The Pet Thread

[flybigjet]

Originally Posted by Watching The World Burn

Got some crappy news yesterday, looks like my dog Mac (yellow lab) has what they think is a fast growing malignant tumour which is pressing on several organs. We've been noticing he hasn't been eating much at all which is why we took him for an ultrasound and blood work, but since coming back from the vet he has really seemed to take a turn for the worse.

I was hoping for months, but now I'm thinking it might be more like a week or two before we have to put him down. While I'll miss him a lot, its my kids I worry most about - he was there before them and so they only know having him and they really love him. We're going to tell them tomorrow.

I'm sorry to hear that. Working towards a beloved pet's passing is a rough gig.

R.

[Watching The World Burn]

Originally Posted by flybigjet

I'm sorry to hear that. Working towards a beloved pet's passing is a rough gig.

R.

For sure - I just don't want him to be in pain either, but I'm picking up on some cues that he's trying to tell us that he's hurting. He ate one treat today, but wouldn't eat more (which is something he never would have turned down in the past), he used to love walks, now he's dragging his feet, and he woke us up 3 times last night to go out, once where he apparently disappeared for 20 minutes in the forest according to my wife who had him that go around where she thought he might have gone away to die.

But otherwise, he's still smiling on the outside, super gentle as he always has been, etc, so its hard to make the decision, but given the above cues, I feel like he's trying to tell me its his time, much as I don't want to do it. Still, keeping him around if he's in pain is unfair and I know it, so I'll do the right thing if I see this continue...because these are definitely marked changes in his behaviour.

Really sucks though.

[flybigjet]

Originally Posted by Watching The World Burn

For sure - I just don't want him to be in pain either, but I'm picking up on some cues that he's trying to tell us that he's hurting. He ate one treat today, but wouldn't eat more (which is something he never would have turned down in the past), he used to love walks, now he's dragging his feet, and he woke us up 3 times last night to go out, once where he apparently disappeared for 20 minutes in the forest according to my wife who had him that go around where she thought he might have gone away to die.

But otherwise, he's still smiling on the outside, super gentle as he always has been, etc, so its hard to make the decision, but given the above cues, I feel like he's trying to tell me its his time, much as I don't want to do it. Still, keeping him around if he's in pain is unfair and I know it, so I'll do the right thing if I see this continue...because these are definitely marked changes in his behaviour.

Really sucks though.

The best advice I've ever been given is that our pets hearts beat faster than ours, and eventually we have to make the decision to let them go.

And, we have to be the adults-- and have to do what can be incredibly painful and make the decision that's best for *them*, and not for us.

As much as we love our pets, there comes a time where we have to decide on when to call it a day.

But they *trust* us. And with that trust comes the responsibility of making the call on when to "call it a day", regardless of how much you might want one more "perfect" day with them.

It sucks. And it's horrible. And if you have an ounce of love and compassion in your heart, there will be a *lot* of tears.

But, that's part of the contract. They give you unconditional love, and you eventually have to make "the call".

I'm *so* sorry for what you're going through. Been there, and will be there again.

R.

[Esteban]

Sorry to hear about your pet being ill, Watching The World Burn. I've been there as well. My thoughts are with you and your family and your pet.

[Llarry]

Originally Posted by Llarry

RIP our cat of 10 years. I told my wife I don't want another cat; I don't want the heartbreak that comes with losing them anymore.

After quite a bit of soul-searching, we have decided to get another cat -- or actually two cats. My wife insists she wants kittens, while I'd like to get a couple of adult cats. I feel strongly that the way to go is inside cats; there are just too many dangers for an outside cat.

We're taking a trip to Kauai in June and when we return, we'll get serious.

[JJ 911SC]

.

[flybigjet]

An update on the RoboKitty--

We finally got the orthotic. The vet had some issues fitting it but she had a fairly large box of parts, so after swapping some straps around, we got it to fit.

Except for two things:

1. No matter what we did, we couldn't get Max's paw to fit properly in the foot of the boot. After a day, the vet finally decided to just take it off and that seems to be a good solution. However, the back part of the orthotic now hits the floor when he walks, so next week we'll probably cut off about a quarter inch of it. That's an irreversible decision though, as it'll cut off the boot mounting points. The orthotic cost $1500, so we want to make damn sure we're not going to use the boot again.

2. Since he was splinted and bandaged for almost five weeks, that's caused issues. He's been on a long-term low-dose steroid for an unrelated tummy issue and that's made his skin a little thin-- which caused some sores and bleeding. We've been working hard to get those to heal. We made a "Kitty Condo" for him to sleep in. I borrowed a buddy's Big Freakin' Crate (he has a huge dog), and we put in a litter box, food, water and a heated basket. Max sleeps there at night without the brace so the sores can heal.

Overall, we're **very** cautiously optimistic that he's showing some signs of healing to his tendon. No promises from the vet, but his tendon **might** be getting *slightly* better. He may never have a completely full recovery, but if we can at least get him out of the orthotic in about four months, I'll call that a win.

R.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by flybigjet

An update on the RoboKitty--

Hoping for a great outcome for Max. Beautiful cat, btw.

[Watching The World Burn]

An update on my dog Mac:

My oldest (9) has been praying a lot for Mac, just for a little more time with him - he told my wife that if God just gave him one more month with Mac it would be better than having $1,000. Broke her heart.

I may be learning something from him about prayer though - while I most certainly believe in God and am a Christian, I don't have any expectations that God will work any miracles on an animal - He could, for sure, but why.

But honestly, I can't explain it otherwise, Mac is perking up, hasn't had a bad day since last Saturday, stopped peeing blood, has been eating better (not great, but definitely much more than he was before and after the vet and diagnosis), seems more energetic than before...both my wife and I have no other explanation.

Its great to see of course, and I hope God does give my son a lot more time with the dog now! Certainly hopeful!

[flybigjet]

Originally Posted by Esteban

Hoping for a great outcome for Max. Beautiful cat, btw.

Thanks!

He's a gorgeous Russian Blue and is pretty much the most amazing cat I've ever had, seen or heard about. Smart as a whip, very snuggly and very bonded to my wife and I.

And? He's the most chill cat in existence. The Vets and Tech's all love him-- I'm pretty sure he doesn't know how to hiss or growl. The Specialty Vet even said that he was the most "tolerant" cat she'd ever worked with-- she was folding and bending his hurt leg and he was just "yeah, this sucks, but whatever" and let her do what she needed to do.

The pic isn't great, but it was cycling on my wife's photo frame when I was typing....

R.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by Watching The World Burn

An update on my dog Mac:

My oldest (9) has been praying a lot for Mac, just for a little more time with him - he told my wife that if God just gave him one more month with Mac it would be better than having $1,000. Broke her heart.

I may be learning something from him about prayer though - while I most certainly believe in God and am a Christian, I don't have any expectations that God will work any miracles on an animal - He could, for sure, but why.

But honestly, I can't explain it otherwise, Mac is perking up, hasn't had a bad day since last Saturday, stopped peeing blood, has been eating better (not great, but definitely much more than he was before and after the vet and diagnosis), seems more energetic than before...both my wife and I have no other explanation.

Its great to see of course, and I hope God does give my son a lot more time with the dog now! Certainly hopeful!

I'm not religious, but maybe miracles can happen. Hoping for the best for Mac.

[sygazelle]

I like pets but my wife and i no longer have one of our own because we travel and we just needed a break from having dogs all of our lives.

Occasionally we watch our neighbor's Scottish Terrier while they area away. He is now 14 years I think and he's pretty mellow and very well behaved. We have him over during the day to visit with us and take him back to his house at night.

So, since I finally have a pet in the house, I took a photo so I can share something on this great thread. Here he is making sure he is exactly the right temperature by positioning his body partly in the sun and partly in the shade. What a life he has!

[RickFLM4]

My greeting after a long day yesterday, including drives to/from Miami: “Gimme!”

[Portimao Blue M440ix]

My two cats doing what they do best...

[Portimao Blue M440ix]

Originally Posted by Watching The World Burn

An update on my dog Mac:

My oldest (9) has been praying a lot for Mac, just for a little more time with him - he told my wife that if God just gave him one more month with Mac it would be better than having $1,000. Broke her heart.

I may be learning something from him about prayer though - while I most certainly believe in God and am a Christian, I don't have any expectations that God will work any miracles on an animal - He could, for sure, but why.

But honestly, I can't explain it otherwise, Mac is perking up, hasn't had a bad day since last Saturday, stopped peeing blood, has been eating better (not great, but definitely much more than he was before and after the vet and diagnosis), seems more energetic than before...both my wife and I have no other explanation.

Its great to see of course, and I hope God does give my son a lot more time with the dog now! Certainly hopeful!

Definitely Mac loves your family and is trying to be strong but in the end do whats best for Mac he deserves it.

[UncleWede]

Originally Posted by Portimao Blue M440ix

My two cats doing what they do best...

USB charging station?

[Maynard]

I was thinking electric heated catbed (yes. our cats are PAMPERED).

[Marmugmotleocay]

BimmerBear is enjoying the weather on the patio.

[eliphil]

Originally Posted by Marmugmotleocay

BimmerBear is enjoying the weather on the patio.

What a beautiful rottie if we lived closer I’d ask to come visit

[Marmugmotleocay]

Originally Posted by eliphil

What a beautiful rottie if we lived closer I’d ask to come visit

Thanks. He is very friendly and would love to sit on your feet.

[eliphil]

My brother had a Rottie named Alina. She was truly amazing. A heart of gold

[eliphil]

Sorry Adina