The Yamaha Road Star Warrior Forum

We seem to have his meds better regulated. He has stopped limping and seems comfortable. The referral center definately thinks it is cancer. Same options as before. We don't know how long he has but he will be comfortable and happy for all of it. This is definately a time to stop and smell the roses. I posted some pics at the first post of the thread.

Three years ago my lab mix was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on his hind leg at the age of 10. We went through the surgery to remove and treatments after. Now three years later at the age of 13, it's back. At this point I don't think it's fair to take his leg or make him go through the surgery again. I just keep him comfortable, give him a good life, and recognize when life is too unbearable for him. It's a tough call, but I think you just give them the best life possible. Good luck with your dog and hopefully it progresses slow.  One thing I did do was change him to natural foods (Welness), which has helped tremendously.

Thanks dt. My wife is cooking food for him now (chicken, green beans, wild rice, etc) and keeping him on a cancer starving diet. Seems simple sugars will feed the tumor and cause it to grow much more quickly. Coal went through a terrible ordeal from a cat bite years ago when he was younger (flesh eating variety of MRSA). It caused an extended stay at UGA animal hospital, several surgeries, and bandaging for months. He recovered fully and has lived an exceptional life ever since. At his age now I just don't feel right about putting him through any more surgeries. He's right here at my feet as I type this and that's where he'll be until I see his life quality decline. Good luck with your boy as well. Sounds like he is in very good hands.

i am so sorry to hear that. i have 2 dogs myself and i know one day they will be gone. i can't imagine what you are going thru.

i hope the best for you and coal , again i am sorry.

This has been the hardest morning I can remember. I lost my best friend yesterday. The cancer had lowered his bone marrow and red blood count and it showed. Coal Mabry was put to sleep yesterday while resting in my arms. I supported his head with my hand and listened as his heart and breathing slowed. In the last week his quality of life had begun to slip away and his energy was getting near the bottom. His sweet spirit and dignity remained the same  as he walked himself into the vet on wobbly tired legs. We were surprised as he gobbled up some treats, he had not been wanting to eat anything the last few days except Chick-fil-a biscuits that I would go and get him in the mornings. Thank you for all the kind words and well wishes, the screen is getting blurry so I must go.

Sorry to hear man

doubledown:

My 12 yr old lab, Coal, went to the vet today with symptoms like arthritis. Turns out he has cancer. Options are to amputate the leg and do chemo or just give him pain meds and take him in when he's no longer comfortable. Doc said to amputate and do the chemo might buy one more year. I'm thinking, at his age, I'm just going to keep him comfortable and give him all the burgers and sleep on the bed he wants. He's a big, beautiful, black lab with all the qualities you could want in a person. Thank goodness he's a dog. Anyway, I really love him and this is some of the hardest news I've had in a long time. If I ever get a gallery I'll post a pic. There's a reason they are called "man's best friend". I'm sure going to miss mine...alot.

Haley (my wife) and Coal at Edisto Beach SC

Scott,

That last photo did me in. I know exactly how you feel about your dog. They love you unconditionally. They feel you can do no wrong and are a;ways there when you're down. Praying for comfort!

Duke

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. It is amazing how animals, dogs in particular can touch a persons soul. You can take comfort in knowing that he will be waiting for you to join him again. Godspeed Coal.

Scott, I have a huge lump in my throat man. I had the exact same kind of morning 2 years ago with my Golden Retriever Rusty. He had cancer. He was 13. I held him as the vet put him down as well. It was, and still is, the worst day of my life! I swore I'd never own another dog. I couldn't handle taking something I love to the vet again to end it's suffering. Well, 6 months passed, alot of grieving and friends "toasting" to Rusty at get togethers at my home. I came home one day and told my wife "I don't WANT a dog, I NEED a dog!" We got a new Boston Terrier puppy that day. Best thing I could have done. We still talk about and miss Rusty something awful, but Ruckus is a joy. You'll never, ever, really get over Coal Scott, ever. But eventually you'll NEED a dog like I did! George

Well I know what you're going through, two weeks ago today I got to watch as my border collie, golden retriever cross went after a rabbit on the opposite side of the road and got hit by a truck. I never held them at fault, but they never even slowed down. I had to go pick him up off the road and watch him die right in front of me. He was only five and so full of life. My family is still grieving, especially my wife and I. It's hard.

 Great.  Now I can't see my screen.

I feel for ya, man.  I've had to say goodbye to three "kids" over the years, the most recent one earlier this year.  It doesn't get any easier. 

I'm so sorry for your loss.  I don't know what else to say except I feel your pain.

doubledown:

This has been the hardest morning I can remember. I lost my best friend yesterday. The cancer had lowered his bone marrow and red blood count and it showed. Coal Mabry was put to sleep yesterday while resting in my arms. I supported his head with my hand and listened as his heart and breathing slowed. In the last week his quality of life had begun to slip away and his energy was getting near the bottom. His sweet spirit and dignity remained the same  as he walked himself into the vet on wobbly tired legs. We were surprised as he gobbled up some treats, he had not been wanting to eat anything the last few days except Chick-fil-a biscuits that I would go and get him in the mornings. Thank you for all the kind words and well wishes, the screen is getting blurry so I must go.

 

Scott,

http://rswarrior.com/forums/p/39747/453730.aspx#453730  I posted this back when Vector and JayRidgeRunner lost their best friends, the info seemed to help me when I lost my baby girl "Cossette," she was a pound find, and a sweeter dog you could not imagine.  She was a Dachshund mix and could run like the wind, loved bread and going places, she didn't like the going so much as exploring new scenery.  I miss that girl to this day and I know I probably always will.  I built her a red oak box to be laid to rest in, lined it with her pillow and blanket, placed her in it, said my good byes and my other dog "Tippie" walked up to the box where I was kneeling and dropped Cossettes favorite toy beside me.  Almost as if to say, "Here Poppy, put this in for her."  I did my fair share of allergy suffering that night and next day and still do on occasion when I think of her, like now.  I know it's tough, it does get easier, but never really completely goes away.  Hang in there, bro and cherrish the memories that you have of Coal and his love.  May god bless...

Joe

I'm so sorry for your loss, brother.

I wish I could say anything to make you feel better, but eventually time will heal this wound and another best-buddy-pal will, hopefully, enter your heart, home and lives and make you smile, just so.

Sorry for your loss....you seem like a caring owner so have happiness in knowing you gave Coal the best life he could of had through the pain of missing him.