Sad News to report

[nikimcbee]

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.

[SmokinTep]

Sorry to hear about your dog. It's always a sad time when you have to say goodbye to a friend. I cried like a baby when I had to take my dog in. He was just like looking at me and all.........

[nikimcbee]

Originally Posted by Torplexed

Aggggh! Grim news mcbee. This is a heart-rendering post. I've gone through this before. With cats mostly. Watch for signs of apathy. If he has no more enthusiasm for life, no interest in food or water it's time. It's mercy, but that doesn't make it any easier.

Now, I'll be depressed all day.

Yeah, he hasn't hit that stage yet. I had a talk with my son when we first discovered the tumor, I guess it's time for the talk again.

[nikimcbee]

Originally Posted by SmokinTep

Sorry to hear about your dog. It's always a sad time when you have to say goodbye to a friend. I cried like a baby when I had to take my dog in. He was just like looking at me and all.........

When I got home from the vet, I looked up stuff about euthinasia. I didn't make it throught the second paragraph. I couldn't read anymore...

[Platapus]

A horrible decision to make, but one that is ultimately based on love.

Very sad news indeed. Very sorry to hear this.

[AVGWarhawk]

Originally Posted by nikimcbee

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.

[nikimcbee]

Originally Posted by AVGWarhawk

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.

[Kapitan_Phillips]

I'm so sorry

I agree with everyone else, let him enjoy what he can whilst he's not in pain, then set him free so he can pass the torch

[AVGWarhawk]

Originally Posted by nikimcbee

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.

[Konovalov]

I'm so sorry to hear the bad news concering your close mate and compaion Niki.

Been a dog lover all my life and we have always had dogs in the family. I have two back home in Australia, a female Dalmation named Ali and an Aussie Blue Heeler cattle dog named zack who run around a huge property.

Only you with the aid of the vets advice can make the call as to when your buddies quality of life has past that point when it is time for him to go to that better place called doggy paradise. It's darn obvious how much you love him and have looked after him so your judgement will be right. Stay strong.

[HunterICX]

Sad news indeed,

we lost our german shepard to a tumor as wel more then a year ago, the last days where just too painfull. but you will know when the time is right and give him his earned eternal rest.

be strong Nikimcbee

HunterICX

[Sailor Steve]

J, I've lost a few wolfie friends myself over the years, and I still remember them all fondly. I can't add anything to what anyone else has said, but I'll have you two in my thoughts.

@ AVHWarhawk: I really feel your pain. My dad has managed to make 80, and is in good health, but he has Parkinson's disease. It's not the illness that's bad in this case, it's the cure. My sister says that some days he goes out and plays golf, and others he doesn't remember who he is. It's only a matter of time, and I can't even be there. I do call him as often as I can, though.

[AVGWarhawk]

@ AVHWarhawk: I really feel your pain. My dad has managed to make 80, and is in good health, but he has Parkinson's disease. It's not the illness that's bad in this case, it's the cure. My sister says that some days he goes out and plays golf, and others he doesn't remember who he is. It's only a matter of time, and I can't even be there. I do call him as often as I can, though.

At this age, you expect things like this. So it is not as upsetting. My wifes parents died at age 50(mom) and age 54(dad) from cancer. These are the ones that throw for the loop.

I'm sure Niki is in good hands and the right decisions will be made. Besides, he will the coolest doggie in Doggie Paradise....what other Boston Terrier can claim to manning a tank or come face to face with rock crabs?

Not just this family, but any family. Dogs are family, period, and it breaks one's heart to see this thing happen.

My sympathy to you, sir, as one dog lover to another.

[Steel_Tomb]

Sorry to hear that, I hope it has a nice afterlife in doggy heaven!


What makes me so angry though, is that when a dog is suffering, you can put it to sleep so it passes away peacefully. When it comes to an human being however, even though they're suffering... you can't let them pass away. Wheres the humanity in that? Surely, if its ok for a dog, it should be equally suitable to end a persons suffering?