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ponyta_509 · Sep 24, 2010, 09:02 PM

My Golden Retriever Jack is about the sweetest dog in the world. I have had him for 9 happy years, but he has recently been struck with cancer in the shoulder bone. (not sure what it's called)... Now he's limping around and I know eventually he's going to die. It breaks my heart watching him because he can't hardly get around the house anymore, but he's still the same happy goofy dog I've always known, like he's pretending not to notice the exploding pain in his shoulder... He's been one of my best friends my whole life. I'm not sure how I'm going to be able to deal with putting him to sleep...

Enigma1999 · Sep 24, 2010, 09:46 PM

Hello ponyta,

I am very sorry to hear this. Pets become a big part of our lives as if they are one of our kids.

When I was growing up, we had a boxer that lived to be 16 years old. That's right, 16! Her name was Sam and she was a part of the family. She died of cancer, which started at her mouth.

I know your pain. It's always hard to know if your pet is in pain, especially when they are acting the same, (happy and goofy). I do know that if your dog is in pain, that it is best that you put him down to rest. It's never easy.

Again, I am sorry.

lJ. · Sep 24, 2010, 10:47 PM

Maybe he is in less pain than you think. If he seems happy then maybe you shouldn't put him down. You should consult your vet. What stage is the cancer in. I know this is extremely hard, but do not give up. Try getting him treatments, and try to have him not walk right now so much, help him with any bathroom things, and ask your vet about his diet, but keep him comfortable and safe. Just try to do whatever you can to keep him alive, and look into surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, don't look for a reason to give up, when there's reason's to keep him alive. Good luck!

poppycorn · Sep 24, 2010, 11:42 PM

We had to put our dog to sleep a while back. It was heartbreaking but she really didn't feel anything and went so fast. I didn't want to take her to the vet as she hated the vet's office so I called the Humane Society and someone came over to do it. We wanted her to die at home. The person from the Humane Society was very kind and she did it while my husband held our dog. Although we cried, it was good to know she was no longer in pain. Best wishes to you and Jack.

Aurora_Bell · Sep 25, 2010, 08:57 AM

It's never easy making these decisions, and my deepest sympathies go out to you and your best friend. We had a wonderful GSD who was diagnosed with cancer, he lived a very long and fulfilling life. He was an amazing family pet and my best friend. We had to make that awful choice as well, and after months of prolonging the decision, we finally knew it was his time.

I think all pet owners know when their loved ones need them to make that choice. It's yours and yours alone, and no one will judge you when you make it.

Again, my deepest sympathies and we would love for you to share some pics with us!

Cat1864 · Sep 25, 2010, 09:23 AM

Ponyta, I know it isn't easy dealing with these things when you are in charge and that at 14 years old (yes, I checked) you probably feel even more helpless. Are your parents keeping you informed of Jack's condition and their decisions?

Try not to allow the negative feelings to overwhelm you love and memories of Jack. You're still making new memories with him. Let them be as happy as possible. When the time comes to say goodbye, know that you have loved him as much as anyone ever could and that he will always be a part of you.

I am so sorry that you are going through this and I, too, send my sympathies for the both of you along with the hope for more of the warm-hearted, goofy memories.

ponyta_509 · Sep 25, 2010, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by lJ.

Maybe he is in less pain than you think. If he seems happy then maybe you shouldn't put him down. You should consult your vet. What stage is the cancer in. I know this is extremely hard, but do not give up. Try getting him treatments, and try to have him not walk right now so much, help him with any bathroom things, and ask your vet about his diet, but keep him comfortable and safe. Just try to do whatever you can to keep him alive, and look into surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, don't look for a reason to give up, when there's reason's to keep him alive. Good luck!

It's not that easy. It's INSIDE of his shoulder and it's probably starting to spread. Because it's INSIDE the bone there's really no way for the vets to reach the cancer... so the only solution at the time is to put him to sleep.

Wondergirl · Sep 25, 2010, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by ponyta_509

It's not that easy. It's INSIDE of his shoulder and it's probably starting to spread. Because it's INSIDE the bone there's really no way for the vets to reach the cancer... so the only solution at the time is to put him to sleep.

Yes, there is a way to reach the cancer. Human beings with cancer INSIDE organs and/or bones receive radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Vets do this for dogs and cats too, but it is very expensive. (I had 16 radiation treatments in March for $31,000 total.)

Aurora_Bell · Sep 25, 2010, 10:45 AM

But to find bone marrow to match her dog, would be near impossible and that's even if they can find stem cells/marrow that the dogs body wouldn't reject, and if it was done, the cost is astronomical. Even the most devout pet owner would need to think about this very carefully. Especially with a 14 year old dog. With this type of surgery it has a low success rate. Approximately 1 in 5 do not make it out of the surgery.

It is true, there is always a way, but this is not a 100% guarantee, and if they were to foot the cost only to have the dog live a year or two more, is it worth it? That of course is for the OP to decide, but even the surgery it's self is very hard on an older dogs body. Something the vet may not even recommend.

lJ. · Sep 25, 2010, 11:27 AM

I still would advise talking to your vet again, and of course I understand it's not that easy, it's extremely difficult for you and your dog to go through all of this, but just keep thinking about him and his chance for life. I am just trying to give information, but of course this isn't easy for you or him.

Also, you say that it is probably starting to spread.. you can have your vet [most likely] find out if it has spread or it hasn't, is this cancer terminal or not?

And even if it's inside the bone it is possible, you just need more information from your vet on exactly what the cancer is doing right now I think, you can get their opinion, but also have your own on the situation. The only solution is not to put him to sleep exactly. Try to look into treatment plans, and find out his condition and what he can and can't do as far as treating this cancer.

Aurora_Bell · Sep 25, 2010, 02:25 PM

Wondergirl finds this helpful : The OP is 14; the dog is 9. And yes, the cost would be great, as I said.

Oops my bad :o Thanks. :)

shazamataz · Sep 25, 2010, 03:44 PM

I'm so sorry ponyta, it's such a hard thing to even think about let alone do.
Take comfort in knowing he lived to an old age with such a wonderful owner like you giving him love, believe me, they know when you love them.
When you do take him in that final time don't be sad, his life is not ending, just this journey here on earth, you will see him again one day, but for now just give him a cuddle and show him that here... he will be missed.

JudyKayTee · Sep 26, 2010, 08:56 AM

This post breaks my heart - and every one of us has faced that terrible decision at one time or another.

I have found when the pet is suffering you just know it's time to let him go. Now hold on to him, love him, cherish him, enjoy the time you have together. Make more memories to hold close for the rest of your life.

And remember that he has looked up to you to care for him all his life, to keep him safe and healthy and happy, and sometimes that involves the painful realization that the quality of life is gone.

You will carry him in your heart for the rest of your life, no matter how many dogs follow him. He will always be very special to you.

I'm so sorry - this is such a terrible thing for both of you to be going through.

mogrann · Sep 26, 2010, 11:20 AM

I can empathize so much with this post. I am in tears reading all of this thread. A few years ago we had to make this decision for our pet. Use the knowledge of your vet and your knowledge about your dog, then make the decision. Your decision made of love will be the right one, no matter what anyone says. I will make one suggestion if you decide to put your pet to sleep. Spend a few days before hand doing special things for your dog. Take lots of pictures and videos as you will treasure them in the years to come.
The pet we put down was a cat and was living with one of those cones on due to extreme allergies. One of the things we did for him the last three days of his life was remove the cone, get pain meds for him and steroids and allowed him to eat whatever he wanted no more special diets. We also asked the vet to NOT put the cone back on him as we wanted him to leave the world as he came in. That is an example of some things to consider when it is time.
Also I am going to give you a link for a beautiful poem that I share with all owners who have to deal with the lose of a pet. I know your dog is still alive and you have not made the decision yet, but would rather you have this info ahead of time.

NO MATTER WHAT MAKE YOUR DECISION OUT OF LOVE! Do what you think is right for your pet as only you know him.

The Rainbow Bridge

Susan

ponyta_509 · Sep 26, 2010, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by Aurora_Bell

But to find bone marrow to match her dog, would be near impossible and that's even if they can find stem cells/marrow that the dogs body wouldn't reject, and if it was done, the cost is astronomical. Even the most devout pet owner would need to think about this very carefully. Especially with a 14 year old dog. With this type of surgery it has a low success rate. Approximately 1 in 5 do not make it out of the surgery.

It is true, there is always a way, but this is not a 100% guarantee, and if they were to foot the cost only to have the dog live a year or two more, is it worth it? That of course is for the OP to decide, but even the surgery it's self is very hard on an older dogs body. Something the vet may not even recommend.

He's actually 9 years old, if that matters, heh.

Aurora_Bell · Sep 26, 2010, 10:29 PM

Originally Posted by ponyta_509

He's actually 9 years old, if that matters, heh.

I'm sorry I read that wrong.

aimee_tt · Sep 26, 2010, 11:16 PM

When my sisters dog got sick I was about 12 or 13 and it broke my heart knowing they would have to put her down soon.

When she got that bad she couldn't walk they call the vet in to do it in the loungeroom on her bed with her favourite toy.

We all said good bye and left her with my sister and her husband to be put down. We still cry till this day as she was such a beautiful dog who had so much fun and creted so much fun in our lives.

You will never forget him. Take all the pictures and videos you can of him.

My sister found comfort in scrapbooking. She had so many photos and wanted to do something special. Now she had about 7 scrapbooks of the dog.

That could help you too and also be a way for you to keep him close to you still.

lJ. · Sep 27, 2010, 02:38 PM

I'm very sorry about your situation. Have you talked to the vet since? Hope for the best for your dog!