My furry little friend is hanging tough with his cancer.

[LuckyCharms]

Every day is a blessing with this guy. He's 14 with bladder cancer, but he's happy. He's on anti-inflammatories, and the vet says that there are some cancers in dogs that can be kept at bay for awhile with these drugs. The tumor is in a bladder location where it has to grow a bit before it blocks his urine flow.

We have a ritual every night. I lay him down on the bed and caress him for about 30 minutes. I boop his nose. I tell him he's a good boy, and that he's pretty. Even though he's deaf, I still think he knows what I'm saying because I used to tell him that all the time when he could hear. He purrs like a cat when I do this. He has the most beautiful brown eyes, and when he's really relaxed during the massage, we just stare into each others eyes. No one can tell me that animals don't have souls.

Our third sheltie, and I loved them all, but this boy is the sweetest thing imaginable.

[MIButterfly]

1. What a beautiful dog!

I hope the drugs continue to work for him and you still have a long time together.

Your night time ritual is so sweet!

What is his name?

[LuckyCharms]

5. Jonah!

[Laffy Kat]

2. He is gorgeous!

We just love and spoil them as long as we can.

[LuckyCharms]

11. He's so gentle...

We've had him for 12 years, got him when he was 2. He's never been cranky, or bared his teeth, growled, no aggression at all.

Only one time...at the dog park.

This dog was giving him some shit, and he put up with it for a long time, until he finally snapped and gave the other dog the business!

[CousinIT]

3. Awwww. Beautiful, sweet baby!

I am wishing your sweet furbaby a full recovery or at least many more years of a good quality, happy, and loved life. He deserves that, and so do you, for being the BEST doggo parent!

[LuckyCharms]

14. We had to put both of our previous Shelties down.

They lived to 14 and 15 respectively.

We of course were there with them.

I was a mess afterward, and I asked the vet "Why is this affecting me more than a human death"?

Her reply: Because they ask nothing of us, don't inherently feel a drive to want anything from us, but they are entirely dependent on us. So we FEEL like we are letting them down when this time comes, but in actuality, you are doing the kindest thing for them.

[quaint]

4. You are giving him the best life possible.

We should be as cared for when our time is at hand.

[LuckyCharms]

12. I think our pets deserve the very best...

Their lives are so short, relatively.

Gotta cram a lotta love in a short period of time...

[Niagara]

6. * Gives Jonah a generous scritch or two *

💙💙💙

[LuckyCharms]

7. He would like you better than me...

He likes woman better than men.

But I've grown on him over the years, and he tolerates me. But the only time he shows me affection (licks my hand) is during the nighttime ritual.

Outside of that time, he often gives me the ol' side eye...

[Grim Chieftain]

8. I am so sorry

Thank goodness you both have each other - a blessing all the way around.

We're going through a similar situation. Our twelve-year old bichon has Cushing's disease and our thirteen-year-old rescue pup, a terrier and Maltese mix, has kidney failure. They are still doing pretty well, but I know that every day is a gift.

Hugs and good vibes to you and your precious fur baby, LuckyCharms.

[LuckyCharms]

9. And the same good wishes to you and your wonderful dogs...

You're right...every day...a blessing with these animals.

[Diamond_Dog]

10. Nobody can tell me that animals don't have souls, either.

Your Sheltie is such a sweet boy and so lucky to have you in his life.

[1WorldHope]

20. I couldn't agree more about animals having souls.

I might go one step further and suggest that they are God and we should be striving everyday to be more like them. Sweet kisses to Jonah

[2naSalit]

13. What a sweetie...

I'm sure he knows he's loved and that is the best you can give him now.

[InstantGratification]

15. Pure Love

There is NOTHING in this world that is as unconditional as a dog's love.

[waterwatcher123]

16. Sweet dog - your guardian angel or spirit guide.

[Hope22]

17. So beautiful!

My best to all. Your ritual sounds wonderful!🙏🏼💗💗

[Wild blueberry]

18. Every day is a good day

You and Jonah are fortunate to be with one another.

[mwmisses4289]

19. what a sweetheart!

sending good vibes to you and your pup!

[Coachvo]

21. My dog has lived with this for over 3 years..

We adopted our adorable little poodle mix dog 3 years ago when he was 11 and soon after, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Today, he is still alive and thriving at 14 years old! In addition to giving him vet prescribed anti-inflammatories, annual ultrasounds and lab tests, we discovered this treatment online, called - Vet Smart Formulas, "Critical Immune Defense" powder, composed of Mushrooms and Turmeric. So, twice a day, for the past 3 years, we add a 1/2 small capful of this powder and mix it well into his food. It's kind of like gravy and he actually loves it! If you may be interested in learning more you look for it online and read the reviews from other pet owners.

[LuckyCharms]

23. I'm going to look into this!

Thanks so much for the info...it's very helpful.

And, welcome to DU!

Glad your pup is doing well!

[littlemissmartypants]

22. ❤️