Roe

[Brewsterivy]

Liz, sorry to hear that Roe is having so many issues. I read the article you attached and it does seem like a more modified treatment is good for the smaller dogs. You could try that first and then you always have the surgical solution if it does not work. Good luck and give Roe a big hug and a dog biscuit from me. (and one for Bandit too)

Carol Brewsterivy

[retiredhappy]

Oh Roe, I feel for you. I'm sure your mommy will take good care of you. My mom's been really worried about me because I'm limping so badly with arthritis in front shoulder and rear hip. So far tho, I'm still able to get up on her bed with her (she has what she calls a platform bed) cause I don't have to jump too high. Not sure if I could get up into the RV anymore tho. She gives me pain meds and glucosomine. She says she'll work with me as long as I look happy and keep smiling and wagging my tail.

Isn't it wonderful how our hoomans love us so much!!

Buddy

Sophie here: My allergies have pretty much cleared up since we moved into the mobile home and there's no grass around here. Apparently that was what I was so allergic to. She was going to put a small patch of grass in but now says she'll put in artificial grass, which really looks real these days. I try not to pester Buddy too much but I do love to kiss his face and stick my nose in his mouth. I'm not sure he really like this much.

[kdmac]

I will surely pray for the little fella. I think you are very wise to take a wait and see strategy and see how he responds to a different treatment than surgery.

I thought of you the other day when I was camped at Walker Lake. An older fellow, all by himself, took the site down a way from me and out comes three beautiful cats...he actually let them wander around the RV site....I couldn't believe it. They stayed right there with him and jumped in and out of his 5th wheel at their leisure. But, in the early evening one of them decided to wander across the street and up the little embankment..He called for it to return, and of course it ignored him...so he called out, "Think coyote, Darby, think coyote". (yea, like that will help!) I just couldn't believe it. Within minutes the cat bee-lined back to the man. I just couldn't let my little loved kitty out like that, let alone three of them..without the net tent and the halter.

[dpf]

Roe, My hooman says I'm not getting any younger neither....it's not quite as easy to jump up on the bed as it used to be and them stupid squrriels are getting faster...are them on steriods? So I knows where you're coming from. My hooman gives me something that her puts on my kibbles that has gleesomine or something like that in it...seems to help me . But I'm sure your beternarerian knows what is best. You are such as handsome dude...Love Radar.

[Gentleladybear]

Roe I am so sorry to hear you are under the weather. Be nice and take those meds so you can get well, Mom needs you on all those hikes. Liz do keep us posted on how Roe is doing.

Nan

[Liz]

It breaks my heart to post this, but it appears that Roe is nearing the sunset of his life. I took him back to the vet today because his symptoms were so much worse than just two days ago. When the vet saw him and examined him he changed his mind about a torn knee ligament and suspected neurological problems or a combination of problems. Roe has also been losing weight and lost another pound in these two days. The vet took blood and urine and several x-rays. The results are not back on the blood and urine tests, but the x-rays pretty much tell the story. The vet pointed out multiple tumors and I could plainly see 3 large ones in the chest/lung area. They are the cause of the cough as well. He can't tell if these are primary tumors or metastasized from other areas, but suspects there may be one in the right brain too because of the left side impairment. There is not much that can be done and I have decided not to pursue more invasive tests or heroic treatments such as chemotherapy, since the end result will be the same. The vet prescribed prednisone to help his breathing and I will work to make him as comfortable and happy for the time he has left. When it becomes apparent that his suffering is worse than his enjoyment of life, that difficult decision will be made.

Thanks to all for your kind words and thoughts. I'll keep you posted.

[Forestgal]

Awww, Liz, I'm sooooo sorry. It breaks my heart to hear that things can't be fixed to make your buddie better.

When we accept the awesome, terrible responsibility to care for an animal part of that responsibility is making the decision to end their suffering if necessary. As my vet said, it's one of the worst parts of owning (or being owned by) an animal, but it's also the most important part.

Predinsone might help Roe's breathing, but it's also going to make him hungrier and thirstier -- and need to potty more often. Hopefully you'll be able to manage that need without too much trauma to either of you.

I'm holding you both tightly in my prayers as you begin the process of saying good-bye. Hang on to the sweet memories you have of your travels together. They'll help sustain you in the days & weeks to come ...

Hugs ...

Laura -- and Jed

[Irmi]

Liz, there is nothing I can say to ease the pain. I am and have been shedding tears for you and am holding you up in prayer. Take care dear friend.

[kdmac]

I am so very sorry, Liz. No words can really help; I surely will pray for peace and comfort for both of you. Roe is so very fortunate to have a loving mom that will make all those hard decisions for him and make his last days full of love and care.

[Brewsterivy]

Liz, I am so sorry for your heartache. I think anyone who has been through this with his or her pet know what you are feeling. I want to say so much more but I start to cry for all the beautiful faithful companions we have loved and lost. Keep strong and keep loving him. He has had a great dog life traveling the country with you!...

Carol Brewsterivy

[Redetotry]

Liz, I am so sorry and I too will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. ((((((((HUGS))))))))

[BirdbyBird]

Knowing what is happening may be good even if it is painful..... With the little time left you can spend your energy helping him be comfortable. ((((( hugs ))))))

[dayspring39]

Sometimes life just does not seem fair... Liz I know you will do your best for him and he has been a lucky four footer to have you... I am thinking of you now and praying God will allow him to be somewhat comfortable...
Kathleen

[Yakn1]

Just seeing Roe's picture brought tears to my eyes.
You have been so blessed to have each other thru the years and I know he loves you as much as you love him!
As long as he is comfortable he will be happy.
My (((((hugs)))) and prayers to both of you.

[Colliemom]

Liz, I am so sorry. Just reading your latest news brought tears to my eyes. I think Laura summed it all up beautifully, so there isn't much I can add other than Roe did more and saw more than many dogs ever will in their lifetimes. that final decision is always hard to make, but yet we know that they are suffering and we can at least give them the dignity to go peacefully. We all know that our loved pets will be waiitng for us at "Rainbow Bridge". Hugs and prayers to you and Roe.