Dog Cancer

[whowadat]

In 1997 while visiting my Dad's gravesite at a church cemetery in a very remote area of Missouri we came across three small furry chow mix puppy dogs. They had been abandoned there and were found right near my Dad's tombstone. Having had a 14 year old mix pass away weeks before we were very reluctant to take on a trio of puppies.

We of course took them home with the idea of finding them homes. We were successful in finding a home for one, but the other two quickly became our "kids". Not having any children of our own Costello and Sheevalou became the center of our lives with many life decisions having been made with their care at the forefront of our mind. Hard decisions that had long term consequences were made. When genuinely caring friends and family felt it might be best if the dogs were let go, we held on fiercely to the idea that no, we made the decision to care for them that day at the cemetery, we weren't gonna abandon them no matter the cost.

Over the past decade many turbulent events occurred in our lives and always our "kids" were there to give us kisses, glances of concern, and yes sometimes pester us out of our own self pity. They seemed to always forgive me when I yelled at them or didn't take the time to spend with them. These wonderful gifts from God shown me what true unconditional love is, a trait that I can shoot for but never attain given my human defects of character. Last July, after a 9 month battle with kidney failure, I gave Sheevalou back to her creator in what surely was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I cried on and off for the 9 months she was ill, and I cried hard after her passing....heck, I'm crying now.

Several months ago her brother Costello, now pushing 11 years old, was diagnosed with cancer. Well, its not really known at this time but the prevalent thought is not good. At least a dozen growths can be felt around his abdomen, ribs, and elsewhere. X-rays and an ultra sound reveal masses in his liver and stomach, I can't feed him a full bowl of food without his tummy pushing one lump in particular to his side causing a bulge the size of a baseball to be seen and felt. There didn't seem to be a need for a biopsy(sp?) as I knew this day was coming. I thought having been through the process with Sheeva that helping her brother through his last days would be easier....its not.

Costello seems to be doing well, his appetite is good, and his spirits are high. Its my spirits which are down tonight so please forgive me for this long dribble. I know many come here looking for hope, I don't want to be a downer. I love my big galoot with all my soul, and I thank the good lord for blessing me with his love, I guess I just want him to live forever.

I believe that the greatest act of love I can offer to my kids, after the years of unconditional love they have given me, is to help them over the "Rainbow Bridge". Like his sister before, Costello sees my tears and just wants to comfort me with his kisses. I'm a better man today because of two dogs who taught me what it means to love.....I've been truly blessed.

Thank you for letting me share.


Mike

[myles]

So sorry for your sorrow, sounds like Sheevalou needs Costello with her now, hope you find peace knowing you have been there for them a long time and gave them a good life.

[laura.and.leo]

I'm so sorry about Costello and I appreciate that you shared with us. My dog was just diagnosed and I have been having a difficult time thinking or talking about anything else. It's nice to be able to hear from others who understand how hard this is. My friends and family are being kind but I don't think any of them have developed as strong bonds with animals as I have with Leo, who's been my companion and source of solace through hard times over the past few years.

It's good to know that I'm not alone in being so hard hit by the illness and impending death of a dog. I'll be thinking of you.

Laura

[whowadat]

This evening, the 5th of November my wife and I helped Costello over the "Rainbow Bridge". I came across this old post and hadn't realized we were blessed with almost another 6 months with my "Big Galoot"......

We were so blessed to share his birthday in mid October with him, I BBQ him his very own filet mignon which he gobbled up with gusto. I was able to sit with him in the front yard, several times in the rain, as we spoke volumes to each other yet no one ever said a word....the kisses flew that's for sure. And I was able to help him with dignity manage the pains and tribulations of the winter of his life, being carried back inside or down the steps, he once went blind from Hyphema and we rushed to the emergency room - our quick actions were rewarded by his regaining his sight. The prescribing of Prednisone gave us this last month where we shed so many tears of joy.

I read somewhere that a dog teaches us about unconditional love, and an old dog allows us to give it back. My heart is heavy not from the loss of my boy because I know he's in a better place, but because I have so much love that I still wanted to give him. I guess I'll have to accept quality over quanity, the gift of helping him across the Rainbow Bridge is probably the finest act of love you can give - harder than I ever wanted to imagine, but I know that Costello felt my love as I have always felt his.......rest in peace my handsome devil.....God Bless You Costello my friend.

I wanted to post a picture but my BBCode is OFF and I can't figure out how to turn it on - I've changed it in my profile but still no code.

[Kim]

I just wanted to say that i am so sorry for the loss of your dog. It must have been so hard for you to make the decision, and to help Costello over the Rainbow Bridge. It is great that you got to enjoy another 6 months with your dog! My dog, Bear was diagnosed with lymphoma in July, he was getting chemo and doing very well up until the last 3 weeks when he became very ill from one of the chemo treatments. Bear passed away on october 24th, he was only 18 months old. I guess the only good thing about it was that we did not have to decide to put him to sleep, he just left us on his own. I miss him every day, as i am sure you miss your dogs. I hope that maybe they are all together playing somewhere waiting for us to come home. I can only aspire to be as great as my dog was.

[boxersRgreat]

What a wonderfull post, I really loved reading about how much joy & love your 2 dogs bought to your life...& can tell that they were so very loved back

I had tears in my eyes when you told how he 'was always there for you'...I feel the same way about my boy

We got our (now 10) Boxer really instead of having children at the time (I already had a 6 year old & wasnt ready for more, at 22 years old)

He has given us so much love & we have all had wonderfull times with him

5 days ago he was diagnosed with thyriod cancer & we are devastated, as he is so fit, lively & healthy (other than that)

We are now agonising over the choices we face...Surgery, chemo....We dont want him to suffer, but could he have another year or two of good life again?

Its so hard
_________________
Kelly & Family
Inc Boxer 10 & Beagle 8