A Bit Distracted Of Late
By Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy on June 20, 2009 at 7:01 AM in Current Affairs
But there’s a reason for it. Well, besides my mom (who is doing okay - still in nursing care for the foreseeable future). I hate to even write this down because it makes it too real. But here goes. As you all know by now, I am a huge animal lover, with four dogs, four cats, and a horse.
Oh, yes - four dogs - the two original ones, Sweetie and Sasha, whom we have had for YEARS; Lucy the Treeing Walker Coonhound who had the seven puppies; and Dorothy, my mom’s dog whom we have taken since Mom had her stroke a month ago. We always promised Mom that we would take care of her dog should anything happened to Mom, and indeed, that day has now come…ALL of our animals (and Mom’s) are rescues: Sasha, the Border Collie mix from the SPCA, Sweetie the chow/lab mix from an abusive neighbor, Lucy - you know about her, and Dorothy was a stray puppy in Mom’s neighborhood. I’ll save the cats for another day.
For now, this is about Sweetie. When we first met Sweetie, her personality and temperament came out, thus resulting in the name we called her. She was emaciated. She had two litters of puppies by the time she was a year old. She had huge, oozing sores in her ears, for which we’d get medicine from our vet (and told the owners, offered to give it to them, but they could care less), which have led to chronic problems throughout her life. This was what she looked like then:
We almost lost her a few years ago when we were building our dream home - she developed an auto-immune disease, thrombocytopenia. Her body basically turned on her own blood, and she started bleeding out. After five days in Intensive Care and two blood transfusions, she was on the mend. She’s on a ton of meds, but has been in remission ever since. And she is devoted to me, as I am to her. This is Sweetie now:
Recently, Sweetie started to limp a bit on her front right leg. I took her to our vet, they examined her, but apparently she was being stoic, not reacting when the vet manipulated her led, then took some x-rays, but didn’t see anything conclusive. Thursday, I took her to an orthopaedic vet (to whom our regular vet referred us). He thought the x-ray he went off to take was going to be arthritis, not surprising for a twelve (or so) year old dog. He came back in with the x-rays he took of an area that seemed particularly painful upon examination, and said, “This is not what I expected to see. I expected arthritis, but this is a bone tumor.” Sure enough, I could see where the radius had been eaten away by the tumor. The vet took a biopsy to see what kind it is, though most likely, it is osteosarcoma. In other words, bone cancer. And that is not a good kind of cancer to have - it spreads. FAST. And, often to the lungs, and other parts of the body. Chemo and amputation are the typical treatments for this kind of bone cancer.
So, now we wait. Wait for the biopsy results and figure out the next step. And lavish as much attention and love on her as we can while we can, always mindful what a lovely gift this dog has been to us over the years…
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Hugs to you and prayers RRRA; you have had much to deal with as of late, and the universe is fortunate in you being the person who has a kind heart and soul to be the caretaker and angel that you are. Wish you could feel a big strong hug through the net from me, and truly do send you much love and strength. Don’t forget, to take good care of you also. Much love to you and yours. Prayers for Mom and Sweetie.
Thanks so much, Katmoon - I appreciate that…And thanks especially for the hug…
:O(
poor sweetie!
She’s so lucky to have found you, and to spend the rest of her days with someone who loves her.
Truly, I don’t know how you could write that without tears streaming down your face the entire time.
Hopefully, knowing that your mother, your fuzzy gal, Sweetie, and yourself are in people’s thoughts helps give you some measure of peace and strength when you need it most.
{{{Hugs}}}
Thanks, Sara…
And Karma, um, well, I can barely even look at it without tears streaming down my face. She is so, so sweet, and besides holding the offending leg up a good bit, she continues to be just the sweetest dog…But now I am basically having to carry her up and down the stairs (GREAT on my knees), and I hate that she’s in so much pain…
We’ll know more this coming week, but one way or the other, we have difficult decisions ahead of us…
Thanks so much for the support, friends - it means a lot to me…
There are occasionally miracles that occur, and I experienced one with one of my dogs, who was diagnosed with a fibrous carcoma (sp?) behind his left front foot. Two surgeries later, we had the option of amputation (which for a dog as large as my Great Dane, was a very poor option), or radiation treatments. For 18 straight days I drove him to Westbury, LI for the treatments and a year and a half later the cancer has not returned. He’s his old hail and hearty self and I’m hoping for the same for your pup. Never give up hope.
Oh RRRA. Sweetie is so lucky to have you. I know you’ll do the absolutely best thing for her, whatever the vet says. So sorry.
My prayers and good thoughts for Sweetie and you. Can’t say much more, as I will go to hug my “kids” and tell them how thankful I am for their presence in my life, too.
more sad news
I feel ya Sista!
Meon-hamnida
Oh… My thoughts are with you and Sweetie. I know how hard this is.. On Jan. 19th of this year we lost our Darby — she was a month and a half short of 19 years old. She was a beautiful basset/beagle mix.. and we loved her so much. I think of her every day and still cry. Enjoy your Sweetie as long as you can. And take care…
Bless your heart, R3 Amy, and Sweetie’s too. I know you will do the right thing by your precious dog for her sake. What’s best for Sweetie will be what’s best. I so enjoy these blogs, even in tough times like yours, Amy. We can type, cry, wipe our eyes, blow our nose, sip some coffee (or Dr. Pepper as is my Texas addiction), and type some more. We animal lovers, we who honor the lives of these heaven sent creatures, are with you in spirit.
Take good care of yourself.
Thanks everyone - Elizabethrc, thank you for your lovely tale of hope. I am truly happy that things have worked out so well for your big boy!
Texas, true enough (and cute abt the Dr. P - one of my oldest friends, the one who got me blogging, in fact, can’t start her day without one!).
I know it is a bit off topic compared to some of the political shenanigans going on these days (and with Obama, I expect those trends to continue), but this is my life, with my animals, the lens through which I write. I know many of you here have similar stories. I appreciate your sharing them here, too.
And Nancy, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Darby.
(Of course, as I was typing this, Sweetie came hobbling in because she smelled turkey bacon - she sure hasn’t lost her appetite!!)
Oh Amy, we your devoted readers always welcome relief from politics and regard it as shelter from the storm even if the news isn’t great. I’m glad that Mom is hanging in and Sweetie is fighting the good fight. I have two senior ailing cats that are on many meds and supplements and it is always day by day.
Your heart is as big as this planet and I applaud your generosity.
Betsy, Maxwell and Jack (yes he’s the real Jackarooty!)
oh my gosh…. I am so sorry to hear about sweetie. I have 4 cats and two dogs. I lost my dear Kittyboy about 5 years ago to intestinal cancer. I tried fighting it with chemo but it was too late. One night kittyboy came up to me with a look on his face that told me it was time. I took him in the next day and he died peacefully while I told him I will always love him. Chemo will definitley prolong their life but at what quality? Amputation would be out of the question for me as we had another dog many years ago who had her front right leg amputated and she died of a broken heart about a week later. It is just too painful for them after a certain age but these are my experiences……
I wish you the best in your decision with sweetie, She knows she is loved regardless and in the end that is what truly makes her happy. God bless you for taking care of all your babies………
Amy, I’m sorry to hear this… My partner and I have 3 mini Dachshunds (2 are rescues) and they are our children. Herman age 12 (the non rescue) has been limping on his back foot… he has joint issues but this now makes me think about all the other “what ifs” that could be causing it. I really hope everything works out for Sweetie! She has a good “mom”…
sigh.
I euthanized and buried my Herman 6 weeks ago. He was 12. My loyal companion… I miss him so much. Seeing his name just brought tears to my eyes. When the kids were young and people would ask “what kind of dog is that?” we would say he was a “Hermanhound”. Never dreaming there would be another, we would say he is the only one there is…
And, we were right.
My thoughts go out to you RRRA, it only hurts so much because we love them so much.
Prayers for you, your family and your mother’s recovery.
Hugs to you, Dog Mom. I lost Sofie 5 years ago, but my heart still hurts when I think of my girl. Herman will be there to greet you when it’s your time to cross.
God Bless you and your family Reverend Amy for taking such good care of Sweetie. My heart is heavy reading this but through my experience of 52 years I remain optimistic regardless of diagnosis. I too am a huge, HUGE animal lover and certainly know this special relationship.
My Wife and I have no children but have our precious animals (all strays or from the pound) and have had this type of news through the years. I’ve seen some pretty remarkable things happen with a good veterinarian especially in our Boy’s or Girl’s Golden Years. Quite extraordinary but we work it and I know you do too and THEY know we’re working it too!!
As I sit and punch this keyboard, Oliver my boy is lying right next to me as usual.
I know your hearts hurt thinking about this but just know that it was on the last lap of searching that provided us a few more years with our precious companions.
In all of my life experience, it all reduces down to three things, love, love and love and I wouldn’t have it any other way…
God Bless Sweetie as she is now in our thoughts and prayers. Do keep us updated and just know Reverend Amy, folks you have never met are with you on this, Big Time.
OMG. I’m so sorry to hear this. I pray it is not cancer.
Can herbs work on doggies? Like Cats Claw, that cuts off blood to the tumor?
I’m reading that canines can benefit from herbs, too.
Just thoughts. I hope you don’t have to worry about it.
I combined traditional and natural for my treatment, because I was chicken not to remove my lump.
I did surgery and radiation, then I did 4 months of herbs, Burdock Root, Cats Claw and Milk Thistle. Blood purifiers, immune builders, high antioxidants, etc.
…just to think about as a choice.
My best wishes.
and for some levity. I didn’t see this posted yet and it’s so fitting with your posts of late.
Njoy
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IALT, are you okay now?? Are you healthy??? I hope and pray you are!
The doc is sure it is a bone tumor - it is quite visible on the x-rays. The only question is what KIND it is - hopefully, it is NOT the osteosarcoma, which is very fast-growing…
I can’t imagine, though, why dogs wouldn’t benefit from natural remedies, too. (A friend who has trained over 4,000 dogs recently recommended Gaba for Lucy to help her with some of her anxiety issues, and it seems to be helping.)
We should know for sure in the next few days.
Thank you for your suggestions!
Thank you. Yes, so far I’m ok. This Dec will be my official 5 year anniversary and the time they consider you “cured”. I’m looking forward to that day and no more false scares.
I’m not allowed to eat Tofu/soybeans/soymilk anymore, because mine was estrogen positive and soy contains high amount of natural occuring estrogen, BUT, on my 5 year anniversary, I plan on treating myself to some either “sticky bean” (a past favorite-fermented soy beans-Japanese) or Fried Tofu.
Maybe Sweetie can celebrate with me.
All the best wishes for a cancer-free 5th anniversary, IALT. I totally understand abt the false scares. I hope those days will be behind you soon…
And I hear you abt the soybean products - they also interfere with meds for hypothyroidism.
Anyway, on your 5th anniversary, I hope you eat yourself silly with some good fried tofu, and I guarantee you, Sweetie will want some!
Y’all are too kind - you bring tears to my eyes with your comfort, support, and stories about your own animal family members. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I worry abt amputation for Sweetie because she already has problems with her hips, and has for a long time. I don’t know that they could really take that much more pressure. And I know chemo will prolong her life some, but from everything I have been reading, the prospects are NOT GOOD for an older dog. It all depends, I guess, on how advanced it is…
And Scott, I certainly hope your boy *only* has typical old age joint issues, nothing more…
Jackarooty!! Finally I learn the origin of your name!!
Tex-Mex, I am sorry to hear abt your Kittyboy - I know exactly what you mean abt him letting you know it was time. Blessings on you for listening, for paying attention to what he needed, and letting him go…
I swear - y’all are the best…
Amy, I am so sorry to learn how much is on your shoulders right now. I’m convinced that prayers do work for good, and you and your mom and Sweetie are going to be in many prayers. I’m sure it took alot to share this trial with the world, but we all appreciate your candor, and it enables us to give something back in the way of positive thoughts and prayers.
My husband and I are animal parents, too. We have 2 dogs, 5 cats and a smart-mouthed parrot. Our older dog (a malamute mix), is on Rimadyl and Daisequin (sp?) for his hips. He’s 11 now and we just assumed it was arthritis that made it hard for him to climb the stairs. Now I’m thinking, as mentioned above, it could be more serious. I think Domino will be going to the vet soon. Your dear Sweetie, by sharing her story, may help other dogs who can’t tell their moms and dads what’s wrong.
Thank you for taking the time and effort to tell us about Sweetie. She sounds like a very special “furson”. More hugs to you, Sweetie and your mom.
PE, if Sweetie’s story helps just one other dog, that would be a blessing indeed. I pray that this does NOT affect any of your animals, though…
LOL abt the smartmouth parrot…
And thanks for the hugs and prayers for all of us. They are much appreciated!
Streetcar, that is excellent advice - thank you! And you are spot on abt the photos…
Awww…how precious. Hugs to Sweetie.
Amy, Many blessings on you and your family (both 2 and 4 legged) as you help Sweetie through this time. Breathe in all the love you can and super-dose Sweetie with the healing power of the heart. Whatever her path is, the powerful presence of love will help her and you and the rest of the pack.
We used acupuncture, chinese herbs, and BHI Heel homeopathic remedies with Sera, our german shepherd yellow lab mix. Sera lived until she was 14, which is very good for a dog of her size. Both her vets were sure that these natural remedies helped extend her life and improved the quality of her life. These remedies or similar ones may help to ease Sweetie’s challenges right now. We have also had positive results with Spirit Essences flower remedies.
Finally, take lots of pictures now. You will be extra glad that you have them.
I am sorry to hear about your poor doggy. I really hope for a miracle for her and you. Rescue animals are often especially wonderful, because they are so grateful.
Amy(hugs)prayers for you and Sweetie..
i’ll be thinking about sweetie! i love the name. my cat muffin has been and out of the vet’s office in recent weeks. we have a test at a&m being readied. she may have irritable bowl syndrone. yes, cats get it also. she is onl6 7.5 pounds so one night when she had a serious diarreha blowout off she went to the vet for care including vitamins. we’ll see! it could be something worse! but i don’t think so. amputation for an older dog is still an option if needed. they don’t seem to realize they are one paw short. animals just know more than we do.
Stodgie — I have a little girl with inflammatory bowel disease. I thought it was a death sentence for Gracie as she’s a munchkin, too - barely 8 lbs. She was diagnosed at 6 and will be 11 this fall. She has to take Metronidazole every day, but the diarrhea and vomiting are very rare these days and my little princess Grace plays like a 3 year-old.
Good luck with Muffin! Prayers and hugs to you, too.
portia, thanks so much for the inf. one of the meds i have been giving her is omeprazole. as you probably know that is an across the counter med for acid reflux. i was instructed to give half a pill a day. to her. the vet tells me that there is a chance we can reduce the meds over time, hopefully. she is acting happy and of course still following me to the kitchen everytime i go in order to check her dry food bowl to see if the other kitties have snitched some of her food. i keep that for her as she loves it. she and the rest get wet food everyday. (wellness)
Oh, RRRAmy, I’m so, so sorry! It brings tears to my eyes, too. When you love a “Sweetie” as much as you do, it hurts to know that they’re in trouble. I’ll keep all of you in my prayers and thoughts. No one can ease your pain, but at least all of you will be in our hearts. I’m sorry.
All the best
I’m so sorry, Amy. It is never easy.
Sweetie’s story has made me cry. Bless you for taking care of God’s creatures. They always pay us back many times over. I stopped last month for a run-over Lab - the vet bill is at $4600 and there is still more to be done…but he is proving to be a true blessing to our family. We weren’t looking for another dog, but evidently, he was looking for us. Sweetie found you when she needed a friend - I’m hoping for the best for her. Bless you!
texas mirth, a special thanks to you for your love of animals. thanks so much
I just returned from a walk with my two babies and was so sorry to read your post. I hope you find comfort in all the good thoughts and prayers being sent your way. Also - check out buckmountainbotanicals.net - I heard the owner speak at a holistic dog care seminar and he seemed on the level/legit. I am not endorsing and can’t vouch for their products but it might be worth researching (which also serves as a great distraction while you wait for test results). Best to you and your family!
I’m still mourning my wonderful Yorkie. It’s tough when you get so attached and they’re so special. Please know that we all care for you and sweety.
I’d like to apologize to you and Sweetie for mispelling her name. Best
Joy, I am so sorry to hear abt your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
Thanks, everyone, so much for all of the kind words and suggestions. It means so much to me.
And Texas, I can totally relate - when Sweetie went into the ICU for the immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, I could tell the doctor was steeling himself for me to say no to the blood transfusions (they are expensive), as I am sure many folks had to do. But that was what was going to save her life, and save it it did. The way she would look at me when I’d visit, the trust and love she had placed in me, it was a no-brainer.
We never have gotten the boat we thought we’d be getting with that money, but we still have Sweetie, and all the love she gives us. And her cat, Punkin’. They adore each other. I’ll find them lying nose to nose on the floor, petting each other. Oh, and Punkin’ doesn’t even weigh 8 lbs. It’s so cute…No boat could ever be worth that.
And now is when I have to tell y’all that yesterday I found a hard lump on Sweetie’s lower abdomen. She has soft fatty tumors elsewhere that have always been benign, and we were told that when they were hard, that was the time to worry. Naturally, I’ll be calling my vet first thing tomorrow morning, but I don’t think it bodes well…
RRR Amy I send my love and blessings to you and Sweetie and all in your family. Here are two holistic treatments for cancer in animals. I hope either or both are helpful.
http://www.healingcancernaturally.com/pet-cancer-cure-testimonials.html
and this holistic vet recommends Bovine Colostrum as the “forgotten miracle” supplement.
http://www.thepetwhisperer.com/colustrum.html
Good Luck.
This is the only bad thing about having these beauties as part of our families … they are with us for such a relatively short period of time. I’m very sorry to read about Sweetie’s situation. I know the heartache, and my beagle is in his declining years. We’re very lucky to love, and to be loved, by our “adopted kids”.
Another lovely pet. She was very fortunate to have had a happy life with you. She does look like a “sweetie”! You & your family are in our prayers.