D I am so so sorry.

We lost an old friend to cancer last year, but by the time we found out what was wrong with him too late to try and save him as the fast growing tumour was so big it was pressing on all his internal organs and he was having trouble breathing.

Gnipper by name and nature was cremated and is buried in my garden in his favourite spot.

I do hope you feel better soon, its a lot to go through on your own <hugehug>

[toonia]

Dear C3D, there really aren't any words. There is a huge dog shaped hole in your life and it must hurt enormously.
I'm dreading the day when César goes and hope it's at home, but if he does have to go to the vet's I'll try to remember your courage.
best wishes, T xxx

[sweetleaf]

Oh C3D I cant tell you how deeply I feel for you, Bosco was so lucky to have you as an owner, as are all your pets it seems. I hate the fact that you dont even have your husband there to console you, no virtual hug will suffice.
I hope and pray that you feel better soon, and that there is another Bosco in your future.
You are a brave woman, and you came through for your pet, many humans would hope to have such a dignified end, you are in my prayers.

[lottielady]

C3D - I can't see for the tears - I'm so sorry

<big big big hug>

LL x

[JennyWrenn]

The following was sent to me when my dear Afghan, Oliver, died in June this year. He was 14

He died at home in my arms - the vet was amazing

Danny, was only 8 when he died, about 4 years ago. With a tumour. His gums also went white - a sure sign something is wrong - but he was in no pain

This affected me so badly I cried for almost 24 hours and then many days after, just could not stop and was unable to leave the house for a week

Friends rallied round and I made it back

Rainbow Bridge



Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more in the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from you heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...


Author unknown...

[chickadeedeedee]

Thank you one and all for your kindness and compassion! We here slowly recovers from the shock of the sudden loss of Bosco. With less tear filled eyes I looked at the x rays from last month and tried .... REALLY TRIED to see if there was the slightest little hint of something that everyone missed when viewing them in August.

Nothing. There was not a hint of anything amiss in his chest and that was three views.

Wednesday's one x ray was horrid! This cancer had invaded Bosco's ribs and he had two ribs with pathological fractures because of the cancer in addition to it invading and taking over his lungs.



I bet it was everywhere else too! He must have been in so much pain but he did not complain other than having trouble getting up but even that was much improved with his new pain medication.

There was no bravery on my part; I assure you. There was nothing else to do but stop his pain. I sincerely doubt that he would have lived through the day had I done nothing more for him. He deserved much better because he was a wonderful companion.

Sorry to have turned this happy thread to something else.

Here's to cancer in ANY form:



ChickaDDD :-)

[jlottie]

Glad to see you back C3D's

Looks like daughter and Lab puppy will be moving in unexpectedly, and there was I saying I will never have another dog. Have been socialising him with our nasty JR and 3 terrified cats today, its not going to be easy

[Cheerypeabrain]

C3D...I'm so sorry for your loss. Nothing can prepare you for the death of a dog...and I found that it's just something you need to deal with in your own time..be nice to yourself dearie.
4P helped me through the loss of my beloved Kipperdog..THANK YOU 4P!...I still have a little weep now and then...and we've got a 'Kipper Memorial Garden' which is a little haven at the back of our garden where I grow my herbs, ferns and acers....
Gardening (+ my family and 4P) got me through my bereavement. Let us be there for you C3D.
Consider yourself hugged.
CPBx

[chickadeedeedee]

Thanks everyone!

I'd like you all to meet the one and only Heidy Foo Foo





Hmmmm. Maybe I should have posted this in the Winter Gardens forum? LOL!

C with 3Ds

[Deleted]

Hi C3d.

I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved Bosco.

I do hope that some day you find a suitable mum for your precious cargo.

All the best

Sara

[Deleted]

I'd like you all to meet Penny, red setter border collie cross from the RSPCA. I saw her photo in the local newspaper, fell in love and had to drive 40 miles the next day to meet her.
She's been here for about 5 years, and is officially the best looking dog in town - she won the rosette at the local fete!
She's great in the garden, doesn't go on the borders and loves eating couch grass. What else can I say? I'm so lucky to have found her.
Aaah, I've gone all gooey now!

[lottielady]

She's Lovely Figrat - she looks like a Nova Scotia Retreiver. You are lucky she has'nt squashed any of your plants - can you train my dogs please?

LL x

[4pygmies]

A dog that eats couch grass!?! I want seventeen NOW! Lovely dog, Figrat, and lucky to have found you too by the sound of it.

[toonia]

She is gorgeous, figrat and blends in so well with the grasses -how do you ever find her?
I'm also happy to hear another successful rescue dog story. Sometimes people hesitate because they think they'll have problems rehousing a woofer but when it works it's so rewarding.

[jlottie]

At my daughters puppy training classes there is a 9 month old collie who is there to help him get used to people and other dogs. He spent his first 8 months in a garage and never saw anything else. He looks like an old dog and is absolutely terrified of everything and trys to hide from everyone. It is working and he actually took a treat from me last week even though his tail was tucked up under his chin.

Whose up for orgainising a plant swap/sale in aid of the RSPCA next year ?

[MamIDdau]

I just love animals. Prefer cats but I'd love any animal just the same. As you should be able to see from my avatar, we have a Westie called Sally. Such a mucky dog although the pic was taken after she'd come back from being groomed.

Like my boyf's brother (who has a dopey golden retriever) I don't think we'll have another dog after Sally as we know we will never have a dog as good as her. The advantage dogs have over cats is the desire to protect you, and they're always pleased to see you. Cats run off and are only pleased to see you when they want feeding. Advantage cats have over dogs is the fact you don't have to exercise them or clean up their mess and they clean themselves. Depends which you would rather have I guess?

[MamIDdau]

Oh, and considering our dog is an ex breeder's dog and therefore a pedigree.... When we took part in our local village fete last year she got 4th/runner up prize for "waggiest tail".... She was too concerned with what the other dogs were doing as they were a bit boistrous.