110 replies to this topic

[renaissancegirl]

We just passed out five-year adoptiversary! Can't believe it has been only this long--I don't even remember what life was like before Vegas. I spend last weekend in Detroit and was only the second time I ever was away from Vegs since I adopted him-- it was like missing a limb. I missed him so much. This sweet boy is EVERYTHING! Thank you for doing what you do at SCD:)

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[Arda]

He sure looks good.  Thanks for the photos.  Here's to many more good years.

[Cheri]

I love these kinds of updates!  Thank you so much for sharing.  Vegas looks fabulous!

[Pam]

Wonderful pics, I love the last one. (Though you need to change that green & white tee to a Maize & Blue one.  )

[doberpagegirl]

He looks great! Thank you for sharing the pictures, but even more for giving him such a great life.

[renaissancegirl]

Guys. I need your help and/or advice. Vegas has a very aggressive cancer in his bones. If the scans show that it hasn't yet spread and if we amputate his leg, they project on average 4-6 more months (although some dogs got a year or more after, the vet assures me these are very rare). How do I know when to let go or how far to push treatment? I don't want him to be uncomfortable or in pain. Right now, with an anti-inflammatory and with pain meds he is unable to put weight on the leg. What would you guys do in my shoes? Schedule a euthanasia date so you can say goodbye? Amputate and hope he gets more time, even if only a few months?
I am heartbroken.

Edited by renaissancegirl, 25 January 2017 - 06:20 PM.

[renaissancegirl]

Vegas at the vet today.

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[Arda]

If the leg breaks from the cancer, Dr Karen tells me it is the ultimate of pain.   They never tell you how much pain they are in. They are Dobermanns.  I have a problem with the idea of amputation.  If the leg is removed, he has 2 months of healing to get ready to die in 3 to 4 months.  That makes the OWNER feel like they did everything they could.  It's about the dog.  Not you. Please don't put him through that.  He has been too good.  I'm sure Cheri can give us some good input into this.  I am really sorry to hear it.  It is never easy to loose one of these kids.  Never.  Sending prayers.

[renaissancegirl]

My vet said the same thing so we ruled out the "wait until it gets worse to euthanize" option because of the potential for the pathologic break which I would NEVER want to inflict on Vegas.
I am leaning towards planning for end of life but needed some support.
I want to do what is best for him. He has been the best dog. The absolute best.

[Arda]

You know him best of all of us.  Whatever you decide is for the love of Vegas.  We are here for moral support.  We have all been through it and it is hardest on the ones that love them the most.  I can't tell you how many I have lost over the years but I do know, I could have had the new kitchen and new teeth if I didn't love them this much.

[dobie sunshine]

I am so so sorry to hear about this. I am tearing up. I remember Vegas from when he was at Arda's. He was an exceptional dog. It never is an easy decision to end your companions life. But I always thought that if one of my dogs got bone cancer that I would not amputate. That I would say goodbye when it was time. ((Hugs))
Jackie

[Cheri]

Deena, I am so very sorry to hear about Vegas's diagnosis.  You adopted him five and a half years ago, and I'm not sure what age he was then, but from the pics, he looked to be a mature dog, probably at least two, so he's at least close to eight now, if not older?  So he's a senior, anyway.

 

Amputation is a major surgery for any dog, but senior dogs, like senior humans, have their share of aches and pains, and trying to relearn to walk on three legs instead of four, when maybe you've already got some arthritis or degeneration in your spine and other legs, sounds very challenging.  There are the balance issues, plus having to distribute your entire body weight to three instead of four legs, so each leg will be stressed with more weight, especially the leg opposite the one that is amputated.

 

Honestly, if my vet told me my dog would only have four to six months to live, even after the amputation, I would not be able to put him through it.  To reiterate what Arda said, the first couple of those months will be recovering from the amputation surgery.

 

When my dogs come in from outside on a muddy or wet day, I get down on the floor and wipe all four of their feet with a dry towel.  I have a large male who is eight years old.  He has always been a dog who has trouble balancing on three legs when I pick up one of his feet.  I have told him countless times, "You would never be able to be a three-legged dog."  And if it ever came to that, I would not be able to put him through it.

 

I'm so sorry, Deena, that you have to face this.  Letting them go is the hardest thing we have to do, and with or without the surgery, you will be having to do that soon.  You came here asking for advice.  I wish I had a crystal ball and could tell you exactly what the best choice is.  All I can do is tell you what I would do if it was one of my dogs, but as Arda says, you know Vegas best, and I know you will make the choice that is best for him. 

[doberpagegirl]

I'm so sorry you are facing this choice. It sucks. You will make the best choice, because you know him, and you love him. Personally, I would not amputate. Spend a few days loving on him, feeding him his favorite treats, take pictures, what ever you need to do. I think you already know your decision and need someont to tell you that you are doing the right thing. YOU ARE. There is nothing so selfless as destroying your own heart to protect someone you love from pain. Prayers for you and Vegas.

[renaissancegirl]

He's 10 yrs old now... I got him when he was around 4-5 (his teeth were worn down so my vet guessed).

I'm going to miss him so much.

[ohiodobe]

Prayers for you and Vegas. You have the opportunity to give him the ultimate gift of love and compassion but the price for this is high. We love them so much we want to move mountains to keep them with us. Such pain for us to do what we know is right and they would want. To be able to spare a living soul pain and suffering is something we can give our precious ones. My heart is with you. Always so hard to let go. Linda

[Nancy Robinson]

Deena, I don't post alot but your Vegas has pulled at my heart strings. I know what you are going through and I have tears writing this.

Believe me when I say "nobody could love their dogs more I do or have.

2009 I had to make the decision for my big LOVEBUG HUNTER, MY GOOFBALL. His heart sac kept filling up with blood and the blood had to be drained off. The first time if I would not have done it he only had about a day left to live. The specialist checked for a tumor hiding behind his heart there was none so the prognosis was a little better and he would recover the draining. It's very hard on them. Well it happened again and I had it drained one more time but vowed no more after the second time. He started limping really limping and his coat looked bad I took he back. He had bone cancer in his one front leg and you could tell he was in PAIN. He also showed his heart sac was beginning to fill again. I did not think twice. Enough is enough and he was not going through amymore. I was not given the option of amputating his leg and I would NEVER have had that done even if his heart sac was not filling. All I knew was he was not going to suffer he was not going through anymore tests. He needed peace and DIGNITY. We will do things for our dogs to help them get better but there is a limit no suffering.

It's not about us it's about our wonderful faithfully family member and they would do it for us if they could.

My heart goes out to you I thought I would die right along with him. My big beautiful red boy. Now the tears are running down my face. You will know you will know when it's time and you will know what is best.

I AM SO SO VERY SORRY. You and Vegas are in my heart. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH.

If you decide to let him go:

REMEMBER.... "Vegas will never be gone he will just be sleeping in your heart".

Edited by Nancy Robinson, 26 January 2017 - 03:07 PM.

[renaissancegirl]

Times like these are when you really appreciate a truly amazing network of love and support.

Vegas' [expletive] Cancer Bucket List:
1- Play with a friend
2- Get visits from some of my favorite people
3- EAT ALL OF THE YUMMY THINGS mom never lets me have
4- Fall asleep chewing my favorite ball
5- Skype/FaceTime with friends too far away to visit
6- Destroy a stuffie without mom telling me to "be gentle"
7- Have some FroYo!
8- Take the AKC Canine Good Citizen exam (special HUGE thanks to Ruth Crisler of See Spot Run for setting up an after-hours CGC exam just for Vegas)-- HE PASSED

Now Vegas is happily snoring away his last night.

[renaissancegirl]

A few pics from today  IMG_4731.PNG   1.36MB   0 downloads  IMG_4727.PNG   155.63KB   0 downloads

[renaissancegirl]

A few pics from today  IMG_4731.PNG   1.36MB   0 downloads  IMG_4727.PNG   155.63KB   0 downloads

[ohiodobe]

So beautiful. Run free at the bridge dear Vegas. Linda