[aprillovesherdogs]

I said "I HOPE he can make the trip". I am stating that only because if her vet says he is ok to go, a second opinion would be a good idea if his family really wants him to go.

With all the trouble that I have had with my current vet and the misinformation and indifferent care they have given me, I feel like I need 3 or 4 opinions now. I'm even calling former vets in other states just for feedback. I am sure that Marley will make an educated and compassionate decision. I'm sure when she said "I can't do a thing about it", that she meant regarding stopping the tumor from growing. ...not that she couldn't help Jaxx when he has had enough.

Moondog, I usually agree with you and I do on some your opinions of your last post, but the comment "the degree with which this happens depends on the people themselves and their depth of compassion and understanding of animals to begin with, so it certainly doesn't apply to everyone but does apply to many" troubled me. I hope I have read it wrong but it seems that you have made "many" out to be selfish, novice animal lovers, me being one of them. I could be wrong about your intent and I have respect for you so I won't fuss about it. But I do believe that everyone here has an enormous amount of compassion and understanding for animals. We shouldn't have to post our animal resumes to prove it.

The following comments are not at anyone specific. I am speaking generally.

This thread is a support line...hence the title "help, my friend has os", and all of us (novice or experienced animal caretakers)posting here are suffering so tremendously that we need to be sure that we are not attacking others when we are misinterpretting their feelings and letting our own rule. I tend to all my dogs needs in a level headed and serious way and I use this thread to get some of my pain out and offer hope. If I sound crazy on here sometimes maybe I am for that moment when I allow myself to break from the reality. Just like I am doing now. I was so blessed this week with the good news for Ansel when I thought all was lost and I will continue to offer hope to everyone here, no matter what their opinions are. There is nothing wrong or sickening about good cheer.

If I can't stand to watch, read, or hear something , I turn the channel, close the book, or turn off the radio. If it bothers people to hear hope (real or false) and love being poured out, don't hurt those that desperately need it by adding to their grief and confusion.

I care about each of you but mostly your dogs. I'm not a people person by nature, but cry over dog food commercials.

Is anyone close enough with Laurie and Lucas that they could call or contact her? It's breaking my heart not to hear from her.