I took Max to the vet yesterday to have a couple of warts surgically removed. The thing is that after the procedure the doctor discovered Max has a large lump in his neck that went unnoticed by us. Max has so much skin and fat around his neck we didn't feel it.
Well the thing is the doctor took a sample and sent it to the lab. We will not know the results until next week. But I'm worried. I'm usually the one who doesn't worry until the moment I see the train coming at me. But now I am truly worried, mostly because the doctor told me it didn't look good.
Max is my baby. Even though we also have a one year old dog named Charlie. Max has been with us for almost 9 years. He goes everywhere I go. He is always following me. He is the first one to come to the door when I get home, and the one next to it when I leave. It is incredible how much love he is capable of giving.
I love you Max! 
Oh Griselda, I am so sorry. That is very scary. And Max looks like a love. I hope everything turns out okay. I'll keep you & Max in my thoughts.
Chris, yes Max is a love. We do hope for the best as we anxiously await the rest results. Than you for your kind words.
Thank you Elaine. Yes they do get into our hearts. I had other dogs before Max, but they were outside dogs. It's not the same. Max has become one of the family.
Hi Griselda, I know how you feel. Just went through this two days ago. Mine turned out okay. I just wish they could live as long as we do. Stay strong, you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Audrey, I'm glad your dog is OK. I'm also hoping for that OK result. This was totally unexpected, since Max is not even 9 years old yet and he seems to be in great shape. I am not prepared at all for not having him around. I hope this is nothing bad and just something that can be removed and he'll be back to normal. Thank you, your thoughts and prayers are truly appreciated.
Thank you Gayle,we are hoping for that too.
Bonnie, yes, Max has such a sweet face! And it is a true reflection of his personality. He is a sweetheart. Thank you for thinking of us.
Peggy, he is very handsome, isn't he? I'll keep you updated. I believe we will have some results next week. Thank you,
Roberta, this is a first to me. I hope Max's results come back negative. We'll just have to wait. Thank you for sending good wishes our way.
Tina, I hope your little Shiatsu gets well soon. They are adorable dogs, we almost got one. Thank you for your comments. We are still waiting for the results.
Griselda, I am just seeing this blog. Oh my heart is so heavy for you. The waiting must be awful.
I pray that all will be well the test will be negative and you will have many more happy years together with your precious Max..
Hugs, Ginger
Hello Ginger, thank you for caring about Max.
Today we got the results, but they came as not conclusive. The lab is recommending a biopsy. Tomorrow I'm going to talk to the vet and see what we do. But I guess we will go ahead and do a biopsy and wait again. I'll post any news. Thank you all for caring and for sending so many good thoughts and wishes our way. Max is thanking you all too!
Positive Thoughts!
Carole, I feel the same way. My dogs are part of the family, and are treated as such. Thanks for your comments.
Kelly, thank you!
Amy, he is, isn't he? thank you.
Ginger, yes, kind of. Today I talked to the vet and he was explaining the options. Basically do a biopsy or operate and see what's there. But then suddenly he had to leave because there was an emergency. So I'm a bit confused. I was going to ask him how they do the biopsy. Because if it is not that invasive I guess I'll prefer to do that first and see the results. But I didn't get to ask the question. I guess that I'll have to call again tomorrow or drop by to talk to the vet again. So let's see what happens.
A big thank you to all of you. It makes me feel better to be able to share these feelings with you and have your support.
Griselda, I am a litttle confused by reading the blog again. You say the vet took a sample to send to the lab. Isn't taking a smaple a biopsy? That's what I thought???
Praying,
Ginger
Ginger, what the vet did was to take a sample with a syringe and needle, just as if he was taking blood for a test. I believe the sample for a biopsy is taken by surgically extracting a larger amount of tissue. It seems the sample he took was minute and doesn't allow the lab to arrive to any conclusive results. This is what I understand based on the conversation I had with the vet. But since the conversation was truncated because of the emergency the vet had to attend to I couldn't ask more questions.
I made an appointment to take Max to the vet for tomorrow afternoon. So I'll keep you updated.
Thank you Ginger. I don't know how long it will take for the results to come back. My appointment tomorrow is basically for the vet to see Max again, since it's been a week since he discovered the swelling, and also to ask many questions. I don't know if he'll do the biopsy tomorrow. It depends on how invasive the procedure is. If he needs to be under anesthesia it will have to be another day, because we are going in the afternoon. I'll let you know what happens. Thank you again for praying for us.
Hi Griselda- Waiting is so hard, and I love Max, even though I don't know him. We had a dog several years ago that had a lump in her neck- she had also seemed weak. The vet sent a biopsy ( same as Max, like drawing blood, but it was the fluid and cells from the lump.) In our case, it was lymphoma. Now, you may think I am crazy, my husband sure did, but the vet said that this cancer may respond really well to chemo. Well, my boys were young, we had to give it a try. I asked if she would hurl and lose her hair like people do (I used to be an RN), and he said no. Well, she did really well on chemo for about 9 months, and then her time came. Fast forward a few hears- now we have a large, sweet Rottweiler. Well, I felt a lump on his neck and panicked, but it was biopsied, and it was fine. So the lesson is it may not be anything bad.
Good luck with Max- I hope all will be well with him. and they are more than pets, they are indeed family, but us pet people already know that!!
Carol, thank you for sharing your story. I'm glad to hear that your sweet dog is going to be OK.
I hope Max doesn't have anything bad but I'm worried. He is still young. He is going to be 9 in May, and he looks even younger. He has beautiful fur and such a sweet face. His eyes are so expressive that he basically "talks" to you. We understand each other so well. He is always a calming presence. Max has such a great personality that everyone who meets him falls in love with him. My daughters have a few friends who were afraid of dogs. Well, after meeting Max they were "cured" of their fears. Max is a great companion, a sweet friend, and definitely one of the family.
Max looks like a great pooch. Gus will not cure anyone of their fear of dogs. He was young, too, when he started all his medical issues. He is only five, now, and has been having seizures for a couple of years, and that is pretty much when we noticed the lump in his neck. He also seems to have "issues" with his back legs, or hips, glucosamine helps some what. And let's not discuss his digestive system. His kibble repeats on him! We have tried so many different kinds of food, and it doesn't matter. He has gas, and indigestion! His gas is so bad even HE has to leave the room!
And yet we love our dogs!
Carol, it's a shame that Gus has so many health problems at such a young age. But as you say, we learn to leave with them and their problems too. Max is also on Glucosamine. It has helped me a great deal, so I started him on it a few months ago when he started to show some signs of arthritis.
Today I took Max to the vet. He took a couple of x-rays and then we discussed the whole situation. Max is having surgery this coming Monday. The doctor will see if he can remove the whole lump and then send a sample to the lab for a biopsy. If he can't remove it he'll take a sample of the tissue and send it to the lab. We'll have to wait and see what happens. At least the x-rays didn't show any other lumps, which is always a good sign. We are hoping for the best. So I'll keep you posted.
Carol, thank you.
Max had surgery today. The vet was able to remove the tumor completely. But he told me that he didn't like the way it looked. He told me to be prepared for bad news when the results from the biopsy come next week. I don't know, but I'm feeling positive, even after what the vet told me. Let's see what happens.
Poor Max is in his crate now, resting. They had to shave all his neck down to the shoulder on his right side, where the incision is. He also got part of his legs shaved for the IV, etc. I can tell he is happy to be at home. He ate a bit about an hour ago and I gave him his medicines. He still has a bandage on one of the legs. I'll remove it later tonight when I take him out again before he goes to sleep for the night. I was petting him behind the ears (he loves that) and he rested his head on my hand. He is a sweetheart.
Griselda- I was thinking about you and Max this morning when I took gus our for a (very short) walk after brushing him. I am glad he is recovering from his surgery. and well, all we can do is hope for the best! I am sure he is glad to be home and with you.
Gus definitely has a wire loose in his brain. He had another seizure this morning, heaven only knows what sets them off!! I was trying to prep the kids that he may not be the most long lived dog....
Carol, thank you for thinking of us. Max is doing fine. He is still a little shaky when he walks. But I'm not letting him walk a lot, only to go potty. Tomorrow I'll let him walk around the kitchen, if he wants to. The vet told me not to let him run or walk too much for a week. So he needs to go outside on a leash. It's kind of a problem because the incision is on his neck. So I had to be creative and used one of my daughter's belts and put it around Max's chest, kind of loose, and then attach a leash to the belt knuckle. It works. And yes, Max is definitely glad to be home, I can tell.
I'm sorry about Gus having another seizure. Do dogs have epilepsy? I know that for humans there are medicines now that prevent seizures from happening or that at least reduce their intensity. I hope he gets better.
Jennifer, thank you for your kind thoughts. Your story is very encouraging. I hope I can tell a happy story like that in the future about Max. As I said above, I do feel positive about this. I believe that since the vet was able to remove the tumor completely there are good chances that it may not come back or spread. I also hope for a negative result from the biopsy, that would be the best.
Gayle, Max had surgery today and he is doing fine. I posted the details above. Thank you for asking.
Jennifer- 20 years od for a cat! WOW! I didn't know they lived that long! That must have been all 9 lives. How lucky for the both of you to have such love and luck!
I'm sure that everything will be okay. Max is very lucky to have such a wonderful life with you and your family. I will keep my fingers crossed that the biopsy results come back with good news, and keep you and Max in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol, 120 pounds! And I thought Max was big! Max weights 91 pounds now. He reached 100 lb at one point, but in the last couple of years he has maintained a weight of around 90 pounds.
Amy, thank you. Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated. I do believe Max is going to be ok. It's a kind of wait and see situation. But we enjoy his company every single day.
Max is doing fine. He continues to rest and he doesn't seem to be in pain. He is taking his medications, an antibiotic and pain medication, and he ate all his 2 cups of food in the morning. I'll give him 1 more cup in the evening, and I suspect he will eat it. The day he doesn't want to eat I will really worry. He also had some cheese (his favorite treat!) with his medicines.
Roberta, thank you for your caring comments. What kind of surgeries did Sparky have? Three surgeries seem too many. But then again, Max just had two surgeries within a two week period! So she likes cheese too...I guess all dogs do. Charlie, our one year old poodle/schnauzer mix also loves cheese. Max is very intelligent. He always finds a way to find the medicine hidden within any treats, even cheese. So I end up opening his mouth and placing the pills as far as I can in there, and then closing his mouth very fast, holding it close and waiting for him to swallow while at the same time placing the treat (cheese or whatever) very close to his nostrils. This way I entice him to swallow fast so he can eat the treat. It is all kind of a production thing. Some times I believe he thinks "who is she trying to trick?" because he is so intelligent and quick. But he is a sweetheart, and sometimes I think he just swallows the medicines to let me have my way, just to make me happy. We have such an special connection that I've found it difficult to concentrate on other things these days. I'm trying to go back to normal but somehow end up thinking about Max. We do have a very strong bond. You said it well "there's nothing worst than when your baby is sick!"
Cindy, I'm sorry to hear that your baby poodle is no longer with you. What you say is so true. One more year with them or with any loved one would be worth it. Do you have another picture to share with us? It's hard to actually see her in such a small picture. If you have another one please share with us. Do you have any other pets? I was talking to a woman I know who just lost her dog a few months ago, and she is ready to adopt another one. She has been looking but it seems her husband doesn't want another dog. It's kind of a difficult situation. I don't see myself not having a dog in my life, but I know that sometimes life gets complicated and things don't necessarily go the way we want to. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I'm sure your girl remains very much alive in your heart.
Griselda- How is Max today??
People who don't have pets just don't undestand us dog people, do they? I was talking to a friend today who was telling me about trying to give her dog meds- didn't matter how she gave it to him, the dog would eat the food around the pill, and spit out the pill! The worse pet I had to give pills to was a cat- near got clawed to death!
Gus will eat anything, so we just throw most of his meds in his food, and he eats it all up! With his phenobarbital, for his seizures, I want to be sure he gets it all, so we put in on some bread with peanut butter, ball it up, and down it goes!! Now anytime some one in the house opens the bread drawer, he sticks his nose in thinking he is getting something!
Griselda, I am glad to hear Max is on the mend. We have our Hutch on meds right now too. I always say, they would do it for us. Keep us posted.
Audrey
Carol, Max is doing fine. The incision is looking good. But the part of his skin they shaved is looking kind of red. The vet said it's normal that he develops a bit of an irritation. Max doesn't show any signs of discomfort, though, so lets see if it starts to go away. Today he finished his medicine for pain and he seems to be fine. He is still taking antibiotics, and getting some cheese with it to help the medicine go down. ;-)
It sounds like Gus is a big bundle of sweetness. I would love to see a picture of him, would you share one with us?
Audrey, what's the problem with Hutch? They do give us love and company and ask for little in return. And as I remind my daughters often, they don't talk back! ;-) Thank you for your comments.
hi Griselda- Gald Max is feeling better! Hopefully you will feel okay about going back to work! Regarding where they shaved him, it isn't surprising it looks a bit red, he isn't used to shaving! Plus the likely don't use the best razors. As long as it isn't raw or angry looking, or looking like it is getting infected, I wouldn't worry too much.
You can see a photo of Gus on my home page! How lame is that! www.CarolLee4Homes.com. I am having my web site worked on, and I was thinking of asking the web person if they could do something like click on the photo of Gus, and it links to the L.I.F.E. animal rescue in Agoura Hills. Gus was a rescue, so it would be like paying in forward, or back, whichever way it would be!
Lots of good thoughts are coming to Max from the Hough household. I lost my little Mrs. Moo in July of 07 and the worst part was waiting to find out what was wrong. Max looks very good in his pictures and I am sure he will do just great. Big Hug from us.
Carol and Kym, thank you for sending good thoughts our way.
I just talked to the vet this morning and the results are in. I'm very sad because the results are not encouraging at all. The vet told me it shows Max has lymphoma and spindle cells, which he tried to explain to me and I ended up more confused than in the beginning. The vet says that basically, the only option would be to put Max under a chemotherapy treatment. I don't know. I can't even think right now. We have an appointment to see the vet for suture removal this coming Wednesday. So I guess we'll discuss it then. I was talking with my daughters and crying and I don't know what to think. Max looks so well, he is even walking better today because he was walking kind of funny after the surgery. I'm thinking that I have to do lots of research now during the weekend about this type of cancer and chemotherapy for dogs. I don't want to just extend Max's life if it is going to come with the price of him suffering bad secondary effects from the chemotherapy. Right now I don't know what to do. If any one of you can share any experiences with chemotherapy please do. I really appreciate the support I'm getting from all of you. Thank you.
I'm so sorry that it's bad news, Griselda. I have no experience with chemotherapy & dogs myself so I can't help you. I know this is very hard & I hope someone has advice for you. Take care & give Max a lot of hugs.
Chris
Griselda, I am so sorry about Max. but let me tell you about our other dog, Moonbeam. Moonbeam was diagnosed with Lymhoma in October of 2004, or thereabouts. When my vet started talking about chemo, I thought I would die, thinking of the expense, and the dog throwing up and losing her fur, like people do. Or lyining on a reclining chair with an IV drip. (Remember, I used to be an RN.) I asked if she would hurl and lose her hair like people, and he said no, dogs tolerate chemo pretty well.
Well, my vet makes house calls, which made it easier, as Moons wasn't moving so great. He would pick her up and stand on our bathroom scale, and then subtract his weight, to get her weight, as the meds dosage are prescribed on a mg. per Kg scale. Bottom line, she tolerated the chemo really well, and got significantly better for many months. Actaully, she got better after the first two doses!! The chemo was given IV push, which means he would start a little IV, but just give the meds directly from the syringe, not hanging an IV bag. She did really well for several months. She ended up with monthly maintenace doses, and a few other meds. Come the following July, it was time to let her go, as she was getting sick again, and looked to be suffering. But she had a good 9 months or so.
Talk to your vet about Max's treatment options, and what he feels may happen, but for us, as my kids were only 12 and 14 at the time, I really am glad we did it.
Kim, I'm sorry I didn't ask you about Mrs. Moo. I was really upset. Please tell us about her.
Chris, thank you for sending loving thoughts to us.
Carol, what you tell me is a little encouraging. I've been doing research during a few minutes here and there during the day, but haven't found much. One of the books I have says that chemo can have very bad side effects, but it does not go into details. But what I've found on the internet seem to agree with what you are saying. I want to be as prepared as possible for Wednesday, when I'm taking Max to the vet. So I can make an informed decision.
Cindy, I hope I make the best decision. Yes, Max is a real sweetie. This is my first time going through this. I had another dog before but he run away and we never found him. He was a very good dog but he was outside all day and night. I cared about him but it was a totally different experience. My children were very young and my dog was just my dog. Max is much more than that, he is family. He sleeps in our room at night. He follows me everywhere. If I'm working in my office he is seating next to me or at the door. If I'm watching a movie he is seating next to me. Since we got him, almost 9 years ago, he's been my constant companion. We understand each other extremely well. Sometimes it seems that Max almost talks to me. We do have a special relationship.
Just now I went to pick-up a copy of the results. For what I read it seems that Max's case is quite rare, because of the comments they make. The diagnosis is this:
1) lymphosarcoma, prescapular lymph node 2) spindle cell tumor, consistent with nerve sheath origin, prescapular lymph node.
There's a comment that felt like a bucket of cold water splashed on my face. It says: different chemotherapeutic protocols may provide quality life for up to one year or more. However, long term prognosis is poor.
Not what I wanted to hear.
This has been a good place to get things out of my chest. Thank you all for your support.
Griselda
Cindy, thank you very much for sharing your experiences with Negra and for your kind thoughts.
I took Max to the vet today to remove the sutures. Everything looks good. We discussed the possibility of chemotherapy, and I'm going to have a talk with the family to decide what we do. The secondary effects of the chemo seem to be a bit less that what humans go through, but they are still pretty bad. But right now there are no indications of any other tumors, so that is always good news. Thank you all for your support.
Patrice, thank you. It seems you are also going through some rough times. It is hard. But then again, when you have love ones around you, you are always vulnerable to have heartaches like this. It's the price we pay for having love in our lives. I prefer it to the option of having an empty life. So there. Here is another picture of my baby Max. He'll always be my baby.
OMG, the things we do for our four legged babies. Griselda, been thinking about Max,hope he is okay. LIke I said before, our moonbeam tolerated chemo pretty well
Gus seems to be having a hard time- don't know if it is his hips, or what. He falls and slips a lot more now on our wood floors. We took out the carpets for the kids allergies- I am not putting them back for the dog! the vet said we could sedate him and do x-rays, or a scan as needed, to diagnose the problem, but as we likely wouldn't do anything, we won't bother.
and Roberta, I am a nurse, but even so, an infected anal gland sounds pretty disgursting! A friend of mine's dog has anal cancer, and is tolerating chemo pretty well!!
Roberta, it sounds you and Sparky have had a very rough time. I've seen her pictures and the underwater video. She is adorable and an incredible swimmer. You may not remember but I commented on your blog. I do hope she gets better. They are so full of life at this age. Sparky is going to be 9 just like Max, he will be 9 on the first day of May. Thank you so much for sending good thoughts our way. I do hope Sparky does well.
Carol, I'm sorry Gus is having a hard time. I hope he gets better. Thank you for your thoughts.
Griselda, I have been away form the Rain for a while. My heart goes out to you with this awful news. What a heavy burden you have. Your Max sounds so much like our Bella in disposition and temperment. I can so relate to the talking and being just like a family member...She's our baby.
I would just be devastated at such news. My first dog Dessie, a shepherd, huskie, lab, was also almost identical in nature to Bella. She lived 15 1/2 years and was never sick except at the end she could barely walk and we had to put her to sleep. It was one of the worst days of my life. We have had Bella for 2 years now, since she was 5, she will be 7 in August, so we already missed out on so many years. I pray every night for her to live a long life. I get all choked up when I even think of losing her at any age.
Griselda, I can't stop crying over Max. I will continue to pray and send you all the hugs in my heart my friend.
HUGS,
Ginger
My first Dobie, Rommel, came down with lymphoma when he was 10. By the time I felt the lump, he was already into stage 3. He was my soulmate, so I opted for the chemo. Dobies are prone to cardio myopathy, so they couldn't do the preferred chemo treatment as the preferred treatment can send them into cardio.
He would be a little under the weather for the first 24 hrs after the chemo. He also had to take steroids - which caused him to eat & drink a lot. And he had to take leukemia meds since it is a by-product of the lymphoma.
At first he got along OK except for the first 24 hrs. Eventually, he began to have blood in his urine - I believe from the steroids. Then he would occasionally lose some control of his urine. That embarassed him. After 6 months he came out of remission and the DR said we would have to increase the dose. By then, I could tell there were too many bad days and not enough good days.
One evening we were sitting on the patio and he looked up at me with a "special" look, and I knew it was time. He was so special - we had a bond I've not had with any other dog. That was 11 years ago and I'm trying to write this through tears.
I also had a rescue female who was 4 years younger than Rommel. 5 months after I said goodbye to Rommie, she developed lymphoma also. I decided to not put her through the chemo, but I wasn't as attached to her as I was to Rommel.
Looking back, I don't know whether I would have Rommel go through the chemo. I think perhaps I did it more for ME than for HIM. I just couldn't bare to part with him. So I'm not sure I made the right decision.
If chemo would offer a cure then I would do it again. If it merely prolongs the inevitable, then I'm not sure I would do it to another friend.
It's a very, very tough decision - and it hurts so-o-o bad when we lose them. My 3rd Dobie died at age 7 with cardio. A piece of my heart was torn out with each of them. That's why I switched breeds to little Murph. I couldn't take it anymore.
My heart goes out to you.
Griselda,I just read about Max! I am so sorry you are going through this. I will pray for you, Max and your family. This is the hardest part about loving them so much. I will check back to see your updates.
Griselda, I don't post in this group as much as I should. My love of animals is tremendous and I am so sorry to hear about your troubles with Max. My husband and I went through this recently with our dog Buddy and it was not good. You don't know anything yet for sure though so keep a stiff upper lip.
Just hold Max and tell him just how much you love him. He knows. Dogs are much more intuitive than most humans. I believe they also know that they will live on. As beautiful an energy as they carry in their soul it is not without continuation. Love crosses all boundaries. God Bless you and yours. Later in the rain~Deb
Hello Griselda....It, a sad day when we realise our best friends life will be shortened, they do not live long enough, never mind going sooner..Your dog is your best friend, they never talk back, they are always glad to see you and they do not hold a grudge. They totally rely on you, do what you can for your friend, extend his life if you can, if he could talk I'm sure he would thank you.
You,ll know when it time for him to go, but for now spend as much time as you can with your best friend.
Griselda = Stay strong and be a faithful companion for your devoted Max. He will never "show" you his pain , you will have to listen with your heart to his needs. "Lady" sends him lots of licks to make him feel a bit of doggie luv
Laura
Renee, Vitto and Sal are sending virtual hugs to Max and you!
Griselda - Ahh, tears are welling up. You will know what to do and what is right for you and Max. They have a very rare way of letting you know what should be done. I went through the same thing last July with my shih tzu Casanova. We took it day by day, and then one day he just looked at me and I knew he wasn't feeling well but his calm face said it was time!
Trust in the blessing Max has given you thus far and know they will continue!
Hang in there!
Dear Griselda you beauty Max looks like our Buddy only Buddy is a black Lab and 8 years old. It is heartbreaking to hear this perhhaps there is some nutritional or alternative remedies available that can help. When Buddy suffered from grand mal seizures and they wanted to put him on barbiturates ( downers ) I refused and we searched the web for a specialist and changed his diet ( gluten free - dogs have a difficult time breaking this down - so it accumulates, and causes seizures - medications just lower the seizure threshold and do NOT TAKE AWAY the cause) anyway....he has been seizure free for over a year ( thank God)! As a former nurse, It is my opinion that many dog diseases are induced by diet since there are not the same standards of practice or regulations that the FDA has over human food production AND allowed ingredients. who knows what they are eating ? I will say a prayer Max gets better - and may I suggest you look into research for Vets who specialize in his diagnosis, and who use natural or wholistic treatment modialities.
Sincerely,
Grace
I
Griselda,
Simba and I are sending you hugs and doggie kisses. (Simba is my 3 year old Golden Retriever) So sorry to hear about Max. We lost a wonderful Golden Retriever to the same disease. "Missy" was 9 1/2 years old when she was diagnosed. This was 8 years ago..... Chemo wasn't the thing to do then. She had it in her leg. I still remember the day she was diagnosed and our vet said she was "old" BUT, if we amputated her leg she could still live. The vet gave us information from research at Madison WI and noted that most dogs live 2 - 3 years after amputation. AND they don't realize they have lost a leg.
First, I was so surprised that the average life span for a Golden was 11 years. I always thought 14! So we went ahead with the surgery. They removed her right front leg. She did fine and got around quite well afterwards. She survived another 9 months---the nasty cancer had returned all over. I have to say I wouldn't put another dog through that. :(
I know Max is part of your family. I will pray for you. Good luck!
Hi Griselda.
I am thinking about you and Max. Looks like he has touched the hearts of many a dog lover. I have a shrine set up for Negra. her ashes, picture, collar, her miney mouse dog tag (my gift to her from disney world) & lock of hair. I miss her deeply. Stay strong for him. I really believe they know what we are thinking. I only wish I had this great group of doggy Realtors to turn to when I was going through this. Stay connected!! We really care and understand. I attached a pic, but she just didn't take good pics because she was black. I used to groom her on the washing machine because it was just the right height. She used to jump up there all by herself!! She also was a great catcher. Darn it I am crying again!
Love Cindy
Griselda, we know what you are going through. Our yellow lab passed away 2 years ago after a long illness. Maybe that was practice, as we just found out last week that our husky has bone cancer in her front right leg. She is 15 years old and has had a great life, but I want it to last longer. None of my family are ready for this. The vet said we can give her Rimadyl with pain meds and Dasaquin and try to make her as comfortable as possible for the 6-8 weeks that she has left. The hard part is deciding when she is no longer comfortable or how much discomfort she can endure. It's such a difficult decision. We have made up a scrapbook with memorial pages for all of our dogs. I just hate adding one more page to the book.
Enjoy each day and take one day at a time. Best wishes.
Griselda,
I jusrt returned from a week away and couldn't log on fast enough for an update. Hope Max is doing ok, Just checking in...
Hi Griselda,
We just recently lost our dog, Douglas, to lymphoma. He had been with us since 10 weeks of age, and was a little over ten when he died. We did opt for chemotherapy after Douglas was diagnosed, and he had four months of good quality life before we had to have him euthanized. He had lymphoblastoma, which is a particularly aggressive form. I am glad we did the chemo and had more time with him. It just tore my heart out to lose him, but he went down very quickly one night and there was nothing else we could do. He spent his last night at home with us stroking him and talking to him. He never gave up and never complained. He still wanted to live, but his body would just not let him.
So many of your comments reminded me of Douglas. How he used to follow me everywhere I went, how he was always there to meet me at the door when I came home. I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. I know you will do what is best for Max. Take care. We will be sending good thoughts to you both.
Ruth Ann
Griselda,
I am fairly new to AR so just found this post today and have read Max's story and I am now bawling like a baby at my desk and my co-workers think I have lost my senses!
My heart goes out to you and I wish I could find some magic words to comfort you but I am at a loss. Just hug Max all you can while he is with you and he will let you know when it is time for you to let go. Listen and know.
I had to put my Shephard down several years ago (after 12 years with us) and it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do - but I knew in my heart that I had to, for her. She was in pain and needed me to be strong and do the right thing for her - to give her the peace she so deserved after all the love she had given us.
I will keep you and Max in my prayers and I think I will go home and hug my current dogs and just thank them for being there!
Gayle, I think Griselda has been away. I got an out of office message response from an email...
Lets hope we hear soon..
Ginger
I've been out of the country for the past two weeks. Thank you to all of you for your very thoughtful comments. I'll answer each comment, little by little, as soon as I am able to, because I have quite a few things to take care of. It's incredible how things that need attention accumulate when you are absent for a few days!
I want to tell you that Max is doing fine. My daughters and my mom have been taking care of him and of Charlie while I was away and they did an excellent job. Max's wound is healing great and his hair is growing back. The vet had shaved a large portion of the hair around the area of the surgery, so he is looking more like his usual handsome self now.
Better yet, there are no signs of anything else growing anywhere else. But of course, we cannot be sure. I guess we'll take one day at a time and be thankful for that. Max is a bit rusty since he has not been allowed to run outside, following the vet's recommendations. But now he is ready to slowly start going back to his normal life, so today I let him out for a couple of minutes and he enjoyed that.
Max loves the whole family, but he was really happy to see me. He recognizes me as his mommy, and acts different with me than he does with my daughters. He is so sweet!
I'll be back soon to answer you comments. Thank you again.
Griselda
Reminds me of when my baby had her surgery. As I mentioned before she was almost 14 at her time of surgery and lived 16 months (12 of which were good months for her) even at that ripe old age of surgery. Max probably has a few good years left at his age. Happy to hear you gave him the chance!
Ginger, you are so sweet and thoughtful, thank you so much...your kind words are very much appreciated. I can't stand the thought of not having Max with me. A friend of mine had a terrible experience with her dog and she told me the story as I told her what was going on with Max. Her dog had a kind of tumor that because of the location couldn't be removed. It was somewhere behind the eyes and mouth. She doesn't live in the USA, so I never saw the dog. Anyway, the story is very sad. She ended up having to put her to sleep, and she told me how horrible the experience was. She told me that her dog was in terrible pain but that still she would wag her tail as soon as she talked to her or when she touched her. We both ended up crying like crazy. I do believe that our pets bring out the best in us. And I do hope you and Bella share many years together. Thank you for your prayers.
Luke, sorry to hear about Tess. Would you share a picture of her with us?
Elaine, thank you so much for sending such positive thoughts our way. Also, thank you for sharing your story. The vet was able to remove Max's tumor completely, so I hope for the best and that would be that he doesn't develop any new ones, and we can keep on enjoying his love and company. The surgery went really well and he is almost his normal self already. I am enjoying each day I have with him, trying to give him back a little of the love he gives us.
Great news Griselda!! I have been checking regularly with a pit in my stomach at your absence...So glad it is positive news!! Hope you had a good trip abroad as well...
Elaine R. , I cried reading what you went through with Rommel, I believe I have the same kind of bond with Max. It is something you can't explain. It just happens. I feel Max is fine right now. I didn't have many doubts deciding on the surgery. Probably because I knew that if we didn't do it that very aggressive tumor would kill Max very soon. It just felt as the right decision. I'm happy we could afford to do it. I'm not so sure about the chemo though. I'll have to wait and see if there is a moment when that's the only choice we have. As I said before, I'm taking one day at a time, and kind of feel that Max is ok with that too. You have gone through a lot. Thank you so much for sharing these stories with us.
Gayle, thank you for your help and your suggestions. I don't believe anybody has the answers, not even the vets. Each of these cases are a bit different, and so are the dogs who suffer these problems and the owners who love them and suffer with them. But thank you very much for offering your help.
Audrey, thank you very much for your prayers and for thinking about us. And yes, this is tough and it is the price we pay for loving our pets. Love and suffering are very much attached to each other. When you care about a living being, regardless if it is a friend, a family member or a pet, you are bound to suffer when something bad happens to them. But what are the options? Being a "rock" and not feeling anything? (like the Simon and Garfunkel's song) I prefer to feel even if that means that I'm going to be vulnerable to being hurt.
Debra, thank you so much for your kind thoughts. Please tell us more about Buddy. What happened to him? Let us know how he is doing.
Griselda - I just read your posts about Max. I can truly understand where your at with this. Several years ago I used to have Bull Mastiffs. My momma dog Mandy had the same symptoms. She developed a knot around the throat area. We did a biopsy and it came back negative so we removed it. About 3 years later it came back and this time when they went to remove it they found cancer everywhere. It was a very sad day for me and she died the next day peacefully in her sleep.
I will say a prayer for Max that he will recovered from this 100%. We just never know and if I had one wish to make I would wish that animals could talk to us so that we would know when they are hurting or needing help.
I'll keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.
Fred, you have written some true words, thank you. Human relations are so difficult some times. We have a tendency to complicate things. But our dog friends are so different. They give us so much friendship and love without asking much. Our relationship with them is simple and deep at the same time. They are always there when we need them and they don't judge or talk back, as you said. Their friendship is a wonderful thing.
Laurie, I'm afraid what Max had was not that kind of lump but the bad kind. However, the vet was able to remove the entire tumor. This by itself is good news, because as of right now he doesn't seem to have any others. So we are praying that he stays in remission for long. Max is going to be 9 years old on May first. He is still young, handsome, and has the soul of a child. He is my baby, and I have high hopes that he'll be with us for a long time.
Roberta, how is Sparky doing? I haven't had the time to read any other blogs. I'm just trying to answer all the comments before I do that. I appreciate very much that so many people have taken their time to offer us their support and encouragement. Max and I are very thankful of all of you.
Laura, thank you very much for sending love this way, and I'm sure Max would love to get Lady's licks in person! ;-)
Renee, thank you and thanks to Vitto and to Sal for sending hugs to us. Max and I are very thankful of all the wonderful energy that this group is sending us.
I 'll have to continue answering tomorrow,
Griselda, It so good to hear from you. So many if us have been praying for you and Max. Thank goodness that things are looking much better. Like you and Max, Bella & I are "soulmates". She also has the same connection with Roger...she doesn't play favorites which is wonderful for us. There's such a special bond. We have only had Bella the last 2 of her almost 7 ( in August) years and we pray every night she lives a long life like my first dog Dessie who could be Bella twin emotionally and personality-wise. Even though Dessie lived until 15 1/2 .. the day we lost her was one of the worst days of my life... I dread going through that again....
Hugs my friend,
Ginger
Debbie, thank you so much for the good thoughts and the hugs.
Kim, thank you and Buster for your thoughts.
Kelly, thank you so much for your thoughts. I'm very sorry for Casanova. It's hard. It's always hard to let go of a loved one.
Grace, thank you very much for the ideas and suggestions you offer. I do hope you enjoy Buddy for many years. Labs are very sweet and childlike. When they get exited they act like puppies, regardless of age. I love that. If you have one, I'll love it if you share a picture of Buddy with us.
Luke, thank you for sharing Tess' pictures. After rotating the picture I'm reposting it below so everyone can see her. She had a sweet face.
Jennifer, your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated. The amount of support that this group has given us is incredible. Thank you so much.
April, thank you and Simba for your hugs and doggy kisses. You made me cry with the story of Missy. Decisions over treatments are always difficult. We decided to have the surgery because there was a good chance that they could remove the tumor and because to do a biopsy there had to be a minor surgery done anyway. We were lucky that the surgery was able to remove the entire tumor. However, nobody knows what happens now. The cancer may not return, or it might. It might be soon or it may take years. We don't know.
So we are going about our lives, enjoying every moment we have with Max. He has given us almost 9 years of love and company. He has listened to my complains, to my dreams and to my pains. He has better listening skills than many people I know! Those brown eyes Max has are so expressive he doesn't need to say a word. I understand him. He understands me. We are buddies.
Griselda,
I am glad you had the surgery! (Or Max did anyway). I am sorry to make you cry. I cried at your story too! I hope you still have alot of time together! Give Max a hug for me and take care of yourself!
Cindy R., thank you so much for sharing a picture of Negra and your feelings and memories about her. They do become a very important part of our lives, and I don't think any of us is ready to let go. The support of this group has been great. It does help when you share what you are going through with people who know the feelings and situations because they have been there also.
Sallie, I'm so sorry to hear that you lost a lab not long ago and that now you are going through it again with your husky. This is my first time. We had another dog years ago that was an outside dog and one day we run away and we never got him back. I was sad, but it was different. Totally different. Max is family. Oh I wish dogs would have a much longer life, closer to our life span...but it is what it is. As you say, we take it one day at a time. Enjoy whatever time we have. I hope you and your husky share as much time together as possible, and that she doesn't have to endure much pain.
Dan, I'm sorry to hear that you lost Buddy and Lucky the same year. That must have been very hard on you. But I'm glad that your lab is doing better after the surgery. I wish the best to you and you lab. I hope you have a long time to share together. Hugs to you both.
Patrice, I was out of the country and now I am trying now to answer all the comments, a few each day.
Ruth Ann, I'm so sorry about Douglas. Now that we are going through this I'm starting to find out that it is very common for dogs of Max's age to get cancer. I thought he was too young for this, that it was more common with older dogs. It is bad enough that larger dogs don't usually live past 15 years. But to have them dying at 8 or 10 years old is too much. How are you doing? Do you have any other dogs or other pets?
Kathleen, I'm sorry to hear about your dog. You are right, it is hard to let go. Lets see what the future brings to us. But whatever it is, I know that I'm enjoying every moment I have with Max, and I can feel he also enjoys his life with us and at the moment he is fine. That is what is important right now.
Elaine, thank you very much for including us in your post. I'm sure Max would love to have his picture displayed on another post. He KNOWS he is handsome. You should see him when we get company how he gets a ball or another toy and just parades around the living room for everyone to see him in all his beauty! We send you our love.
Sharon, thank you so much for thinking about us. Right now Max is doing fine.
Gayle, thank you very much for your good wishes.
Carol Lee , Max is doing fine now. He is almost 100% recuperated from the surgery. Thank you very much for thinking about us.
Griselda,
Thanks for your thoughtfulness. We have a 10 year old Corgi mix named Bunny. She and Douglas were companions since the time she was five months of age. She has been so sad. One day she wakes up and Douglas is just not there. How can she understand that?
We miss Douglas very much. I sobbed my heart out when we had to euthanize him. But we have wonderful memories of him, too. We have just gotten a new Pembroke Welsh Corgi pup. He was six weeks old when we got him and we have named him Josh. He is truly adorable, and I know Douglas would have approved! You cannot look at him without smiling.
We will continue to send our good thoughts to you and Max.
Ruth Ann
Cindy H., thank you so much for your thoughtful words.
Gayle, glad to say that it wasn't bad news.
Ginger, you were right.
Carol Lee, thank you. I believe having so many good wishes sent our way has helped!
Cindy R., I'll be thankful for any time we have together, but I do pray for Max to live as long as he enjoys life.
Patrice, thank you. The trip was really good. In the beginning I was worried about how Max was going to be. But the daily reports from home telling me he was doing great helped me relax and enjoy my free time.
Audrey, thank you for caring about Max. He is better each day. The fur is coming back very fast and the wound is almost hidden now.
Gayle, thank you very much.
Elizabeth, thank you very much for sharing your story. There are so many of you who have gone through this already...and your support means a lot to me. Thank you again.
Ginger, thank you. Yes, events like this makes us value our time with our loved ones even more. We would like them to live forever. But then again, the reality is that neither them nor us will. I think that having a good life is what's most important. And to have a good life you have to have love. I'm sure Max and Bella are having a very good life in homes where they are loved and appreciated. That's what counts. A big hug for you, and give one to Bella from me and a few licks from Max.
Ivette, yes, it is very difficult on many different levels. Besides, a person who is sick can still make decisions for themselves. At least most of the time. But with pets you feel double the responsibility of deciding what's best for them. Thank you for your comments.
Roberta, I'm glad to hear that Sparky is doing well. Don't worry about the lump. Sometimes those take a long time to dissolve. But anyway, it is always good to have her checked if you feel there's something wrong. Thank you for the good wishes.
April, see? Now we are even! ;-) Thank you very much for all the good thoughts and energy you are sending our way.
Ruth Ann, please, you have to post pictures of Bunny and Josh. I love Corgis, they are so cute! Thank you so much for sharing your stories with us.
It is truly heartwarming to have the support of so many of you.
Max has always made an impression on everyone who he has met. His cuteness and gentleness combined with his childlike temperament has touched many souls. He loves people. It is as if he gets extra energy when he meets someone new. I'm sure that at some level Max is receiving all the good energy that you are sending his way. Thank you so...so much from the both of us. Max and I are sending all of you a big hug!
Hi Griselda,
Here are a few of the tons of pictures we have already taken of Joshua in the 3 weeks we have had him! The pictures just don't really do him justice, however! He is just so tiny that he doesn't look like a real dog, buy some little mythological creature or a stuffed toy. You cannot really see this in the pictures. Believe me though, he acts like he knows he is a real dog!
I will send some of Bunny. Have to take a minute to track them down.
Hope all is well with you and Max, and thank you for taking the time to respond to us all in such a personal way!
Okay Griselda, here is a picture of our Bunnydog with her new protege! She is a good girl.
Ruth Ann, your dogs are adorable! When I show my daughters these pictures they are going to want one! I've never seen a Corgi in person, only on tv and in pictures. But yours are the cutest so far! I bet there's a lot of hugging going on. Who can resist those faces?! I hope you enjoy the company of these puppies for a long, long time. Thank you for sharing such great pictures. If you have more and want to share, I'll love to see more. There's never enough puppy pictures to keep you smiling (and the puppy can be 10 years old or older, I don't mind).
I just took a few pictures of Max and of Charlie. As soon as I upload them on the computer I'll post some.
Those Corgi are cute, cute esp little Joshua - may you have many years of fun and kisses.
Keep getting better Max.
Kathleen, these Corgi doggies are really cute, aren't they?
Max is getting better every day. Here I'm posting some pictures I took today of him and of Charlie. In the second picture of Max it shows that his hair is shorter around the neck and on part of his arm and the scar from the surgery appears pinkish.
Max was lying right next to my office as I was working inside. He couldn't be inside because I had stuff all over the place, so he was making me company from right outside the door.
Charlie is here resting on my daughter's bed. He likes it!
Another one of Charlie:
Aloha Griselda & Max,
My beloved pooches and I are sending you healing, healthy thoughts.
Bless you both,
Kimo, thank you for those healing, healthy thoughts. They are very much appreciated.
Patrice, thanks for coming back to check on Max.
He is doing pretty good. But I'm taking him to the vet tomorrow because we discovered a lump in the back of his head. I hope it is nothing but we are a bit worried.
Also last night there was something weird with his right eye. He was closing it a bit and it just looked weird. I thought that he might had something in his eye but I looked at it and couldn't find anything. So that's another thing to tell the vet.
And in addition to this the last few days Max started with his allergies again (an old problem of his). So tomorrow we are going to visit the vet with a long list.
Griselda- Oh no, I hope Max is okay! your poor bumpy , lumpy baby!!
RuthAnn- those Corgi pups are too cute!!
Carol and Elizabeth, the news are not good. The vet found another tumor growing right where he removed the previous one 5 weeks ago. It is already quite large, but we didn't notice because we didn't touch him in that area because of the surgery. Then what we thought it was his allergies kicking in again, it seems it is the cancer spreading on his skin. He took samples to have them analyzed. Also what we noticed about his eye, that was kind of droopy and weird, the doctor believes it could be provoked by a brain tumor.
This is bad, really bad. I definitely didn't expect to have to deal with this so soon again. It's been only five weeks since the surgery. It seems this form of cancer is extremely aggressive. I don't know what to think. I'm kind of in shock I guess. It feels like a bad dream. Even though in the back of my mind I thought that there might be bad news, I didn't expect it. I was totally optimistic. Max was doing so well, and he was healing so fast from the surgery, it seems unreal that things could change so fast.
OH NO! Griselda, I am so sorry to hear the news. I will say prayers for you and Max. And Simba sends kisses again!
Take care of yourself.
Griselda
I am so sorry to hear this bad news. I remember when I found the 1st lump after my little sweetie had the 1st one removed. She had a few months, though. I know you are devastated. The pictures of Max.. so sweet. I took a picture the day my Negra went to dogie heaven ( before she passed) . I would never share it because she looked so pathetic, but I am glad I took it. There are no words that can comfort. I truly know what you are going through & I sympathize. I do not wish to see any dog or owner in such pain. I wish I could help somehow. I will be sad for the rest of my life because of it. Maybe just knowing that we are here to listen might help?
April, thank you and Simba.
Cindy R., thank you. Yes, it helps to have you to listen to what we are going through. Specially since many of you went through very similar situations.
Carol L., thank you. Max is getting many belly rubs and back rubs, and ear rubs, and hugs and kisses these days. We always gave him lots of love, but everyone is giving him even more attention these days.
Gayle, thank you so much for thinking about us.
Elizabeth, thank you so much. Max is getting lots of love. Giving him loving hugs and kisses is the easy part. The hard one is to remain strong through this situation. Yesterday night was very hard for the whole family. There were many, many tears. It was a very, very sad night.
A couple days ago while I was walking her, she was attacked by a huge pitbull mix dog who got loose from its owner. and came charging at her. These two guys were able to restrain the dog and fortunately, Molly is ok and it's a miracle, but Molly came out with barely a scratch.
Although I didn't see any immediate signs of injury, she was limping so I took her to the vet. He only found a small abrasion and a torn baby toenail (probably from me dragging her on her leash across the asphalt trying to keep her out of this dog's mouth). She's on antibiotics and will fully recover.
Anyway, during the emergency visit, the vet found a small lump about the size of a dime under Molly's chin. He said it's probably been there awhile and wants to do a lumpectomy and biopsy. My friends are saying I should wait, get another opinion, shop around for a better price, etc., but I think I should have it removed as soon as possible.
Any thoughts?
Denise, if I were you I would take your puppy to the vet as soon as possible to have the lump examined. Follow your heart and your instincts. Your friends may have very good intentions, but it is you who has to live with your decisions.
Today I took Max to the vet again. During the weekend Max's health deteriorated rapidly and he has difficulty urinating. He is also having difficulty breathing. The vet took some xrays and they showed a big tumor close to his heart. It seems the cancer has spread everywhere. The vet prescribed cortisone and a pain medicine to help make Max more comfortable. The results from the lab confirmed that the large lump and the small ones that are spreading through the skin are also malignant.
Every time we went to the vet Max would be sniffing everything and wouldn't sit down until we came back home. Today, for the first time in these nine years that we have been going to the vet, Max just lied down on the floor and stayed there. Seeing him like this made me very sad.
We know we don't have much time with Max. We'll try to make the best of it while making him as comfortable as possible.
Thank you all for your support and for allowing me to have an outlet to get all these emotions out of my chest.
Hi Griselda,
So sorry to hear your news of Max today! Please know that we are thinking of you both and sending our care and concern your way.
Ruth Ann
Griselda,
Your last comment has me in tears. Bless your heart. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. Stay strong. Audrey
Griselda,
My heart goes out to you. How I know what it like to lose a beloved pet. More than ever hug him and love him every day he has left. You will be glad you did. I'll keep you and Max in my prayers.
Griselda ~ I am so very sorry to hear about Max. I was so tired when reading through all of the comments in the wee hours of the morning. There were so many comments and I was trying to read through them all. It made me think about my dog Molly and I truly believe now that coming upon your blog was a blessing in disguise.
I want to sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for your suggestion and plan to take Molly to the vet as soon as possible.
I know this must be a difficult time for you and your family. It sounds like Max is surrounded by a lot of love, thoughts, concerns and prayers. You and Max will be in my thoughts and prayers too.
Max died yesterday. I'm missing him so much it hurts.
Ruth Ann, Audrey, Elizabet, Roberta, Kathleen and Denise, thank you so much for your thoughts.
Griselda
Oh Griselda,
I can't believe he went so quickly! I am so profoundly sad for you. I hope that Max was not in pain and that the two of you were able to spend some good time together during his last days. I know how deeply you must be feeling his loss, and my heart goes out to you.
Ruth Ann
Griselda - I'm so sorry for your loss of Max. I know how much your hurting inside. But know that he is happy and no longer feeling pain and someday you will be able to see and be with him again. Remember he will always be close by you even though you can't see him - he's there. When my German Shepherd Justice passed suddenly someone shared this poem with me. I would like to share it with you.
"A LOAN FROM GOD"
God promised at the birth of time,
A special friend to give,
His time on earth is short, he said,
So love him while he lives.
It may be six or seven years,
Or twelve or then sixteen,
But will you, till I call him back,
Take care of him for me?
A wagging tail and cold wet nose,
And silken velvet ears,
A heart as big as all outdoors,
To love you through the years.
His puppy ways will gladden you,
And antics bring a smile,
As guardian or friend he will,
Be loyal all the while.
He'll bring his charms to grace your life,
And though his stay be brief,
When he's gone the memories,
Are solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return,
But lessons only a dog can teach
I want you each to learn.
Whatever love you give to him,
Returns in triple measure,
Follow his lead and gain a life,
Brim full of simple pleasure.
Enjoy each day as it comes,
Allow your heart to guide,
Be loyal and steadfast in love,
As the dog there by your side.
Now will you give him all your love,
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call,
To take him back again?
I fancy each of us would say,
"Dear Lord, thy will be done,
For all the joy this dog shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known,
Forever grateful stay.
But shall the angels call for him,
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand.
WE LOVE YOU MAX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Denise, thank you so much. The support this group has given me is invaluable. The love and empathy of dog lovers has been pouring on these pages and this has meant a lot in this difficult and heart breaking moment.
Ruth Ann, yes, everything happened so fast. It was like a downward spiral. We could tell Max was suffering the last two days, when he had extreme difficulty urinating. The poor thing never complained though. But he was extremely agitated and had difficulty breathing. He got worst and worst and I didn't want him to suffer any more. The vet had told me that he probably would not last more than a day or two more. So we made the decision to put him down on Wednesday morning. I went there with Max, by myself. I wanted to be with him.
Carol Lee, thank you so much. In some way it was better that everything happened so fast and one is that Max didn't have to suffer as much. But it is difficult for us to accept things when you don't have much time to adapt to the situation. We went from seeing him getting better from the surgery every day to see him go into that downward spiral that changed the situation for the worst every few hours.
Elizabeth, thank you very much for your thoughts and for sharing such a wonderful poem. The poem made me cry but in a good way, because it helps to have things in perspective. I'm now trying to concentrate in the positive, such as having had a great being like Max in my life.
Roberta, your words are very kind, thank you.
Kathleen, thank you so much.
When I am ready, I'll like to post a memorial for Max, one that would honor his life. I think he would like that. He was a dog, but definitely not just a dog.
When we got to the vet on Wednesday, after a few moments one of the women who work there came out and seeing her Max started to wag his tail. A sweetheart to the last minute. Before the vet injected him I asked for a few moments alone with Max. It was so hard to let him go. I gave him many kisses and hugs and he licked my hands, and we had a few precious moments to ourselves. And then I told the vet we were ready. He injected Max and in a second Max stopped panting, stopped breathing, he was gone. So peacefully, Max just lied there on the table. Beautiful and magnificent as always. He seemed to be just resting, with his eyes gently opened.
The vet told me I could stay there with him as long as I wanted. So I stayed there for a few minutes. I don't really know how long. I kissed him and prayed for him, and asked God to take good care of Max's soul, and I cried, and cried, until I decided that I had to collect myself and go home. I kept on telling myself that there's a family to take care of, and another puppy who needs your love and attention. So I put myself together and went home. I miss Max constantly and these few days have been very hard. Charlie has been a great help. He is a sweetheart too. But being very young, he still has limited access to the house, so he is not everywhere like Max was. Charlie also misses Max very much. He is always looking for him around the house and in the backyard. Every time he is out of his crate he goes first to look for Max.
Griselda, I am sorry I waited so long to write again. I couldn't read the posts when Max took the turn for the worse. It was just too much for me because my loss is still so fresh. With every word I was reliving my experience with Negra. I hope that does not sound selfish. I wanted to be there for you, but could not. I saw that you had much support and was thankful for that. I know the pain you are feeling. The sadness that we cannot keep our best friends for a very long time. It is cruel. They are on this earth to please us and that is all. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and they always have been. Please take care.
Audrey, thank you for your kind words and your prayers.
Cindy, I understand completely. The support of this group has mean a lot to me. Thank you very much for being here and for sharing your experience with Negra.
I'm doing fine. Trying to get back to normal while feeling that something is missing all the time, particularly when I'm home. We've been moving stuff out of the house. Yesterday we moved out Max's crate, which was huge. Seeing that empty space is not easy, but I'll get used to it, eventually.
After we moved out the crate Charlie was acting weird. He was quiet and looked sad, and he is usually a very happy active puppy. He saw me crying and came next to me and put his face on my leg. I don't know but it seemed as if Charlie knew that Max was not coming back. I don't know, maybe I'm seeing more than there is there, but something was going on with Charlie. It could also be that he felt what I was feeling when we removed Max's crate. I had been fine all these last days, but the finality of removing his crate, was a hard reminder that Max was not coming back. A deep sadness came back to me in a rush.
I'm back on my feet today. We are having lovely weather here. It's 85 degrees outside and the sky is blue. I think I'll take Charlie for a walk.
A big hug to all of you who have been sharing this sad experience with us.
Griselda- I am sure Charlie misses Max too and is beginning to understand he isn't coming back. When our Moonbeam was put down, and we would walk Gus, he kept looking around as if to say, "Where is that other dog that used to go with us?"
I am glad yo have so many great photos of Max- it makes me sad to see them here, I can only imagine how you must feel.
Griselda - I have a 12 year old german shorthair - Tiller - my baby.....we had a tumor removed from his thigh last year and was told he more than likely he has cancer somewhere else on his "lumpy" (he is very, very lumpy) body. But, he has been doing great...and is his old self. I was really nervous about having it removed at his age but I am glad we did. He is back to his old, happy, carefree self and doing great. Hang in there....it is hard but worth it! Terrie
Carol, seeing Max's photos is now a mixed feeling event. It makes me smile every time a see his pictures, but it makes me very sad at the same time. Because these pictures are also a reminder that he is no longer with us. There is no doubt that Charlie understands something about Max not being here. Most of the time he is still his playful self, but at times he just stops and starts to look around and it seems to me that he at those moments is when he remembers Max, and realizing he is not here he gets sad and quiet. He loved to play with Max, and he was always very excited when he saw him first thing in the morning. And of course, he saw Max every single day since we brought him home.
Terrie, some dogs do well with surgery and live for many years after that. I've heard of various cases already. We were not in the lucky group, but I'm glad you and Tiller are.
Patrice, thank you. It is difficult to get used to not having Max around. Every single day, many times a day I find myself thinking about Max. I miss him, and I catch myself all the time expecting to see him, only to immediately react and remember he is not here anymore. I knew I loved him, but I think I loved him more than I even knew. Don't know if that makes sense, but I know that you'll understand. I realize that this is the same process I had gone through with the death of family members. It is not less painful than the other losses because Max was a dog. And as with the others, time will help dull the pain, as you say.
Sharon, thank you. You have been there, as many others in this group, and I am very thankful for your support and understanding. Yes, it is sad that they have such short lives compared to ours. But it is what it is. As I said to Patrice above, I am finding this grieving process even harder than I expected. Charlie helps though. He is a sweetheart, and he is growing up and behaving better each day.
Griselda,
I am so sorry for your loss. I stopped back to check on how you were doing, can't believe it's been a few weeks. I cried when I saw the latest comments. I know your sadness and send warm wishes your way! Please look for a special post I am doing for you!
Love and hugs and kisses,
April and Simba
YES, I agree that it is no less painful than losing a family member of the human species. It is too bad that many don't understand this but I, like so many others here in this group, agree and support that. Take your time grieving and know that I am sending hugs through the wires...
April, thank you so much for your kind words. I just read the post you wrote for us. It was very thoughtful of you. Thank you again for that. The love, hugs and kisses are very welcome and much needed.
How is Simba? I would love to see pictures. Golden Retrievers are such sweet dogs. Hugs and kisses for you and Simba.
Patrice, yes, I think only people who feel the same about their pets can understand how we feel. Thank you for the love you are sending my way. Those hugs are very welcome. The warmth I have been continuously receiving from this group is very comforting. It feels like having a hot plate of soup in a very cold day. Thank you... hugging back...
Pictures you want - here you go - I am always happy to share....
Simba in the snow..... we got way too much of that last winter....
Here is Simba the week I brought him home in '06. I like how he looks with the fall leaves in the background.
April, love the pictures! Simba is beautiful. My favorite is the one in the snow. We never see snow here, so for me that's special. Does Simba like to play in the snow? Thank you for sharing these pictures.
Bonnie, thank you. Max was very handsome and I think that his sweet personality came through the pictures. It is very hard not having him around. I remember him every single day. But now I am able to remember the good memories without crying every time. So I guess that shows I'm doing better. Have the flu though, so that doesn't help.
Roberta, thank you so much. I am doing better. I still miss Max and I don't know how long it would take for me to not think of him every day, or expect to see him when I get home, only to immediately realize he won't be there. But I can see how time is already at work. Now I am able to laugh while remembering some of the funny things that Max used to do. It is good to be able to start enjoying the good memories and not get that dark sadness all over me every time I remember Max.
Griselda - Crying is good - it is cleansing. Now get over the flu - we had it too and it took its toll. Now we are recovered.
Time and rest for both.
Hi Griselda,
Tried to e-mail you last week to check in to see how you are doing, but for some reason my e-mail was bounced. I am glad to read your comments about being able to enjoy good memories of Max now. Have been thinking about you.
Ruth Ann
Hi Griselda,
Simba LOVES the snow. We had alot of fun this past winter. We had a record breaking winter with over 100 inches of snow. We would walk every morning - the snow was up past my knees. It was a great workout for me and SImba too. He would run through the snow - actually jump - like a deer. It was cute. Here's a picture of him playing in the snow.....
That is a football he is carrying so proudly!
Kathleen, I've survived the flu. You are right, time and rest are always helpful. You may also be right about crying being cleansing. I hope so. We made that dreadful trip to the vet three weeks ago and I've cried every day since. It's less often now. But somehow there's always at least a couple of moments during the day when some vivid memories of Max combined with the realization that he is no longer here makes it impossible to contain the tears. This May first would have been Max's 9th birthday.
Ruth Ann, the email seems to be working fine. But things happen. Thank you very much for your kind thoughts. I am better and I am able to talk about Max with the family, and even laugh when remembering some of Max's funny stories. But it is still hard. As I was telling Kathleen, there are always moments during the day when I find myself crying. I know I have to give myself time. But at some level it bothers me that I am not able to get over this loss. It may be that I'm trying to push myself to come back to normal too fast. Don't know. Just know that not having Max around is much more painful than I could have ever imagined.
April, Simba's picture is beautiful! I was trying to figure out what he was carrying. So it is a football! Thank you so much for sharing this great picture. If you have more, keep them coming! Love to see them. Hugs,
Griselda,
I just joined the group today. I'm devastated to read of your wonderful dog's saga. It's so hard to say goodbye, but truly the most loving thing you could have done. Your little one is far better off, in no more pain, and knows how much you must have loved him. My ShihTzu, Sophie Rose, is going to be nine in June, and I can't imagine life without her. When I lost my "boys" I thought I could never be happy again, but found with time, we laugh as we remember what characters they were. Those we've loved will always be with us in loving thoughts and happy memories.
Margo, welcome to the group. Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope you and Sophie Rose have many more wonderful years together. Do you have any pictures of her to share?
Dear Griselda, My heart is so broken for you. I have been away from the AR for a long time, and the last I read Max was doing great. Such a sad outcome. Words can not express how terrible I feel about your loss of your sweet Max. You know Max stole my heart with those loving eyes, and Bella would have loved him for sure. I always felt his spirit jumping through the screen. he was so special!
Please forgive me for not being there for you sooner. I have had some medical issues and other things keeping my focus elsewhere.
We are worried about our Bella. I recently found a pea sized lump on her back when I was massaging her. It had red finger like marks on it. The vet looked at it and said it may be a tick bite reaction, to wait 3 weeks and if it is still there she will remove it and biopsy it. Today was 3 weeks, its still there, but not red anymore. It might even be a little smaller it's hard to tell. I called the vet today, and am waiting for her to call me back. We are praying it will be nothing. I can't even think of the alternative. So much of our life revolves around Bella. The thought of losing her is more than I can bear.
I am sending you such a big hug, my friend. I have been where you are with my sweet Dessie. Even tough we had 15 1/2 years of love, the day we had to let her go was one of the worst of my life. You are in our thoughts and prayers, Griselda. I wish I could take away the pain!
HUGS,
Ginger
Ginger, thank you so much. I hope you are fine and that your health has improved. I also hope that Bella's lump is nothing important and that you keep on enjoying her company for a long, long time.
The rapid deterioration of Max's health was totally unexpected. It may have been my lack of experience with these situations, but I was so confident that he was going to do well. His surgery had been a success and he was healing really fast. Even though we knew that the tumor was cancerous, we were very optimistic. Then everything went down in a fast accelerating spiral from bad to worst. It happened so fast it didn't give me time to assimilate it. But it got to the point when I saw Max suffering, knowing he was not going to last for more than a few hours or days, and that's when I made the decision to put him to sleep. It was very hard. It is very hard still, I miss him every single day. But I know time will help.
Please let us know how Bella is doing. I know of many dogs that develop lumps that are not malignant. Sometimes is a reaction to something, like your vet said. Other times it could be a fat lump or some other tissue that is not malignant. So take it a day at a time and try not to worry.
Sending you love and hugs,
Hello Griselda,
I only saw this post today....I know how you must feel. I just lost one my dogs (Harley) at this time last year. She was very old and had been ill a long time, but it finally became too much for both her and me and I sadly had to put her to sleep. In retrospect, I waited too long. This had profound effects on me and my other two dogs. Eventually I gave Jade a kid sister (Tundra) who is just one year old now. Jade needed a pal and took Harley's death badly. Max seemed like a WONDERFUL dog. Sweet and gentile - just like my Harley. My deepest sympathy.
Ruthmarie, I'm so sorry that you lost Harley. Max was a sweetheart and everybody who knew him fell in love with him. I miss him terribly, and so does the whole family, including Charlie, our poodle-schnauzer mix. Thank you so much for your kind comments. I hope your enjoy the company of your other dogs for many years.
Griselda
When I read your opening story of Max I was going to offer you my prayers for a speedy recovery but as I continued reading I found that you put Max down, I am filled with tears for your loss. I know how special a relationship is with a dog. I mourn for you and Max.
Gary, thank you. I appreciate your kind comments. Max was very much loved, and he is missed every single day. We have many wonderful memories of him and his pictures are everywhere. In many ways, he is still with us.
Charlie, our young puppy (he is almos 1 1/2 years old now) also misses Max. He adored him. Here is a picture of the both of them playing.
Give Max my best. I hope everything turns out well. I know first hand how scary this is. He is adorable
Ray, thank you. Max died back in April. I agree with you, he was adorable, and a sweetheart. He had a great personality and I believe it was reflected in his pictures. Thank you again for your kind words.
Griselda, I hope this finds you doing better today than yesterday and tomorrow better than today... Eariler tonight I read about your baby Max. I was in tears, then I had to reach over and touch one of my babies that was sitting beside me. Thanks for sharing your story, it really makes one stop and think about things and how fast time can go.
Is Charlie doing better? What breed is he?
Take care!
Teresa, thank you so much for asking. I miss Max every single day, and still get very emotional some times but I'm getting better.
Charlie is also doing better. I think by now he realizes that Max is not coming back. Charlie is a sweetheart. He is behaving very well and he likes being petted and being carried like a baby. Charlie is a schnauzer/poodle mix.
I am so sorry for your loss Griselda.
Charlie must be very lost. When we had to put down our lab mix our other dog, Einstein, just didn't know what to do with himself. Now we have baby and he ignores her as much as possible! :)
Griselda, I am so sorry for your loss. Max's story really touched my heart. Even as I come back days later to make this comment my eyes start to well up with tears. I am positive that Max was dearly loved for his short time with you and somewhere up in "doggy heaven" he is chasing tennis balls and getting treats.
Jacqueline, thank you. Charlie is OK now, but the first weeks were hard on him too. He was constantly looking for Max. I'm sorry to hear about your lab mix. What kind of dog is Einstein? and Baby? or is it that you had a baby? ;-) I'm not clear on that one.
Lara, yes, Max was loved by all of us and he had a very good life. We didn't see it coming, and if it wasn't for the cancer he was in great shape and still very young looking. He was a very sweet and handsome dog. It has been really hard, and there is not one day when I don't think of him. But time goes on, and it is easier now to talk about him without crying every time. Thank you for your kind words.
Einstein is a keeshound and german shepard mix. He's 12 now but still tries to keep up with everyone.
No no please don't wish me any more kids. I am now into grandbabies! :)
Baby is a Lab/Pit mix. She is 3 now and still thinks she is a lap dog. All 55 lbs of her!
It is so wild to see Baby this 55 lbs dog playing with Ladybug (all of 8 lbs of her).
Jacqueline, I laughed a lot when I went to your blog and saw who Baby was! How is Ladybug behaving? I love puppies but they are a lot of work!
Griselda- I am sorry to hear about Max. I know it has been a few months since he passed, but having lost pets in the past I know a few months is nothing compared to the years you spent together. He looked and sounded like a great dog, friend, and companion. I know he is greatly missed and I feel your pain. He is in a good place with no problems. I am sure him and my Hercules are playing and having a good ol time :-D
Hi Griselda and all
I am new to ActiveRain and this group.
This morning I met a friend who is a beauty consultant and she gave me a makeover. I came home and read the story about Max and the comments.
First thing I did was hugging my dogs. Then, while tears cover my face I am writing this comment.
So, so sorry for your loss, Griselda. Often I asked myself how I would be after losing a dog. I don't know the answer, but I do know this: Nothing and no one has ever made my life so rich, fun, wonderful and loving as my dogs.
I am an animal lover. My husband and I have (5 kids and) 2 love dogs: Scooby-Doo and Lucy.
I would love to post their photos but I am having a hard time doing it. Any advice?
BTW - Makeover's gone. Washed by tears.
God bless
Hi Griselda, I was new to the group when I read about Max, and I am so sorry it has been so long since I've read your blog, and so very, very sorry about Max. I don't know if you are ready yet, but when you are, read the book "The Art of Racing in the Rain", you will laugh and cry. We had to put our 2 old boys down within 6 months of eachother last year, I cried for months, and still do when I see a photo of them...I miss them every day! My thoughts are with you...enjoy your Charlie - he is a doll!
Jamie and Dan
Chris, yes, Max was dearly loved, he still is, wherever he is now. I do hope you are right and he is in a wonderful place playing with your Hercules (I'm sure Hercules also had a great life with you). Max was a great friend and he was always there for me, as only loving pets can be.
Enat, nothing like a girl crying to make another one cry! I've been trying to read these comments without breaking down but your comment just did it. Sorry about your makeover being ruined. But you know, I think that a good cry once in a while is cleansing. It helps you put things in perspective and see meaning and value in the little things in life. Max was a unique soul that touched us all, and he will be forever missed. I am very thankful that he was in our lives for almost nine years.
Jamie and Dan, I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I can't even imagine how hard it must have been. Thank you for recommending the book, I'll check it out. I do enjoy Charlie every day, he is a doll and a sweetheart. He is really adorable, and he has made things a bit easier.
you poor thing! I just got up to speed on everything that happened with you and your dog max! I am so sorry for your loss. I know it has been some time since he passed, but I am definitely going to pray for things to get easier on you guys soon. It must be hard talking about him so much. I know that if my dog passed away it would be really really hard to talk about. Best of luck to you, and again you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
Terri, yes, it is very hard not having Max with us anymore. But I don't mind talking about him. On the contrary, at home we mention Max almost every day. We remember things he did, and retelling those stories is a way to keep him with us. Sometimes we cry, and others we laugh. Just the same as when I remember my grandmother or any other family member that passed away. Thank you so much for your comments.
Griselda, I've only just recently joined the Active Rain community and found out about Max.. I am sorry, but it is good to hear the outpouring of caring and support from other members, we know that we are not alone in our love. For some other reading material, you could try some "Chicken Soup for the Animal Lover's Soul". Talk about your good cleansing crys. I have just past the year anniversary of losing my first wolfdog Merlyn and it does feel like yesterday and still messes me up pretty good. I have my two girls left who are getting on in years and our latest addition of Jaeger, a purebred GSD. He was the balm for my pain when Merlyn died, my husband basically left no options on a new puppy even though I didn't want a "replacement". And while he will never replace my Merfur, it has been easier to deal with the goofy clown around. I will post pics when I am home and can get to them on my hard drive. If you are ever in Palm Beach county, look me up, I really need to give you a big hug!
Meegan, welcome to AR and to our group! Thank you so much for your comments. I understand perfectly when you say that Jaeger was the "balm" for your pain. Charlie has also made things a bit easier for me. Some times I go to Boca to shop at Levenger (one of my favorite stores). Usually I don't venture farther unless we are going to Disney or something like that. But if I do I'll make sure I contact you. And if you come down to Miami Lakes please let me know. Sending you a big hug...
I hope everything goes well for Max. I have a lab that had a knot similar to what you are describing and it turned out to be nothing, so I hope Max has the same outcome. I'll be thinking about him.
Cheryl, I'm glad your lab is fine and his lump was nothing. We were not so lucky with Max, and he died last April. Thank you very much for your good wishes and thoughts.
Hi Griselda,
I am so sorry for your loss. I just read all your comments and I am beside myself. Tears are flowing. Max sounded like a great companion. It almost makes you scared to love, because when they are gone, the pain is so intense. I will keep you and Max in my prayers. God Bless you.
Here's hoping it is just a fatty tumor of sorts.....I know how you feel.
Terry
Sorry for your loss. We just lost our wonderful german shepherd. He was only nine years old. He was also loved. To have loved and lost...
Callie, thank you so much for your comments. I'm sorry we made you cry. I believe that the pain and hurt we feel when a loved one is gone is not as bad as living without love. There is nothing like the experience of bonding with another being, human or otherwise. I had such an experience with Max. He was my friend and I loved him very much. I miss him and still hurts. But if I was given the chance to go back and choose not to have Max in my life for those nine years in exchange of not feeling all the pain I have gone through I would say NO.
Terry, the news were really bad, and Max died last April. Thank you for your kind thoughts.
Laura, I'm really sorry you lost your german shepherd. He was the same age as Max, nine. I'm sure he was loved. Would you like to share a picture of him with us?
Griselda I don't think I would change it either. Yesterday i was very saddened by your post. I thought Max was gonna be okay and then in your comments I saw that he passed. He was so beautiful, and in your pictures I could see love flowing through his eyes.
Here's my bubby-
Your post and the comments brought tears to my eyes, remembering how our beloved Milo died a few years ago. Our dogs are not just pets but are family members with wonderful personalities that love us unconditionally. Your max will be missed terribly, but you have wonderful memories
I am so sorry to hear about your beloved Max. I have lost pets in the past, and not having children, hate it when people don't understand my pets are my children! I often love them more than humans! oops, but true! Thanks for sharing, and if the time comes for a new pet, please adopt from an animal shelter!
C Thompson, Maureen, and Kristin, thank you for your comments. I'm sorry for the late response, but I've been away from AR for a while.
Your comments are very kind and true. It is difficult for people who don't share their life with dogs or other pets, to realize that the loss of a pet is as hard on us as the loss of any other family member. Max was adorable, sweet, intelligent, happy, and the best friend one could have. He lived his life as another member of our family, surrounded by love, and hugs, and cudling. We enjoyed having him in our lives and I am sure he was happy to share his live with us. We mention him almost every day. There are always stories to tell about Max.