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AVGWarhawk · 03-14-08, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikimcbee

Quote:

Originally Posted by AVGWarhawk

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikimcbee

Quote:

Originally Posted by AVGWarhawk

As many dogs as I have seen in my family, and it has been plenty as my mother bred pugs for show and is a AKC judge, she always was in the thought that as long as the dog is comfortable and not in pain with a problems such as Niki has, let it be. One pug in particular had a mass growing on her leg and chest area. Could do nothing about it. She let the dog be and we kept her comfortable fat and happy until there was evidence of pain and discomfort. Niki should be handled the same way. If the little guy seems to be ok and making it around without much issue, let him be. Make him comfortable and let him enjoy what he can. When the day comes were he is in pain or life is just miserable with his cancer, then euthanasia is the one best possible thing you can do for Niki. Although the thought of euthanasia sucks, it is a avenue you can take to relieve Niki of any pain that you or the vet can not do anything about. Sorry to hear of his ailment and yes, these little guys get to be your best friend and a family member. They all have a personality of their own for sure.

The vet thinks (as do I) that the tumor is pushing on his trachia (sp). At times he sounds like he has a smokers cough. He's lost 5 pounds in his weight, which normally, that would be great, as he is a " little pudgy". But he still is active I guess, when its time to go outside, he's ready to go. It's a tough call, because he doesn't seem too miserable. The last month though, I have become very concerned for him.

That is the thing, Niki is still active, goes outside. He experiences some discomfort every now and then from the sound of it. By your description he sounds somewhat ok with exception of the growth making him cough. Keep him comfortable and happy. He will tell you when things are not so great. Dogs have a way of doing that. It is a crappy situation no doubt. Do the best you can because that is all anyone can ask of you, even Niki.

It's been kinda hard to watch him grow old. ...watching the black fur turn grey, his eyesite fade, etc.

What can I say, this is part of life. It does not mean you have to like it or accept it. You just need to acknowlege that it happens. I'm watching my 73 year old dad fall apart. He takes more medication then the drug store has to offer. Three heart attacks and one congestive heart failure. Now, his liver is failing. You expect these things with age I guess. Same with Niki, up in age, ailments to follow. It does not make it better but you can take comfort in fact Niki lived a long life. I take comfort in the fact my Dad made 73 and still ticking after this many heart problems. He has traveled the world with my mom in his retirement. It is the lives that get cut short that throw you for a loop.