Losing my beloved Tetley

[44trxfun]

Hi Boondox,

I read your post and my heart goes out to you. Through the best and roughest of times, "my" dog was such a source of comfort to me that I think I can imagine what you're going through. I wish you and yours peace. Hug that pooch...

 

[dmartin88]

Really sorry to hear about Tetley and our thoughts will be with you. Our dog, Max, was diagnosed with cancer early this summer and we had to put him to sleep a few weeks later. Just recently, we've brought home a new addition from our local shelter-- she's a 4 year or so old Austrailian Kelpie mix and not a replacement for Max but really good to have some help around the house again, take comfort in your other dogs as they help you get through this.

 

[Golfgar4]

Oh man Pete, this really hurts. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Being one of the fortunate people who have had the opportunity to meet Tetley and all of the other fine dogs you've rescued, I'm at a total loss. I remember the evening we all stood around that bonfire chatting and getting to know each other. Tetley kept coming up and nudging my hand with his nose for a little "stroking".

I can't imagine what you're feeling now, but you have my thoughts and prayers if they'll help you through this. How's Tamara holding up?

You guys are strong, so I know you'll get through it. But there will definitely be a void for a long time.

Bless you all and we'll keep you all in our thoughts.

 

[Boondox]

Thanks, guys. At times like this the thoughts of other dog lovers are all important. My employer has given permission for long lunch breaks and even working from home as things progress. Tetters still acts pretty much normal, though the anemia makes him tire quickly.

We went for a truck ride yesterday. Just the two of us. He stared out the windshield for a few miles, but once we got out of the village he put a paw on my shoulder and just leaned into the seat watching me drive. We went to McDonald's for a shared order of fries. He ate a few, but wasn't really interested.

I imagine we'll be making a few trips like that in the weeks ahead.

He's also been nosing the gun cabinet, so I think he wants to go hunting.

 

[Boondox]

Thanks, Garry. Those of you who have met him know first hand how special that particular dog is. In a house full of wonderful dogs, he stands out.

Tamara is handling it better than me. She's more philosophical about the whole thing. I'm a mess! I don't mean to compare men to dogs, but I'm having the same feeling right now I used to have while I was serving when I came upon a Marine with wounds beyond my ability to cure. That same helpless rage against the inevitable.

But if there was ever a dog who knew he was loved, it's Tetley. Thanks again. pb

 

[SkyPup]

Sorry to hear this news, I know how devastated you are.

Our top Scottish Terrier, Shorty, is not even three years old and he was just diagnosed with non Hodgkins lymphoma. We had the choice of either euthanizing him right then or putting him on human chemotherapy protocol. He went on the chemo and immediately went into 100% clinical remission. About 50% make it to one year until the cancer cells become resistant to the drugs. His quality of life has been excellent though but the cost is about $500 per month. Good thing I went to veterinary school and have many oncologist friends so I can get the used human chemo drugs for cheap to give to him.

Just one year ago, one of our Scotties (Terra) got killed by an 8 foot alligator in our backyard, so this was not welcome news.

Attached is a pic of Shorty (Black), Terra (White) and Zoe one of our duck-quail-dove-snipe hunting English Springer Spaniels .

Remember, our pets are just a microcosm of our world, everyone will experience what they are experiencing, some sooner and some later, but virtually no one escapes. Take the time out to love and learn during this experience....

 

[_RaT_]

So sorry Pete.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( We went to McDonalds for a shared order of fries )</font>
So sorry to hear about your boy's cancer. We currently are going thru chemo with one of our boys and his prognosis is pretty good. The McDonalds trip reminds me of our schaunzer (Mr. Spock) who enjoys sharing my Arby's roast beef with him! I do not want to imagine how hard this must be for you and your family. Take care.

 

[GaryE]

Pete,

I know what you are feeling right now. I just got the same news this morning. I have been crying like a baby all day. Sam has been the best friend I have ever had… I hurts so much to know I am going to lose him. He was an abused dog that took me in. He has given me so much.

We are going to try to remove the lump tomorrow. He has an enlarged heart and may not make it through, but at least he will go with no pain. I hope I am doing the right thing.

Right now the only thing I can say is be thankful for the time you had together. They give you so much.

My best wishes to you,

Gary

 

[Inspector507]

Gary,
I hope that you too know that all of us here are with you during this time.

 

[GaryE]

Thank you...

Gary

 

[NIXON]

Pete , It's very hard for Me to put down in words my sympathy for
what You must be feeling. I know that it's of very little comfort now , but in time the loss of Tetley will be less painful . And, the memories of Him will be comforting . I'm truely sorry to hear about Tetley . All the best , John

 

[Boondox]

Gary -- I've been doing a ton of research and might be in the same boat. And I'm so torn by what seems like the cruelest choice in the world. Do I have fun with Tetters while we can, and say goodbye when his time comes? Or do I possibly give up that precious time and send him in for surgery NOW, knowing he has less than a 15% chance of coming out alive?

If, as is common with the breed, the mass is a malignant hemangiosarcoma, he has only a couple months left and surgery will probably only give him a couple months more -- time to say goodbye. But if it's a benign hemangioma, removing the entire spleen could give him years more quality life. But the malignant form is far more common. Doing nothing either will kill him.

Gary, best of luck with Sam. I hope it turns out for the best for both of us. And if not, I pray it at least goes easy for them. Pete

 

[alan40]

Hi Pete and Gary, sorry to hear about your dogs. We just got back from Maine and both dogs jumped us before we got out of the truck. My wife is the lucky one Belle only weighs 28lbs. Star on the other hand is a 85lbs golden lap dog. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif If the world was as friendly as most dogs we'd be alot better off.
Star's new trick this year is eating sweet corn out of the garden. She rips off a ear and eats the corn. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Wife's not to happy with the competition thou.
Both of you take care, our best wish's and prayers are with you both.
Take care

 

[dmccarty]

Pete,

Just got off the phone with the wifey. Tetley has the same thing that Chase did. Chase's was not typical though and the vets had a hard time deciding on the diagnosis but they ended up with malignant hemangioscarcoma. In Chase's case it was growing in her liver which is why they stopped the operation and asked if we wanted to just put her to sleep. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

My wife is going to look and see if she can find the websites and vets she used for info. Our local vets where talking to vets in the North East and out west as well. She won't be able to do this until this weekend though.

How much time do you have before you have to make a decision?

That 15% chance really makes the surgery decision very hard.... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Later,
Dan

 

[GaryE]

Pete,

Six hours ago I was sure I was making the wrong decision. But the vet just called and he made through the surgery. This was a BIG question being his enlarged heart. He has not come to yet, but the vet feels confident. It is like a whole new day!

I can’t tell you whether or not to go with the surgery, my thinking was go for it and instructed the vet unless there was a good chance for him to have a good quality life don’t bring him back. At least he would not suffer. I was so sure he would not have made it this far.

Hang in there …

My best wishes for both you and Tetley

Gary

 

[Boondox]

Dan -- Tetters' mass is in the spleen where they typically start. The next logical places for metastaces because of the way the blood flows are the liver and kidneys, and from there to the lungs and heart. His renal and hepatic enzymes look normal, so if the tumors have spread that far they are not yet large enough to impact those organs. The limitation for Tetters right now is blood loss. The spleen is a very vascular organ and his hematocrit is already very low. My bet is there is some internal bleeding going on.

Basically the hope at this point is that the mass is a benign tumor (like a regular hemangioma) and not a malignant neoplasm. 85% chance it's bad news, though. pb

 

[kensfarm]

"the hardest decision of my life."

My old college buddy "Mickey" had a bladder tumor.. I did all I could(medication) but didn't opt for surgery because of her age & the low %. I had called the vet and made arrangements ahead of me going. I couldn't even talk once I was there.. just knodded my head. It's been almost 10 years.. even today.. I still get choked up thinking about it.

The only relief is thinking that you gave the dog the best life you could while in your care.. and the memories of fun times will always be w/ you. God's speed.. & God bless!