I am hoping that by writing here it will help me cope with my upcoming loss. My baby, Shadow, a 7 year old Alaskan Malamute was diagonsed thursday with terminal cancer. The vet did exploratory surgury, and said that every organ was with cancer. It is just a matter of time. Right now she is still avcting fairly normal, still active and playful. You would never know she is dying. The worst part is that she will probobly die while I am gone , as I travel a lot. This will leave my wife to have to deal with everything by herself.

We live just north of Charlotte, NC and if there is anybody nearby who has been through similar we would love to make contact.

I will update this post as her condition changes.

I am so sorry for your pets diagnosis. Though your pet is active and behaving almost normally, that does not change what you will and your wife will be facing. There is no way of knowing how much time your dog has left. I can only say, I know you will cherish every moment you can. It may help to take pictures, and or videos. I know we took lots of pictures of our cat Scooter, even before we knew he was so sick. But, we seemed to take more, when we knew our time together was limited. I cherish that time now, and those pictures.

I live in New Jersey, so the only help I can be would be of support here. We lost our cat Scooter 8 weeks ago today to kidney failure, and he was only 6 years old.

Please, keep us posted here, and I will keep you in my prayers. I and so many others here know what you are going through.

Scooter's Mom



Scooter - You are always loved and forever missed.

Why don't you suggest that your wife start posting here. It may help her to cope when the time comes since we have all suffered similar losses and the group is very supportive. I don't know how I would have made it through the death of Daisy without this group. Also, if you are near any major animal medical center, it may have a pet loss support group.

You don't know how long your dog may go on. I agree completely with Shortrish that you should cherish each day. Tell her how much you love her. I am sure that being appreciated and loved helps extend a sick person or pet's life - and if not, it certainly improves the quality.

And know, in your own heart, that when the time comes that she cannot continue without suffering, that you will have the vet help her leave this earth, a final gift for a beloved pet.


Best wishes,

Daisy's Mommy

I am so sorry about hearing that. I remember when my vet told me about my cat Precious having cancer; at first I refused to believe it but in my heart knew it must be true. Precious lived almost three more weeks but knowing every minute of every day was cherished and shared with him lives on in my memory. I took great pains to make sure he was fed and watered and comfortable. I miss him terribly but know he was happy that his mum was with him until the very last minute of his life.
Please know I am praying for you and for Shadow and that you have as much time that God allows. Enjoy every second and know that you are doing everything you can to make him comfortable and loved.
Lisa

As I travel for work, I am dreading tomorrow. I have to leave and return to work, knowing that when I return home in 4 weeks, my baby most likely woln't be here to greet me. Its tearing me up inside, and taking the fun out of a job that usually is great fun.

I guess I can take comfort in the fact that currently she is happy, and dosn't seemto be feeling any pain, aside from thr discomfort from the surgury. That still does nothing for the fact that I feel as if I'm abandoning her. She knows I love her, and she is used to me frequently traveling, but....

I'm sorry, I can't completely put into words how i feel

Lighttec, I am so sorry that you got such bad news about Shadow, I can't even imagine how hard it must be for you to go on a business trip and leave her behind. Just tell her how much you love her and will miss her and if she has to go before you return that it is OK. God has a timetable for all of us.

Everyone here understands as we have all gone thru grief and loss. We are just at different stages. You, your wife and Shadow are all in my prayers.

Dugan's Mom

[quote=lighttch,Sep 10 2006, 08:36 PM]As I travel for work, I am dreading tomorrow.  I have to leave and return to work, knowing that when I return home in 4 weeks, my baby most likely woln't be here to greet me.  Its tearing me up inside, and taking the fun out of a job that usually is great fun. 

I guess I can take comfort in the fact that currently she is happy, and dosn't seemto be feeling any pain, aside from thr discomfort from the  surgury.  That still does nothing for the fact that I feel as if I'm abandoning her.  She knows I love her, and she is used to me frequently traveling, but....

I'm sorry, I can't completely put into words how i feel