05-07-2010 4:04 PM -- By: Shelly, Critters.com memorial: Hungry Joe Memorial Hungry Joe was never diagnosed with cancer, but all the signs pointed to a brain tumor. His behavior changed and he started knuckling around December 2009. He started having seizures, February 2010. And we were lucky to get until April 23, 2010, with him. This has been the hardest year. To watch your baby die is something I wouldn't wish on anyone. May he rest in peace now and run after those butterflies again!
03-18-2010 8:34 PM -- By: L.A., Critters.com memorial: Buffy-Marie Jones Memorial My Bufferoni lost her battle with cancer. It came so suddenly. Her behavior changed drastically. After an initial vet appointment, the next morning she had mulitple seizures. She stayed overnight at the animal hospital and we took her home to spend as much time with her. I'm not a superstitious person, but on the 13th day, she suffered numerous seizures again. The brain tumor had taken its toll on Puff and I knew in my heart, she was deteriorating everyday. That saturday, we went for our very last pack walkie, only up and down the length of our home. There were signs starting the day before that she was looking for her final resting place, a hidden and tucked away corner of our dining room, kitchen, or spare room. On Sunday morning, the 17th day post hospitalization, I found my precious little Puff Puff in her final sleep. I will never forget it=she was so cold, all her color had drained, she was so cold. She looked so peaceful and so pretty. Cancer worked so fast and so sudden. The shelter reported her as being 3 years old when we adopted her. When she was hospitalized, the vets estimated her to be 8 or 9 years old. Buffy-Marie was with our family for 16 months. She survived for 17 days.
02-17-2010 12:00 AM -- By: Debbie, Critters.com memorial: Isabella Memorial I couldn't believe it when the Vet said my dog had mass cell tumor! I was just numb. She had a spot that wouldn't heal right on her behind. She had her first surgery in July 2008 and she healed fast....but by Christmas it was back but under her skin by her tummy. another surgery, this one alittle more uncomfortable. Isabella had to take predisone and bendryl every day. She recovered so well and fast I thought for sure she would be cured. But by March a new mass cell tumor on her right side and under her chin. More surgeries, and then the beginning of chemotheraphy. I marveled at how well she was doing: eating well, playing, taking walks, sleeping comfortably, etc. Surely she would be cured as the cancer was not spreading internally to any organs.
But by October of '09 when she had finished the 6months of chemo the mass cell tumor began growing again on her behind....a new drug palladia was given. I drove her 200miles twice a month to see the "cancer" vet and again we had high hopes, but it was not to be. One morning we woke up and she went outside to do her morning thing and she wasn't coming back in...I knew something was wrong. She was just sitting out on the grass too weak to come in...vomiting now too...I rushed her to the vet for IV fluids, tests, and more tests....she was very sick and I didn't think she would make it. Another 200 mile drive and 4 days in intensive care pulled her through. Again she recovered, but not as strong. Pallidia was started again once she was stronger, but by Christmas the tumor was growing more and she was anemic. For days I hoped she would eat, but she wasn't interested. She tried for me, but would only throw it up later. I told her I wouldn't put her through anymore if the new drug wasn't going to help her. Two days after Christmas I knew it was time. I think she was hanging on for me, because I was holding her so much and crying. My niece, who is a Vet tech, came to the house and i let her go when she still had her dignity...and a little bit of Izzy left in her. Two hours before I put her to sleep she tried to "play in her water". That cancer took ahold of her and made her weak, etc. I still can't believe she died of CANCER.
I thought I was getting over it till I was watching some videos of her playing...I sure miss her. I'm sorry anyone has to go through this with their animal. My Vet states many animals are getting cancer now. Why? What a helpless feeling.
02-04-2010 1:01 AM -- By: Bob, Critters.com memorial: Jessie Memorial I am really shocked to see so many brought down by cancer. My Jessie was a victim of a cancerous growth on the pancreas that spread to her liver. It was so fast . My Vet suspected the worse, but advised an ultrasound and said a x-ray would only reveal a mass and there is always a chance of the problem being non-cancerous. We had the ultrasound done and the result was cancer that had spread to the liver. Bless the Vet's for their support and compassion. Bless the staff for their help and compassion. We were able to bring Jessie home to the farm and lay her next to her puppy companion Zoe who was our daughters sheppard. Zoe was brought down by mast cell cancer at the age of 3 which is rare in a dog that age. She also went very fast - a week for the cancer to devistate her to the point she had to be put to rest. My prayers go out to every person who has suffered a loss.
01-22-2010 5:11 PM -- By: terri, Critters.com memorial: Frisbee Memorial i just got my dog frisbee's ashes back today. it has been 2 weeks since she left us. She had just turned 5. she had lymphoma. she was my second golden and i miss her so bad. i still cant believe she is gone from us. frisbee, please let me know your o.k.
11-23-2009 5:36 PM -- By: Susan, Critters.com memorial: PEBBLES Memorial Pebbles was diagnosed with oral melanoma in November of 2007 we had the tumor removed from her mouth ( on her gum) and it came back we removed it again as well as her tooth the cancer was growing in her tooth. I not get her chemo or radiation I could not let her go thru that. But this miracle vaccine saved her life. It immediately started her on the Oral melanoma vaccine she needed 1 shot every other week 4x's and a booster every six months. It gave me two more years with her. In March of 2009 Pebbles had congestive Heart Failure,and was being treated with lasix and heart medication, and living a normal life. But......The cancer came back on her tongue in Sept 2009 which we had the tumor removed and the Dr got all the margins. But Pebbles stopped eating, I was putting food in her mouth because of the heart failure she was on a special diet so I boiled chicken for her with carrots and rice and put it thru the food possessor so it would be easy for her to swallow when I fed her. She had no signs ever of cancer not even in the beginning. But two weeks ago she had her first seizure and then another one a week later and started on medication to treat them. It wasn't until November 17th that she started to shiver and I was trying to warm her and she was very restless the whole nite before and the morning so I ran her to the vet and on the way there she started to Yelp a lot the vet did a X-rays and the cancer spread thru her lungs and her spleen and they assumed it was also in her head that is what caused the seizures. She kept yelping and started to lose her bowel movement and I had no choice to put her down it broke my heart but I know in my head I could not let her suffer. I have been nursing her for a few months towards the end I was giving her fluids and jello because she was not drinking a lot. Since she had the heart failure in March she needed to go out every two hours all day and nite because of the water pills. I tried everything I could to save my dog I wish I could have done more, I miss her so much and I am so lost with out her. She was my whole world. Pebbles went every where with me , Invitations were addressed to Susan and Pebbles , she came to work with me we went shopping together, and we went on vacation with her I never left her behind. I loved her more then anything and this was the hardest thing I had to do. I cant even be in my house by myself everywhere I look there is something of hers from beds to toys and brushes and bows, this is killing me. Pebbles had picked up her head and gave me kisses when she was laying on the table, since the seizures started it was very hard to get kisses from her. But she gave me her last kiss and I held her in my arms and sang to her. She was my precious little girl, and always will be.
11-17-2009 7:34 PM -- By: caren, Pet's name: gypsy rose Gypsy rose always had health problems that she was being treated for, enlarged liver and heart and a collasped trachea that had her using 5 medicines. Saturday 11/14 she started throwing up, this dog never turns down food or treats, the next morning 11/15 i found blood in her stool and it was like water, i brought her to the emergency clinic and they said she was very critical blood cell counts, liver had gotten bigger her pancreas was infected and then i picked her up 6:30 monday morning and brought her to my vet-they said it was cancer the liver and probably the esphogus-Spelling?-She was bleeding internally and 20 minutes she died-she went from her walk saturday morning to this. Rosey never showed any signs of pain etc..Just that last 24hrs. she want limp and looked into my eyes but had no energy to even kiss me, i'm just so devasted. She was like my child.
09-10-2009 5:57 PM -- By: Suzie, Critters.com memorial: KETO BOY Memorial It is hard to believe that no one has experienced multiple myeloma with their pet. I guess I am still searching for answers and there are none. There is only sorrow and pain each day I am without my angel baby. So many regerets, so much hurt.
09-05-2009 1:27 PM -- By: Elizabeth, Critters.com memorial: Roo Memorial It all happened so quickly for me. We just moved into our new place on 8/21 and Roo is a quick adjuster. She already loved the place and was smelling every room to make sure it was up to her standards. 2 days later Roo begun to vomit... but we assumed it was her either eating to quickly, or drinking to fast, or running around after eating (that's what the past was like). It continued for a few days but she was still eating. I thought, maybe I'll try changing her food? She was still eating at this point. By the time it was a week from the day we moved in, Roo was looking a little worse. I decided to get some canned wet food and give her little by little throughout the day to see if that would help (I read that online). I told myself, if things don't improve by Monday then I'm taking her to the Vet. Sunday morning, we are doing our usual - getting up, going into her room to take her out to potty... and Roo has thrown up more than I have ever seen. It looked as if she throw up a week's worth of food. I was terrified at that point. We cleaned it up, and I looked online at a few forums. In that moment... I turn to look at Roo laying in her cage, she looks up at me with a look I have never seen before... but as odd as this may sound, Roo was telling me something. I knew what she was telling me but I refused to let it be known because I didn't want to believe it. Within those 2 minutes of her looking at me, and me knowing what she is telling Mommy... she was practically chocking on her vomit. We rushed her to the emergency vet. They did xrays and noticed her liver was enlarged larger than it should be. The vet informed me she could have some kind of liver problem than can be correct with medicine. She also gave me the heads up that if it's worse, then they can fix it by surgery. So of course at this point, we are assuming and thinking... Roo will be ok. The vet gave us the option, either rush her to the hospital for an ultra sound, or we can try this medication to see how she is with that. I asked her, what would you recommend? She said the hospital and that was our thoughts exactly. At this point, Roo has gone a week of throwing up all her food... so she was very lethargic. We rush Roo to the hospital where they immediately hook her up to IV's. Since it was Sunday, they told us the Doctor will do her ultra sound first thing in the morning but she had to stay over night. The next day I call about her ultra sound... and informed things do not look good. He told me she had enlarged lymphnodes, and fluids in her intestines. He then warned me that he thinks it is Lymphoma, and Roo may have 10-13 months.... it is treatable but not curable. I was a mess from that day on... I called off of work. I couldn't bear the thought of losing my Roo. They took cells from Roo's lymphnodes and spleen to test them, it came back positive. Roo has Lymphoma and was at stage IV... with 4-6 months left. That is... if she responds to the chemo well. On Tuesday, she immediately received the chemo. Another Doctor informed us that dogs have a quick turnaround from chemo, usually within 1-3 days they begin to feel better. So we still have hope we will have our baby home for a little longer... To make the rest of this story shorter... Roo did not respond well to the chemo and became worse each day. The cancer was already spreading to her liver. By Thursday, the Doctor told me the next 24 hours would determine where we were going with Roo. At that point, they have literally tried everything. I know at that point, Roo's final hours would be soon. On Friday, I called early in the morning to check on Roo and she was throwing up all night. She has been on 6 different anti vomiting medications and nauseous medications... so knew at that point... it was time. Roo already lost 10 pounds and no longer looked like herself. My poor baby went through so much that week... she could hardly keep her eyes open from all the drugs, IV's and chemo she went through. She is a strong girl and tried... she gave me one last kiss... which was hard for her to do... saying goodbye to my baby girl... only 6 years old... was extremely difficult. I don't know how to get through each day without her. She was my one and only...
08-27-2009 10:56 AM -- By: Molly, Critters.com memorial: Heidi Memorial My Heidi had cancer of the mouth. She went in for a dental cleaning, and 2 weeks later, we were putting her to rest. They had removed the cancer, but it came back with a vengeance. It's been almost a year now, (9-15-09) and my heart is as broken now as it was that awful day.
I pray for all who are given that horrible news that their beloved furbaby has this dreaded cancer. I pray for the furbabies that they don't suffer and know that what we are doing for them is trying to help them feel better.
08-13-2009 6:11 PM -- By: Suzie, Critters.com memorial: KETO BOY Memorial It seems most vets tell everyone that has a sick animal in the beginning that it is pancreatitis. I had a horrible vet that led me to believe that my angel baby had pancreatitis and it turned out to be multiple myeloma. It took going to anther vet who knew the facts and took the time to listen and run additional tests. But, it was too late. Four months of chemo and my baby died anyway. I am angry at the hateful vet who didnt care and mad at me for not seeking another doctor sooner. It is too late now for regrets. Now I know my angel is out of pain and in heaven with so many new friends. I also know, that I will see him again soon. I love you Keto Boy, my pride & joy, the best of me. Keto, love Snoopy for his mom. Jeannine, you did everyting you could .
08-11-2009 6:10 PM -- By: Jeannine, Critters.com memorial: Snoopy Memorial He told me I had to make a decision, because it didn't look good. At least he wasn't trying give me false hope. He wanted to x-rays or an ultrasound. I was having trouble finding the money to do this, or it would've been done sooner. He wanted me to take Snoopy to a24 hr animal hospital,but my kids were sleeping(about 11pm) and I had noone to come over and watch them. So I waited till Friday morning and took Snoopy to the Vet. Emergency Center here on Staten Island about 9am. They put him on an IV, catheter,morphine, and were going to do the x-rays. The receptionist said give them about an hr. for the results. I kissed him goodbye, then went to get some groceries and back home. I called about 2 hrs. later. The new doctor told me he could show me the x-rays. So, he began: "He has a heart based tumor, which extends about 30% into his rib cage and up into his trachea." "He also has a very swollen liver, too". So it wasn't just some bad arthritis and pancreatitis. He said it probably started in his liver and traveled to his pericardium where cancer cells attached and grew. Also, he said that the cancer cells may have metastized to his urinary system and bowels. I asked - is there anything you can do, can he be saved? And he said-"No". He also said that if he had to guess, Snoopy probably had Hemangiosarcoma (blood vessels) and he had it about 6 months. I thought he was going to die out in the yard Thursday morning. He went to vomit about 5 min. after drinking some water and when he stood up, he starting shaking and throw his head forward, then fell down on his right side. I screamed out-"Snoopy!". I knew this was it. I just didn't want to believe it. My poor baby. I feel so bad that he was suffering and I didn't know how sick he was. I probably shouldn't beat myself up, but I wish I took him sooner and could've saved him. He was the most loving, sweetest dog. And funny, oh my god. He hated baths when he was getting them. But when it was all over, he'd shake,then run around wagging his tail. He loved being clean. I knew I wanted to be there with him in his final moments and wanted to be the last person he saw when he lett this world. I spent over 7 hrs with him at the vet med ctr. on his last day. I kept telling him -I love you, you're the best dog Snoopy. When it came time for his first shot and the dr. told me that it was going to put him out, I yelled out-"Bye, Snoopy !!!" and "My dog!". I still kept looking into his eyes and was holding his heart until the last shot when I could no longer hear it. I saw him take his last breath and felt a sense of relief that he was out of pain an suffering , but a little dizzy and overwhelmed. The dr. said I could stay with him for as long as I wanted and that anything I would now see (movement) would just be rigormortis setting in. Since I spent the whole afternoon and evening with him, I didn't feel the need to stay with him more than 5 minutes. Besides, I knew he was out of his body then anyway. Snoopy, I'm so so sorry for your pain and love you so much. I will now look into and learn about what you had. I will try not to torture myself and grieve in a healthy way for you. Bye for now baby, Mommy.
08-11-2009 5:51 PM -- By: Jeannine, Critters.com memorial: Snoopy Memorial I just made the heart-wrenching decision to have my beautiful Snoopy euthanized Friday night August 7, 2009. Blood tests revealed extremely high WBC counts. I was told he also had arthritis in all 4 legs. Rimadyl could've helped him, and I was ready to start giving it to him. He just wasn't showing interest in food anymore and was basically just drinking water. I was afraid it was his kidneys, something I always feared. After his first series of blood tests on Tues. July 28th, the doctor wanted me to bring him back in a week and gave me an antibiotic to go home with. I had to practically pry his mouth open to give him his pill. I never had this much of a problem giving him any kind of meds before. Anyway, when I went back to the vet last Thursday-Aug. 6th, he did another blood test- and his lipase levels where sky high-over 40,000. He gave me 2 more prescriptions-appetite stimulant and a stronger anti-biotic and told me he'd give me a call later. When that phone rang about 9:30pm, I was so scared and afraid to answer. He told me about his high lipase levels and that he had severe pancreatitis, and maybe something going on with his liver as well.
06-04-2009 2:14 PM -- By: Mary Kay Hurley, Critters.com memorial: Jake Memorial Hi! I lost my beautiful baby boy Jake to Canine Lymphoma on April 8Th of this year. I would have never imagined in a million years that he would die of Cancer. My little guy lived to see his 9Th birthday and was taken from me just four days later. Jake was my special boy, we had been through so much together. I expected to have him at least until he was a little older. I was and still am devastated over losing him so soon. I still see him everywhere at the house, and can even feel his presence still. A friend told me tha pain will lessen but never really go away.
05-31-2009 4:07 PM -- By: Peggy, Critters.com memorial: Grace Memorial Hi, I just lost my dear, sweet Gracie to an thyroid adenocarcinoma yesterday (5/30/09). She had a cough that wouldn't go away last July, so I took her to the vet who diagnosed her with bronchitis (took x-rays) but put her on a cough syrup along with antibiotics just in case. Three months went by and nothing really changed except suddenly, in October, her cough got much much worse. I took her back and this time the vet noticed some type of lump in her throat. Of course, in retrospect, the lump was visible on the first set of x-rays in July, but only just. I took her to a specialist who diagnosed her with the cancer. She then got a CT scan and I got the very grim prognosis of 1 week to 1 month if I did nothing (chemo or radiation). It was too late for surgery. After much agonizing thougth, I decided not to put her through the chemo or radiation. It would have required her to stay several hours away from me for up to 3 weeks and I wasn't willing to be so far away from her for so long. I started to do some serious research and asked for help from friends for suggestions. One friend, Tonita, who is also a canine nutrition specialist suggested I look into several natural herbs and change her diet to a "cancer starving" diet of raw organic meats along with very few carbs. We also began swimming weekly at a local dog spa.
Gracie outlived her prognosis by 6 months. She was happy, hungry, and playful up until the last few days. Her appetite dropped over the past few days and it was obvious she was very tired. and getting weaker. So, yesterday, we went swimming for one last time and then we went to the vet. She died peacefully in my arms with her dog sisters surrounding her. I am having trouble realizing she is really gone. I keep thinking she will walk over and nudge me any minute now. How do you ever get over such a wonderful soul?
04-01-2009 9:29 PM -- By: Kari, Critters.com memorial: Rylee Memorial I lost my dearest boston terrier, Rylee, to cancer a year ago in June. He had a MAST cell tumor. I didn't have any idea what it was. It was a spot on his behind, that started out as a pimple.. little by little it started getting bigger. I did some research online and thought it was a hotspot (it had all the signs that it possibly could be), so I started treating him for that. When it got even bigger, I took him to the vet. He agreed that it could possibly be a hotspot and gave me the strongest antibiotic there was. He told me if that didn't work, then nothing would...and if the spot kept growing, that in 2 weeks...bring him back. Well, unfortunately, the spot grew faster than it had ever grown. I took him back and he then mentioned a MAST cell tumor, something that was genetic in the boston terrier..and the only way to know for sure was to have surgery to take the spot out and have it sent out for testing. I was keeping my hopes up...this dog was indestructable....Rylee couldn't possibly have cancer. About a week later, I got that terrible call while I was at work. It was the doctor calling me personally to tell me he got the results back. He was very sorry to tell me that it wasn't good news. Rylee had stage 3 cancer....the worst kind he could have, and he had only seen 1 or 2 cases of it in his practice. I was sooo upset I had to leave work and go home to my baby. I went up to the vet to talk about this and to see what could be done. The doctor told me, there was nothing left for Rylee, he only had a month to live. I could put him through radiation and chemo, which was very expensive, but it would most likely not work. A month to live??? Thats crazy. Rylee was acting fine. Are you sure you got the right report? Unfortunately so. I started preparing myself for the hardest journey I would ever have to go on. Nothing more I could do, I just stayed by his side, loving him more than I had ever loved before..One month passed by, Rylee was still fine. Two, three, four, five months....then one day Rylee woke up and he was just different. He was sick. He was in pain. That's when I knew this was the beginning of the end. I told myself, He's got to the end of this month and I'll have to say goodbye. I wish that was the case. My poor Rylee lasted til the end of the week. That's how fast the cancer took over. One day he was fine, the next day he was on his death bed...but what more could I ask for? He didn't give me 1 more month...he gave me 6. That week, I put my first dog, my life and soul to sleep. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do. Almost a year later...I still cry about him, I still think about him, and I still miss him like I did the first day he was gone. My biggest regret.....not rushing him to the vet the second the spot showed up, even though the doctor said that wouldn't have made much of a difference. He might have only lived to be barely 5 years old....but he did ALOT of living in those years, and those were easily the best years of my life. I love that dog, and always will. Your mama misses you Rylee!!!
03-22-2009 11:42 PM -- By: Jean, Critters.com memorial: Nacho Memorial I just recently lost my dearest and very best friend Nacho to Inflammatory Bowel Disease(IBD)/Lymphoma (Cancer) of the stomach and intestines less than a week ago. From what I have read from this particular cancer forum, I didn't see too many IBD/stomach Lymphoma cases so I wanted to share the one that Nacho had for other pet owners.
Since January of 2009, Nacho my 14 year old chihuahua didn't seem to have much of an appetite. She would sometimes jump off the bed in the middle of the night and either have bloody,mucus stool, vomiting or she should just go over to the couch in the living room awake and shivering. I took her to the vet the next morning where they started to conduct blood work and a barium series. The barium series revealed that it would take Nacho over 24 hours to digest her food/have a bowel movement from her inflammed stomach and intestine. The only way to figure out if Nacho could be treated for either IBD or cancer is through a biopsy- so that she could be treated with Chemo (if Cancer or lymphoma) or through Presnidone (Steriods if IBD)). The vet at the time did not recommend a biopsy because of the results of Nacho's poor blood work as she was leaking all of her protein through her stool thus, she was treated as if she had IBD.
In February, I moved to Colorado and I noticed that Nacho started to show bad signs again even though she was on medication. The new vet in Colorado conducted an ultrasound and blood work and told me that Nacho needed this biopsy so that we can both treat her the best we could. Nacho's blood work was within normal ranges so the vet was pushing for a biopsy. For weeks I showed my concerns to the vet and the vet insisted that the biopsy was the best thing. It was only too late for my baby Nacho to be treated by the time the biopsy results revealed that Nacho had severe IBD. Before Nacho could recieve treatment for IBD, the actual biopsy (in my opinion gave her a stroke from the way she was acting) took over her life and she was sent to heaven. It's not the vet's fault, but I wish I could of just not opt'd for the biopsy. The vet claims that something like this happens to 0.0001% in animals, but I just think Nacho was too weak to recover.
I learned that if your pet has an stomach or intestine problem, please, spend the extra money to see an internal vet specialist instead of stopping your research at the vet. Vet Specialists undergo extensive training and education for that particular reason and they are the best in that particular field. Get second opinions before a biopsy or endoscopy. It will be well worth it. There are no second chances with life.
03-02-2009 7:22 PM -- By: CIndy, Critters.com memorial: Patch Memorial Paula, this is not for my Patchy who is listed here. It is about my golden, Buddy, who died from lymphoma 2 tears ago. Around Memorial Day 2006 he was diagnosed with thw lymphoma in his throat glands and other sites. He was treated through the summer with chemo and for a short while he was doing better. But right after Thanksgiving he had a horrible relapse. Nov.28the vet can to the house and put him down The chemo gave him one last summer and for that I am grateful,
02-12-2009 12:56 PM -- By: Christy, Critters.com memorial: Greta Abigail Memorial Hi Paula, I wanted to ask you about the pet you lost to the brain tumor if thats okay. I lost my beautiful girl to Cushings. Cushings causes a Tumor either in the Adrenal glands in the back or in the Brain. Unfortunately Gretas was in the brain. It was a horrible death and I did not get alot of information or answers from the vet that I had previously taken her to for the 3 years before her death. Actually, I had to do the research and took her to another vet and told them I thought she had Cushings and they finally diagnosed her with it right before she passed. Do you know if this is a form of Cancer as this bothers me to this day. I have another lab and they are prone to this horrible disease. I would appreciate any info as I can't seem to find much info on this internet wise....Thanks so much...Christy
02-11-2009 12:20 AM -- By: Laura, Critters.com memorial: Dale Memorial Paula - thank you from the bottom of my heart and Dale's! It's a very hard thing . . . I even had myself convinced that maybe it was gone because he seemed so healthy for so long. Here I am, shedding tears again tonight, knowing Dale doesn't want that for me. He was my buddy and I just miss him so. Hugs -- Laura
02-10-2009 11:00 PM -- By: Paula, Critters.com memorial: KARLEY Memorial To Susie...I don't know about the cancer that your Keto Boy had. I am so sorry for your loss though. Please leave your e-mail on Karley's page & I would be more than willing to talk to you. Keto Boy...run fast, play hard, sleep well. Sincerely, Paula
02-10-2009 10:57 PM -- By: Paula, Critters.com memorial: KARLEY Memorial Laura...I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dale. I know just how you feel. We have lost 5 of our 6 doggies to cancer & it is NEVER easy.
You gave your Dale a wonderful life. And he loves you for doing so. He is now CANCER free at the bridge. He's having such a good time with all of his new friends. And he's enjoying all of those long naps in the sun. You will see your precious Dale again. Until then, hold your memories close to your heart. I will let my Cole & the others know that Dale is there & to find him so they can all play. DALE...run free, play hard & sleep well. Sincerely, Paula
02-09-2009 12:01 AM -- By: Laura, Critters.com memorial: Dale Memorial I lost my beloved Dale three days ago. About a year-and-a-half ago, we noticed Dale having problems trying to have a b/m. He would wind up stretching out and urinating instead. Thinking it may be something that may pass, we waited a month or so and then took him to our vet who, with a rectal exam, discovered a tumor and referred us to a radiologist. With ultrasound, they were 95% certain we were dealing with prostate cancer. They said they could do a biopsy to confirm it but even if it was confirmed, there was no chance of removing the prostate, for obvious reasons. Dale was a neutered dog, which made it even more rare. They prescribed medications to at least attempt to shrink the tumor that was blocking his colon and putting pressure on his bladder.
He did well until last week, and then it was downhill very, very quickly. The first signs of weakening were that he began leaking urine. We took him to the University of Florida as a last-ditch effort to see if there was anything they could do -- we had heard many, many good things about them. They started with x-rays and went no further. They discovered that although the original tumor had shrunk, the cancer had spread into his chest cavity and lungs. It would be a day or two that his bladder would completely shut down.
We brought him home and spent another wonderful, wonderful night with our dear boy! He was very weak, swaying to one side when walking, completely unable to urinate other than leaking, unable to eat - even his favorite treats! We knew his time had come and I made that excruciating decision to send him to that place where he would feel no pain!
I love my Dale with all my heart and I urge everyone that although rare, prostate cancer does indeed exist and it leaves you with such a feeling of helplessness . . . but pay very close attention to urinating and defacation patterns - they can really give some clues!
And thank you to everyone on this site for making this burden a little easier to bear. In Dale's honor, I thank you!
Laura - Tampa, FL
01-28-2009 12:53 AM -- By: Paula, Critters.com memorial: KARLEY Memorial I would like to help anyone whos pet is suffering from cancer or anyone who has lost a pet to cancer. Karley did not have cancer. BUT I have lost 5 of our 6 dogs to cancer. 2 had bone cancer...2 had lymphoma & 1 had a brain tumor.
I have been where many of you are now. I have had the heartache of hearing that horrible word. I have had my brain go blank as soon as that word comes out of the vets mouth. And my heart has broken 5 times due to that word.
I can answer your questions...and if I can't, I can tell you who you can ask.
Cancer is very hard to detect on our part. By the time WE have noticed that things are not right, the cancer has been in their bodies for some time. There is NOT a cure yet but I know people who are working with more of the human meds & they are working on the dogs. Of course, they aren't CURING the cancer...they are staying in remission a little longer.
The most important thing is...make sure the quality of life is still there for your pet. And when it is time, you WILL be able to see it in your pets eyes. It's a look that you have NOT seen before. And it's a look that you just can't ignore. I have seen that look 4 out of the 5 times. And it broke my heart.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you have any questions for me, you can leave them on this forum if it's ok with the admin people here.
To everyone who is dealing with this...you are in my thoughts & prayers. It's not an easy road. Sincerely, Paula
01-16-2009 1:09 AM -- By: Gerardine - Brandy & Chica's mommy, Critters.com memorial: Chica Memorial I picked up Brandy's ashes today and can't believe that is all that is left of her here on earth. Her spirit is in Rainbow Bridge pain free and enjoying running around like a young puppy. It is hard to believe she has been gone a week and it's just so empty here without her.
Brandy - I really miss you pupu and hope you are adjusting to your new life. It's been exactly one week since you left me here and each day that goes by the tears still stream down my face. I know it is better that you are no longer in pain and that cancer is gone from your life now, for that I am glad but the mommy side of me misses my baby so much. I still see you (feel you) near my feet while I type on the computer. Take care sweetie and send some good thoughts my way. Love mommy
01-13-2009 2:51 AM -- By: Gerardine - Brandy & Chica, Critters.com memorial: Chica Memorial Brandy (March 17, 1996-January 8, 2009)
Brandy suffered with liver and pancreatic cancer until the day she asked to be taken away from the pain and agony of her illness. God took her on January 8 last week and she joined her little sis, Chica in Rainbow Bridge. Brandy was a pound puppy, a rescued Terrier mutt and the best pooch one mom could ask for. She was far from perfect but her loving eyes and good soul more than made up for her mischief!
God bless you Brandy, I pray that someday I will be reunited with you. Take care my baby and don't forget to say your prayers....maybe you and your sister can say a short prayer for me so that I may be able to wipe the tears from my eyes.
Love you always baby....your mommy
12-22-2008 7:36 PM -- By: suzie bragan, Critters.com memorial: KETO BOY Memorial I have read so many memorials and not one mentions multiple myeloma cancer. Am I the only one?
12-21-2008 8:26 PM -- By: Suzie Bragan, Pet's name: KetoBoy 1 1/2 years ago I was tol my boy had multiple myeloma via bloodtest. He also had fail pancreous. We trated with special food and powder medicine as the vet told us this would help and he may live 6 mths. Keto did good, continued to eat and play for awhile. The vet told us if we were to do anything else it would be chemo and that it was painful and only increased his survival by a couple of months. The following year he started having trouble walking so we took him to a wonderful vet specialist Dr. walker at North Fl Vet in Orange Park. Dr. Walker asked why we didnt bring him sooner and we told him what the vet had said to us. He told us we we were misinformed and that we could have started chemo. So, finally we began chemo (AT HOME) and meds. Keto did great for a couple of months and then he began ti fail. On a Sunday night he could not use his back legs. Monday early I took him to Dr. walker who took an xray of his back and chest and confirmed that the cancer had spread to his spine and chest. I was allowewd to take him home giving him morphine every 5 hrs. We spent the night on the floor on a pallet talking and loving each other. The next day Dr. Walker helped him to meet God. while he was sitting on his pillow on Dads lap and I was holding his face telling him how much I love him. I will forever question if I should have done more. The first vet was wrong and this cost us time with Keto. Please question your vets and get second opinions. I am a medical assistant and I feel that I failed Keto whwen he needed me most.
12-11-2008 8:09 PM -- By: Andrea, Critters.com memorial: Roxy Memorial
Roxy was diagnosed with a mammary breast cancer tumor that females get when they are not spayed which I had no idea about. I had her 11 wonderful years. October 7, 2008 she had surgery she came home on October 10, 2008 like she didn't even have the surgery, then the things started setting in and getting worse. Doc told me the tumor was so enormous he was surprised she made it through, he had to pull her skin back together to stitch her up. I tried my best. She died Novmeber 11, 2008.
11-04-2008 3:55 AM -- By: , Critters.com memorial: Chica Memorial On 10/28/08 the vet's office confirmed that my sweet baby Chica has lymphoma. I am so devastated and I have cried every day. My heart is just broken & filled with so much sorrow....
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