Brain dump about my dog (long)- UPDATED again

[aspentosh]

1/3 update- We put Macintosh down yesterday. His wounds wouldn't stop bleeding and I'm 99% sure they were hemangiosarcoma (skin cancer as a result of his tumor). He was losing a lot of blood and was just generally miserable because of us constantly trying to treat him. It's hard to make that (very very) final decision but in my heart I know it was the right one. 

Thank you for all the kind words here and on FB. H and I were with him as he crossed the rainbow bridge. My heart is seriously broken though.  </3

**********

12/1 update- Just got back from the vet. The bulge we feel is actually the tumor. The prostate is supposed to be grape sized and it's almost the size of a cantaloupe.   We got more x-rays and can see how much it's pushing on his other organs, so it's really only a matter of time. We're trying another stool softener to help loosen things so it moves more easily, but she was adamant that he's not in pain. She said she'd be surprised if he made it a month. So... we're on watch. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

**********

H and I noticed today that our 10.5yo boxer has a bulging stomach. We've been keeping a close eye on him because he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in July and typical life expectancy after diagnosis is 30 days. Obviously five months is awesome and I'm happy to have had it!

But we have a vet appointment tomorrow and I am terrified about what they will say. Even though he has a great appetite I know in my gut they'll say this is the end. Input of food is far surpassing output, so we're looking at the possibility of sepsis or worse.

I think the thing that scares me the most is that WE may have to make the decision on what to do. Surgery was never an option, we've treated any infections that came up, and we have him on a high end food, but none of it makes a difference anymore. How do I explain this to my 4yo daughter? And what the hell am I going to do about our other dog that has had him by her side for almost eight years?!

Any good thoughts or prayers you want to send our way that the decision be made for us, I'd really appreciate it. And for your time, some pics.

Macintosh in 2006 (just a week after we rescued him)


DD and Macintosh


Macintosh (and Aspen) on his 10th birthday

[Blue Moon]

I'm sorry, he's such a sweetie. I don't have any advice, but lots of hugs to you.

[bananapancakes]

He's gorgeous. Sending you both lots of hugs and good thoughts.

[lindyanne]

I'm so sorry. We lost two of our three dogs this year. I'm thankful we adopted one after the first one because I would be even more devastated and I would worry about my other dog who is now ten and has had them her whole life. It's never an easy choice but knowing it was the right thing did make it easier. We used a service that comes to your house and does it there so DS was able to help spoil them with their last meal and snuggles and then went and played. He cried a lot with the first - I think it was in reaction to us being so upset. Not as much with the second. My MIL died a year and a half ago so we had already had quite a bit of discussion about death and I think that helped. *hugs*

[chickens987]

So many hugs.

[hermione]

Hugs.

[hbomdiggity]

The pic with your dd is just adorable.

I'm so so sorry. He is obviously a much loved member of the family.

[humpforfree]

I'm sorry about your baby. I'll be thinking of you, wishing the docs and you wisdom, and hope you have peace around whatever decisions need to be made.

[jenn248]

Such a cute boy! Big hugs to you; having to make those kinds of decisions really sucks

[kangaroo11]

What a sweet boy. Wishing you the best!

[simpsongal]

((Hugs))

[osulori]

I'm so sorry

[tulips]

I'm so sorry. It's such a hard decision to make for a pet. I'm sorry you are dealing with this.

[MamaMaui24]

I'm so sorry.

Small bowel obstruction?

I hope the vet is able to give you a clear idea on how to proceed. Hugs.

[redheadbaker]

T&Ps -- He looks like such a sweetheart.

[teatimefor2]

Hugs, I am so sorry. I grew up with boxers and love them. That decision is one of the hardest. Hugs, he is precious. Love your photos.

[greencrayon]

I'm so sorry! (Hugs)

[greycat]

((Hugs))

[MadamePresident]

I'm so sorry. Making decisions like that are hard.

[cincodemayo]

Oh, I'm so sorry. We have a boxer too, and they are just so playful and sweet. Give him extra hugs tonight.

[turtlegirl]

Big hugs going your way. One of my biggest fear in life is when we start having to make similar decisions about our dog. DH and I are going to be a total mess.

[aspentosh]

Bump for update

[caramia17]

Hugs!

We went through this with our 16 year old doxie this summer. It was hard and Caramini cried every night for a month saying, "I want my Caradoxie back!". It has gotten better. And she is sweet about Caradoxie. She wanted to hang all of her ornaments on the tree and likes talking about her and remembering her.

We rescued a doxie puppy about a month ago and she likes to show the puppy Caradoxie's pictures and talk about Caradoxie to Carapuppy. It warms my heart!

Your guy is a cutie and I hope that you are able to enjoy the time he has left.

[jenn248]

I'm so sorry At least he's not in pain, and I hope you are able to enjoy the time you have left with him.

[oceanstbride]

I'm so sorry. Thankfully he's not in any pain. I hope you are able to enjoy the time you and your family has left with him. Take the time for extra walks and snuggles. Lots of hugs!

[indylady]

I'm so sorry. I hope you get lots of quality time in the coming months. What a great life you've given him!

[leonard131]

I am so sorry.  Enjoy the time with him and know you gave him such a wonderful life and he will always be part of DD's life. 

[ebeth]

I'm so sorry. thinking of you guys and your sweet pup

[bella9280]

So sorry

[magpie]

I'm so sorry.