My special boy has cancer

Roxxsmom

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Wiley, my Australian kelpie dog (and my special boy) seemed to be aging really well. At 13, he still had his hearing, no signs of arthritis, and was spry and sassy. We joked sometimes that he'd give old Maggie (the kelpie who lived to 30) a run for her money. Then he collapsed on New Year's eve. We took him to the emergency vet, and it turns out his pericardial sac was filling with fluid. After consulting with various specialists, we got a diagnosis--heangiosarcoma, which is a very aggressive and invariably fatal cancer that seems to mostly afflict dogs.

We're pursuing some palliative care that should make him more comfortable for a while and may slow the cancer down a bit, but it's highly unlikely we will have him more than a very few months more, and that's if we're lucky. I won't let him suffer, so there will be a point where we'll have to let him go.

So I'm feeling pretty crappy about this. Heartache is part of loving animals, but damn I really wish he could have been in the world a few more years. He's the sweetest, most loving dog I've ever known. He's never met a person he doesn't like, and he got me through a really rough time 12 years ago when I adopted him.
 
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mccardey

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This is so sad, Roxxsmom. I'm so sorry.
 

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I'm so very sorry Roxxsmom.
 

Kjbartolotta

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OMG, I'm so sorry. It's dumb how fast dogs wear out. I guess helping them exit is part of the deal you made, sometimes I think it's easier for them than us but goddamn I hate seeing them go! I remember being heartbroken when my last one passed away, thirteen seemed way too young and I hoped I'd have her much longer. But I was down at the South Central pound the day that she died, and snatched up the handsome brute in my avatar. So there are more puppies when you're ready, and I know you have a great team already.

Still doesn't make it easy to see them go. :cry::cry::cry:Give him lots of meatballs and bacon.
 

mrsmig

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I'm so sorry to hear this, Roxxsmom. Wishing you and your special boy comfort.
 
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MaeZe

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Poor guy. :Hug2: My wish for you is that he dies peacefully at home without suffering. Wish there was something more I could say.
 
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SWest

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Damn, damn, damn.

Hemangio' sucks. I had a wee poopsie who grew one equal to the size of her heart, with not one sign, until she began to drown.

Live in his eyes until he lives in your soul.

:Hug2: :Hug2: :Hug2:
 

ajaye

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So sorry to hear this, Roxxsmum. Hugs to you and Wiley.
 

Anna Iguana

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I'm so sorry, Roxxsmom. Thoughts with you.
 

Lady MacBeth

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I'm so sorry. I've been there. It is heart-wrenching.
 

Roxxsmom

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Thanks, guys.

It just sucks. Knowing it will happen sooner or later doesn't make it easier, that's for sure. We are doing our best to spoil him rotten for whatever time he has left.
 

ShaunHorton

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So sorry to hear that. :-(

I lost my precious kitty boy about a year and a half ago. He'd seen me through so many hard times, but he was in cardiac failure and it was his time. I consoled myself that he'd had a great life. Safe, well-fed, and loved. I figured the best thing I could do to honor his memory after the loss was to not let the empty space in my home and heart go to waste and to take in another couple kittens and ensure they got a chance at a good life just like he had. (I used to volunteer at a cat rescue organization, so I know there's tons out there that desperately need good homes.)

Anyone who says pets aren't family, or that they won't be there waiting for you when it's your time, doesn't have a clue what they're talking about.
 

Putputt

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Oh, I'm so sorry, Roxxsmom. :( Big, big hugs to you and Wiley.
 

regdog

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I'm so sorry
 

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“Sorry” is a pale thing to offer, but it’s all I’ve got. Take that, cancer you bastard. :flamethrower