HELP - My best friend has osteosarcoma

[ibkittykat]

Just to join in, Gabby also has OS in her front right shoulder. I have also put her on grain free diet, and other supplements as well. She seems ok for the moment,
I hope all our dogs continue to do well.

[Anne]

Originally Posted by Anne

We seem to have gone a little off track in this thread and I respectfully ask if we can keep this thread as a supportive place for those of us who are still dealing with the stark reality of osteosarcoma in our dogs.

Thanks moderators for getting us back on track.


ibkittykat: Sorry to hear that Gabby has osteosarcoma. What supplements are you giving her?

[Ninasmom]

I am so sorry about your diagnosis ibkittykat. Gabby is very lucky to have you to take care of her in this.

Nina is having a very good few days; it's almost weird. If you would have asked me last week, I would have said that she was getting closer and that I was concerned that when I left for my trip to Australia (Friday), it would be the last time I would see her. Today? I don't think she's done yet.

Over the past few days, she's shown a lot more energy and enthusiasm. She's not sleeping as much, is haunting me when I cook (which she always did but had stopped), more enthusiastic to play, etc... it's almost like we've gone back in time. DH thinks that it's because we've gotten her other paw almost healed (remember the quarter size hole in her 'good rear leg' - you could see the fatty tissue it was so deep) so that's no longer bothering her.

I'm going to Australia on Friday for business so I won't be around for a while. I'll be back on the 19th (I know, short but sweet), so if you don't hear from me before then, don't worry. I'll report as soon as I get back. If you could keep us in your thoughts that would be great.

[caseygina]

Ninasmom and Anne-how are your girls doing?

[observer]

nina'smom reported in the post just prior to yours. So far, so good. Continued good thoughts and prayers for those still fighting this demon.

[Anne]

Originally Posted by caseygina

Ninasmom and Anne-how are your girls doing?

Thanks for thinking of us.

Sophie is still doing quite well but her tumor is growing so quickly. She's still happy and playful and shows no sign of pain.

Ninasmom, great to hear that Nina has improved.

[ibkittykat]

I have deceided to put Gabby to sleep this week, when I can get her in. She is staying in her kennel, not getting out, and I just know she is in pain. It is not fair to her. You all were right, when you said I would know when it was time. Thanks everyone for your help. I am going to call the mobile vet, and she can go peacefully at home. When I read the reply to the post about her just getting up out of no where, and the licking and I think Anne said yes was probably pain related, I said to myself then and there, it was time. I don't have the right to keep this beautiful girl around jsut because I want to save her or because of my own craziness. Thanks to all for your help and support. Racheal and Gabby

[Anne]

ibkittykat, I am so sorry that Gabby's time has come. They do let us know when they need to go. You are being courageous by doing what is right by the dog you love so much. I hope when Sophie's time comes I will have as much courage as you have.
Racheal my thoughts are with you.

[lucasmom]

Rachael-
There is never a good time to say good bye to our best friends, but there is a time to be compassionate and put their needs before our own. I will be praying for you during this difficult time. Laurie

[aprillovesherdogs]

Rachael,
My prayers are with you in this sorrowful time. This disease is so terrible and painful and thank you for loving Gabby so much that you will not allow her to suffer. Your grieving heart can rest easy knowing that if she could say thank you, she would. Thank you for letting all of us share our sorrow and road to a healing heart with you. I guess the next best gift you could give her is a life long memory. May she stay alive and well in your heart forever.

april

[observer]

Rachael-

You are doing a brave and selfless thing. Hopefully you can schedule it soon, to minimize her suffering. It is wonderful that you can have someone come to the house. I was lucky that my vet would do that, too. It will be much easier for her, and, though your anguish will be the same, easier for you, too.

[ibkittykat]

This is a hard night. I love dear old Gabby. She was found at a ditch bank, and taken to the pound because she was a bully breed. She was already spayed had had a good home, loved people, didn't mind cats. Don't know where she came from, but I was lucky to have found her. She has been hard at times, didn't get along with my other rottie, but we figured it out. Now she is at the end of her precious life, and I feel sad that she has to go. The drastic changes between last week and this week and even Sunday to today. She has not gotten up to greet me at the door. Her tail still wags everytime I go near her tho. I know she will be better off. But sometimes I think it is just too soon. I am glad to have given her a great home, she has not had to be outside in the winter or summer, (she is a little plump) and she always enjoyed her walks, even though we only went around the block once because of her weight. I tried hard to get her to loose weight, and she did, about 10 lbs, that was good.
Tonight is her last night of fighting this horrible bone cancer. I can only imagine how she must feel I have have told her that it wont be long, and I am most certain that she understands. Not an easy time, but she will be much better off. Moble vet will be here tomorrow morning, so this is it. Last night with her sleeping in her corner of my room. I feel sad, but also happy that she will be out of her pain, and she will be peaceful.
Thanks all for the loving thoughts and prayers. I do appreciate it so much, and thanks for letting me go on. Gabby Ann will truely be missed.

[lucasmom]

Hello rottie friends-
Just checking in to see how everyone is doing. I can't believe that my Lucas has been gone nearly 2 months. Each day is getting better but I miss him so very much. I try to think of his beautiful face every day so I don't forget him. I look at the empty sofa every day and remember him lying there looking at me wagging his nub when I would come down the stairs every morning. He will always live on in my heart and in my mind. I hope that our remaining rotties with OS are still fighting hard to not succomb to this monster. I am still praying for all of you. Laurie

[lucasmom]

Rachael-
I just read your post. You must have been writing it the same time I was writing my post. I want you to know that all of us on this thread are hurting for you...we feel your pain just like it was our very own rotties. Our wounds are raw as most of us recently lost our rotties to OS as well. I remember "the last night" I spent with my Lucas and it was unbearable. I spent the entire day just laying on the front lawn with him and gazing at his face and smelling his fur so I would always remember him. This will be a very difficult time for you, but be strong for Gabby. Tell her you love her and don't let her see you cry until after she is gone. She needs to feel that everything is okay and that you are happy that she is going to a better place. When the vet gave Lucas his injection to euthanize him, I held him and kept telling him that I loved him and that it was okay for him to go to Heaven. Only after his head gently dropped in my arms and I knew that he was gone, I burst into tears. My vet was very nice and let me stay with him as long as I wanted. You are lucky that the vet is coming to your home so you can remain with Gabby as long as you want. Just love her tonight and stay with her. I am crying like a baby right now for you and I can barely see the computer screen so I must close. I will pray for you tonight. God bless you for doing the right thing for your Gabby. Laurie

[ibkittykat]

Laurie, I thank you for your story. It is a special one, and thanks for sharing. I will try really hard to be strong for Gabby. I have put other dogs to sleep, and it is hard hard. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Until tomorrow. Your story makes me cry too. Thanks Laurie. Racheal