My family bought a dalmatian and this Monday we found out he has cancer and will die by Sunday I don't know what to do he is my best friend we adopted him at age 9 he is a mush and doesn't deserve this.Help?

I'm so sorry that this is happening in your life, nickeknew! One thing that you can do is try to give him as much love and comfort for the time that has left here!

I'm sure that there will be others who will come along to give you advice and to help you to get through this! :)

Thank you he was the first dog Ive ever had so it really hurts:(

I know that it really hurts! I have had pets all of my life. It really hurt when it was time for any of them to go!

I'm going to invite some people to your thread who will be really great in helping you through this. They might not all be aware of your thread yet.

Ok?

Thanks but its weird the cancer formed a ball in his neck but in the past 2 days its gotten smaller and he's eating again. A miracle?

Could be. Are you definitely sure that he's going to die as quickly as you think that he is then?

Im still young so it confuses me it annoys though because he doesn't deserve this Ive been preying every night for him.

I'm calling in some others for you now, nickeknew! Prayer can be really helpful! Please keep praying! :)

God is both kind and cruel but for good reasons I hope he answers me.

There are others that will be helping you with this, nickeknew! They might not all come tonight, but I'm sure most of them will be here sometime in the next day or two.

God will answer you, but it might not be the answer that you want. Remember, that your pet is already pretty old for being a dog...

You will get lots of support, that I promise to you!

God's Love and Peace to You! :)

Do you have any images of your dog that you could post on this thread? That might help people in their positive thoughts and prayers that they will send your way!

Unfortunately no I'm on a psp

No person or animal deserves cancer. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I'm so sorry about what you are going through. It can't be easy. If you are a pet owner it's something that you will go through, eventually. And I'm so sorry. The best thing that you can do is not worry when your animal will die regardless of his condition or age. Love him and play with him just as you normally would. Pets can sense sadness, so be happy that he's here now, and make the most of your time together.

Unfortunately I'm 13 so it hit me hard I haven't slept all week

Nickelnew,
I know it's horrible to have a sick pet and to lose that pet hurts.
I hope your prayers are answered and your dog gets to spend more time with you than originally expected.
Make every day count and add to all the good memories you already have with your dog so you'll have lots more to remember him with.

Hey there Nickeknew, you are right that God is kind. Sometimes in His kindness, He gives us a wonderful friend such as your dog. What is your dog's name? I just lost my dog Emily. She was a black Labador Retreiver. I had taught her sign language, she would wait for me at the gate, she would stand right by my side when I was alone and very ill and not lie down again until I got back into bed. It is as hard to lose a pet as it is to lose a friend sometimes because pets are so loyal. I believe that God gave this dog for you to love and to allow you to see how much you can love and gave you to your dog, so your dog could have some much needed love and acceptance.

I will also join you in praying for your dog to recover. It is at this juncture that we must trust that the best thing will be done for this precious pet. I know that doesn't make your heart hurt any less but sometimes the decision is not in our hands. I know that being aware of the cancer can be frightening for you. Sometimes also, what we perceive to be cruel, in not God's Hand but just that we live in an imperfect world and there is sickness but as you say, there is also healing. We will join you in praying for that!

Knowing the love you have for this dog, tells me you have a lot to give. Perhaps God is opening your eyes to that fact, that you have a lot of love to give to other animals, people and to the world. We have to nurture love to help it to grow. Whether your little loved pet gets well or passes on, you have learned that sometimes it hurts to love deeply but it is worth every minute of it. Who else could love your pet as much as you? I know this hurts you and I am so sorry. Our hearts are sad at times but later, we remember the joys our pets or friends or family has brought us and that we have been able to give to them and that restores our joy and the smile on our faces.

Keep us posted please!

I actually plan on dedicating part of my wall to pictures of him

That's sweet. You know what else is cool? Make your dog a Myspace or Facebook! My doggy has one, she has all sorts of doggy friends on there it's cute!

See, now they have started to arrive here! I'm so glad that there are people who are willing to, sometimes almost on only a moments notice, to help out on a thread! :)

His name is Snoopy and thanks for everything the pound was going to put him to sleep so at least we gave him 2 more years

I might do that thanks Ive spoiled him the last 2 days

His name is Snoopy and thanks for everything the pound was going to put him to sleep so at least we gave him 2 more years
THat's fantastic. You saved him! I envy you for that!! Snoopy is an awesome name for what sounds like an awesome dog!

See, now they have started to arrive here! I'm so glad that there are people who are willing to, sometimes almost on only a moments notice, to help out on a thread! :)
That's what we are here for, after all! I will never leave this site. This is my home online.

Thanks he is a mush. Luckily he's not in pain

I'm sorry, I don't know what a mush is... I'm glad he's not in pain.

That's what we are here for, after all! I will never leave this site. This is my home online.

Yeah, it's my main home online too! Many, incredibly caring people here! :)

Yeah, it's my main home online too! Many, incredibly caring people here! :)
Yup.

It means he just loves everyone and this is my new home I found it 2 days ago

Thanks he is a mush. Luckily hes not in pain

Snoopy is a great name! I love it! There are blessings in all things and the fact that he is not in pain is indeed a blessing! When you have time, make a little journal about Snoopy and about your feelings you had when you got Snoopy and things you have experienced as you have grown to love Snoopy and the feelings you are experiencing now. It is a great way of reliving some wonderful moments in your mind as you remember things to write down. It is also sort of a Memorial to Snoopy while Snoopy is still here to be with you. You can read it to Snoopy and have that share time. Some may not agree but I think my Emily knew every word I said to her!! :p I bet your Snoopy does also! Just let Snoopy know how much love you have for him each day you have whether a day, a week, a month or years to come!!

Thanks and sorry I'm slow, I'm crying

We know that you're feeling bad. That's why we are here to help you through this. No need to apologize, we understand!

We know that you're feeling bad. That's why we are here to help you through this. No need to apologize, we understand!
You have been a great help thanks

Snoopy is a great name! I love it! There are blessings in all things and the fact that he is not in pain is indeed a blessing! When you have time, make a little journal about Snoopy and about your feelings you had when you got Snoopy and things you have experienced as you have grown to love Snoopy and the feelings you are experiencing now. It is a great way of reliving some wonderful moments in your mind as you remember things to write down. It is also sort of a Memorial to Snoopy while Snoopy is still here to be with you. You can read it to Snoopy and have that share time. Some may not agree but I think my Emily knew every word I said to her!!! :p I bet your Snoopy does also! Just let Snoopy know how much love you have for him each day you have whether a day, a week, a month or years to come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Writing a journal sounds like a wonderful idea! I wish that I'd done that for all of the pets that I have had. If you do write a journal, it would be best to start on something like that before you forget about some things...

This feels great getting my feelings out

This feels great gettin my feelings out

It usually does. That's why we all love this site. You can feel free to let your feelings out. And gain acceptance, appreciation, caring, friendship, admiration, etc. People here are great. You'l fit in well!

Thanks and sorry im slow, im crying

Cry all you need to... we all do! Just know you are not alone in how you are feeling. Don't worry about posting fast either. Some of us will be here for hours, some will drift off to sleep for the night but we will be back tomorrow to check on how things are going for you Nickeknew.

It feels odd being the youngest but thanks I can't get it out of my mind

Thanks anyone can feel free to leave if u want ill give a day to day basis

When it comes to loving and sharing, it doesn't matter our age. You sound like such a great individual and I am happy you joined us!!

Thanks this site is great

You guys are great friends let me know if you guys need anything

Yes, nickeknew! Thank you for being willing to share about these things here with us! If there is ever any other things about which you want to ask or share, please feel free to do so! Unlike a lot of other sites, this site is monitored extremely well and you can feel safe here!

You guys are great friends let me know if you guys need anything

Thank you Nickeknew!! See, I was right, you have a lot of love to give!! :p

This still hurts though...

Lol I guess I'm like Snoopy

It does hurt. I had a dog that passed away when I was 15 (7 years ago), and I still miss her. I have a Chihuahua now, and I would be absolutely devastated if something happened to her.

I know it still hurts and it will for awhile but keep looking for that miracle. Love brings joy and pain but we enjoy it or endure, we live through it, we learn from it, that is part of life.

One of the hardest things I had to learn and I was one year younger than you at the time, when my best friend died from Leukemia (a form of cancer), was that bad things happen to good people (or pets as here). We don't always understand why but we are given special friends to give us encouragement that is what we hope to give to you!

I have to bid all a goodnight but I will be back here tomorrow and catch up on the posts. Please do keep posting your feelings and experiences and we will do our best to help you through this. I hope your parents know how much you are hurting. If they don't, I suggest you share with them so they can also help and your close friends also but know we will be here. Hug that little Snoopy dog for me! Night, night.

How active is this site in the day

Its hard though there is surgery we can't afford it with my step sibs staying th summer

Far more so than it is now... It's really a great place. I've gained some fantastic friends here. You'll always get an answer to a question that same day... or at least a response.

I hate not being able to afford the surgery

Night

OH Sweet Nicknew - You precious girl. And how blessed you are to have given Snoopy so much love.

You just keep giving him all that love and through your tears, just know that Snoopy is a very lucky boy, who had you and your family to love him. There are people out there who should never own a pet, that don't know how to give the type of love that you do. Imagine if he ended up in one of those homes.

You are a precious young lady, and I do know your pain. I don't have any children so my little fur babies are my children. I now have two resting in peace in doggie heaven. But guess what? I'm not sad anymore, because I know every moment they were loved and my husband and I laugh and smile at all the great memories Flakey and Tina Marie gave us.

Animals are precious beings and you are so precious for giving Snoopy all that love.

Here's a big huge hug. Proud of you sweetheart.

The sooner you start this the better and I am sorry but there is absolutely NO guarantee but in your dogs situation I would try it anyway. I 'reversed' my dogs cancer with this
You can get these at health food stores
The better and more expensive the quality the better it is

The most essential are
CO Q 10
Shark Cartilage or bovine cartilage
Green tea tablets
Chinese astragulus

Give him the maximum daily amounts on the bottle
And do not miss a day.

Drs will tell you 'you' or the 'loved' one have 3 months, 3 years, whatever but they do not know some die sooner some live way longer. My neighbor was suppose to die a year and a half ago with his cancer and liver problems and he is still alive and kicking.

My Chou had lost all her fur, would not eat or drink, was constantly throwing up and wouldn't get up from her corner. I started giving her the supplements and within two weeks her fur was growing back, she was eating, not throwing up and outside playing with my Huskie.

Like I said there is no guarantee but it is your best chance. If you do these and he starts improving let me know so I can give you more suggestions.

Good Morning Nickeknew! What NOhelp4u says about time lines for life is so true. My sis-n-law has cancer. When the doctors told her most people don't live past 6 months from diagnosis, my brother told her that he did not see and "expiration date" stamped on her forehead or anywhere. I thought that was so good what he said. She has now passed the six month time frame and was at our house just day before yesterday for a visit. She has beaten the odds given to her by her doctor.

If you can, I would give a try what NOhelp suggested. If you can't find the products or your parents won't allow you to purchase them, just be content to know you are and have done all you can do. You have given a love that Snoopy would not have had, you have prayed for Snoopy, and you have reached out to others and your life and Snoopy's has touched each of us. You are quite a special person!

Hi Nickeknew.. glad you found this site and also glad that you feel 'at home' here.

I have had pets all my life, from the usual dogs, cats.. and also turtles, fish, spiders, hamsters, g-pigs, etc. I never knew life without a pet and that was due to the love of my step-dad who passed away from a massive heart attack. He taught me love and respect for animals and also the responsibilities for care and the potential loss. Well, since then, I have had to give up a lot of them because we were in the military and we had to move around a lot. So, I learned fast that no matter how much we love and will miss our pets, we also sometimes have to give them up - either to better homes or to the normal cycle of their lives and deaths. Since I was the oldest in the family, I also had to take a few of my pets to the vet and be there when they got their injections to painlessly let them fall asleep because they were too old and sick. It hurt like heck, but I knew that they were no longer in pain. You see, after loving me and giving me much joy in life, I felt they deserved to be able to be without pain or bodily restrictions when their time came. And surgery for cancer in an old dog is just a humans's way of wanting to keep them longer, but sometimes that is selfish because even after surgery there is no guarantee that the cancer and pain will be gone.

Just as in us humans, once a cancer cell is activated, there is no guarantee whatsoever that it can be stopped, and also no guarantee that the quality of life will be better. It is just a way of life that we have to accept for us and our pets when the time comes.

The hardest part is dealing with the loss, whether we talk about people or animals. The loss is painful, but I always think of the wonderful times I had with those I lost - my memories of them keep them alive in my heart - no matter what. And, it's OK to mourn and cry, that's the emotional part of us that needs to be allowed and dealt with - it's what makes us human.

My cat Larry (in my avatar) is now 19 years old and he has a lump in his tummy, a slight heart condition and is not as fast as he was before... but I will NOT let him get operated on because I feel he is comfortable at home with me - he's on my lap or in my bed with me all the time and would not feel good in a vet hospital or anywhere else. As long as he is happy, I want to let him be happy and not in pain. I also am aware that that is pretty old for a cat and that nature will eventually do it's thing and let him leave this world. But until then, I plan on letting him be as happy and comfortable with me as he wants to.

I too have cancer, and they did not give me this long to survive - but I'm still here and don't know for how much longer, but I plan on staying at home with my cat, visit my grandchild, and be in the comforts of my own environment instead of a cold and sterile hospital until my time comes. I also did not allow operations or chemo-therapy because that would have reduced the quality of the time I have left which is more important to me - to be with my loved ones.
I have a great family, both here on this site and here at home where I live - and I don't want to give that up - not till the last minute.

And I'm sure that your Snoopy wants the same things. Snoopy remembers the love and feels it always - you can see it in the eyes and gestures when he sits near you and places his paws on your lap.. the comfort and love you give him is something that never can be taken away and animals feel that. Don't feel bad about not being able to afford surgery.. at his age, it will not do much good anyway and it will reduce the quality of life he still has left - and I hope he's still with you... if not, then just remember that he felt love and was happy with you - and you loved and were happy while he filled your life with new emotions and joy.

Sadness, frustration and pain are unfortunately also a part of life, and we all go through it every day. That's when we turn to friends and family members to comfort us a bit, and we in turn comfort them when they are in need. So, consider us an extension of that circle of friends who will comfort you in your time of need and stay with us and keep on expressing - it's important. We should never show false strength in times of sorrow and it's OK to let it out.

This turned out a little longer than I expected, but I hope that you stay with us and get a chance some day to send us a picture - maybe through a friend's computer.

Hope to hear from you again soon, dear - and give Snoopy a special hug from us too.
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_22_14.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSYYYYYYMXDE)

Wow I will try those suppliments and he is getting skinny

Hey there Nickeknew, do keep us posted on how Snoopy is doing. I will be interested to see how he responds to the supplements. Tonight may be a little slow on posts being a weekend but others will be around. I need to sign off for now but just wanted to touch base with you about Snoopy!! Night and Sweet Dreams to you!

Hi everyone, I just found this thread. As a vet, I pretty much agree with everything that's being said. There are no guarantees with medicine--we can not predict what will work, what won't, or anything, really. Do you know, or can you find out what kind of cancer they diagnosed? I might be able to give you some more information on it--sometimes part of the pain is not having all of the answers.
As for the supplements, I personally have no problem with any of them (respecting, of course, that I am not Snoopy's Dr.). If you do add any of them to Snoop's regimen, do me the favor of letting his Dr. know what you're giving him. Rarely, some over-the-counter supplements can interact with the prescriptions we use, and his Dr. will want to know if he has anything else "on board" so they can keep him safe while they treat him.
Also, I'm not sure where you are in the country, but there are some great Pet Loss Support Hotlines out there. These hotlines allow you to talk to someone who is trained in the grieving process and can help you work through the emotions. For a list:

Care For Animals (http://www.avma.org/careforanimals/animatedjourneys/goodbyefriend/plhotlines.asp)

I worked on the Hotline while at school at Tufts University. I don't know what all the hotlines do, but Tufts will call you back free of charge if you call them and leave a message when they are not there.

Heya.. sorry that I didn't come earlier, haven't been on in a while.
First thing I'm going to say to you, is that I lost a dog once too. Her name was tipsu, she was 19 years old, and I was only like 11 or 12 when she died. She was a dog I had actually known my entire life, and was family too me, and I was devastated when she had a fit and died. I did endure and survive it however. It hurt me, but I am stronger now, and have a new dog I love just as much. I will never forget tipsu, as she was a wonderful and amazing dog, and a great friend to me, but I like to focus on the fond memories of her, not on the fact she is no longer with me, because anyway, she is always with me in spirit, dogs are loyal animals, and I believe that they never abandon you, even in death.
Please, be positive, and treasure your pets and family, because, even though nothing lasts forever, love and hope is eternal, and when a heart is touched, the fingerprint is forever.

He died

:(

I hate this its to quiet around here.

I'm so sorry about that, nickeknew! You have my condolences as well as "a shoulder to lean on" if you want. I really know what it's like to lose a pet that you love! I have gone through that sort of thing many times.

Are you okay?

The others will come along, but it just might take some time...

Niki

I am so sorry. There isn't any words of comfort that I can lend to you, that will make you feel any better. You cry those tears for Snoopy and you just know, that every tear that rolls down your face, just represents the deep love you gave to precious Snoopy.

Here's a hug for you and just know we all are here. Here's is a poem that helped me through when my two fur babies went to "The Rainbow Bridge". Click on the below, I hope it brings you comfort and it's a way to help you always keep snoopy in your heart.

The Rainbow Bridge (http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html)




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 into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...