Today I found out that my beautiful friend has cancer, a horrible cancer that could take her any day at any moment. She is an English Setter, the gentlest soul I have ever know, and she is just 3 months shy of her 12 year. She has lived a full life of hunting birds and chasing squirrels. I can not begin to tell what she has given back to me:-) In life, some are given only brief glimpses of this world, I have been given 12 years with this wonderful soul, I can not ask for more. When it is time for me to say goodbye, I will thank her for the love and friendship she has given me. I will miss her forever, but I will honor her by moving forward in my life, because in my heart, I know she would not want me to do anything else but this. My dear sweet girl. I love you.

Oh, my heart surely does break for you and your baby. I hope and pray she does have many more good days left to spend with her mommy. Tell us more about your girl -- what is her name? What did your vet say? What kind of cancer does she have? Others here have gone through this and may be able to offer some good advice.
Love,
Marcia

Speaking as someone who lost my pet due to sudden illness, without the chance to say goodbye, I can offer you this advice: live each moment with her to the fullest, enjoy her good days, comfort her and be with her on the bad.

My second dog, my "surviving" dog, has a slew of health problems, including devastating seizures. I've been told that he could go any day, but may be around for a few years. This is different from cancer, but there is a constant fear of death hanging over me.

I really am sorry that you and your friend are facing this.

My dog, Shiloh, was diagnosed with lymphoma last May and died in September. Steph has given some excellent advice...appreciate each and every second you have with her. When her time comes, you'll find much comfort in these special times.

You're in my thoughts.
Kathleen

First of all thank all of you for the kind words.. My girls name is Shandy and she has just been diagnosed with cancer on her spleen From what I have been told by the vet and read about this is a very vicious cancer which could take my girl anytime if it starts to bleed out. Her red blood cell count is way down and there is nothing I can do for her now. I have chosen not to let them operate because I do not want her last days with me to be consumed with vet visits and chemo. I do not want to put her through that for my sake. Of course Iam now doubting my decision. But the lump inside of her is quite large. I hate this word cancer. I have lost one of my best friends to it and now it is taking my girl. She has had some good days of late. She took me on 3 enourmous walks this past weekend over 2 hours eachtime. It was nice to see her pointing at the birds and squirrels again. She kept me at one tree for over 20 mins as she stared up at a squirrel .hahaha. Today she is at her favorite pet store(Dr Doos) while Iam at work. She loves this place so much, her spirit is lifted everytime we get near the place. Lisa the owner of Dr Doos is a great friend to us both and she has taken a great worry off my mind, knowing that if Shandy leaves while Iam at work she will be with people who love her:-))))) . I just heard from Lisa and she said Shandy was asleep enjoying the peace and quiet:-)) My only hope is that when she does leave that it is peaceful. Thank you all agian. BTW Iam Shandy's Dad:-))))

I am so sorry that your wonderful little Shandy has cancer and nothing can be done about it. I'm sure you are doing all these things but pend every minute you can with her, talk to her, hold her and make every minute count. I had a clay paw print made of my baby too. My little girl Snookie was sick for around 11 months before she left this world. I also lost my Chili Bean to cancer, but her's was sudden and we didn't know she had it. I hate that word cancer too. It is just so hard to watch them grow worse by the day.
Ann

Dear Shandy's Dad,

I'm sorry your beloved friend is so sick. How comforting though, that while you're at work Shandy is able to be at her favorite place and with people who love her. As others have said, enjoy every minute.

Thinking of you.

Lynn

I woke up this morning and Shandy is not good. I don't know what to do. Her gums are white again and she dosent even have the energy to get up. I know that this thing inside her has started to bleed again. She is very alert though. I keep looking for a sign from her telling me it is ok to let her go. But I don't get it, only her soft brown eyes with life still in them. Right now she is lying on her bed under my desk at work. I dont know what to do:-((( Why does it have to be this way?

I am so sorry your sweet, beautiful Shandy is so sick. God bless you -I know the pain is just too much to bear right now. Please come here often and tell us about your Shandy. We will try to help bear the burden of your sorrow. When my Allie got sick (internal bleeding due to a rare complication with her intestine) her gums turned white. About six hours later she was no longer alert and they had to put her down. As the others have said, I think you will know when it is time. My heart breaks for you. Kiss her and tell her you love her. Soon she will be free to run and play forever with her Heavenly Father, and many other friends in Heaven. But she will always be grateful for the wonderful 12 years she spent with you. Again, I am just so sorry she is sick.

Love and prayers,
Jenny