The DU Lounge
Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsMy furry little friend is hanging tough with his cancer.
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
(2,311 posts)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
(22,180 posts)Laffy Kat
(16,902 posts)We just love and spoil them as long as we can.
LuckyCharms
(22,180 posts)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
(12,362 posts)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
(22,180 posts)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
(4,805 posts)We should be as cared for when our time is at hand.
LuckyCharms
(22,180 posts)Their lives are so short, relatively.
Gotta cram a lotta love in a short period of time...
Niagara
(11,639 posts)💙💙💙
LuckyCharms
(22,180 posts)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
(1,414 posts)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
(22,180 posts)You're right...every day...a blessing with these animals.
Diamond_Dog
(40,085 posts)Your Sheltie is such a sweet boy and so lucky to have you in his life.
1WorldHope
(1,912 posts)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
(100,975 posts)I'm sure he knows he's loved and that is the best you can give him now.
InstantGratification
(419 posts)There is NOTHING in this world that is as unconditional as a dog's love.
waterwatcher123
(491 posts)Hope22
(4,547 posts)My best to all. Your ritual sounds wonderful!🙏🏼💗💗
Wild blueberry
(8,184 posts)You and Jonah are fortunate to be with one another.
mwmisses4289
(3,563 posts)sending good vibes to you and your pup!
Coachvo
(2 posts)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
(22,180 posts)Thanks so much for the info...it's very helpful.
And, welcome to DU!
Glad your pup is doing well!
littlemissmartypants
(32,803 posts)LoisB
(12,565 posts)flashman13
(2,220 posts)Donkees
(33,511 posts)LuckyCharms
(22,180 posts)and I feel like an idiot, but I still do it.
Boop! Boop! Boop! Boooop!
Boop!
You want the rubbies?
You're going to get the rubbies!
You ready for the rubbies?
Jesus...
Donkees
(33,511 posts)red dog 1
(32,699 posts)debm55
(57,878 posts)wendyb-NC
(4,629 posts)That's exactly what he needs. Your nightly ritual is perfect. I hope that he has a very slow growing tumor and many more good times to be had.
