My Mom & her dog Kali

[Tracy A.]

Well I was speaking with my Mother last night on the phone, and we were talking about my vacation in Oct. and how my parents are going to stay at our house and watch Mett & Bratt, along with their own two German Sheps.

She starts asking about 24 hour emergency Vets in our area, and I tell her that we have one and the info is on my Fridge- She responds with then telling me how her 6 year old Female German Shep Kali was diagnosed Friday with Liver Cancer. She says that the Vet gave her about 6 weeks.

She's crying, and I

[kayharley]

I'm so sorry for what you and your mom are going though. It is in those circumstances where a veterinarian's advice can help make difficult decisions easier regarding quality of life and aggressive treatments.

Loving our pets so much can be so hard....you will all be in my thoughts.

[toomanypaws]

I too am so sorry for this difficult time you and your mom are facing. I wish had more to give than just comforting words. Kali will be in my prayers.

[maggie]

I'll be thinking of your family in the coming days. I'm truly sorry.

[Barney's Mom]

Losing a dog at any age is hard, but when the dog has so many good years left, it is exceptionally difficult. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Possibly losing a dog is still very fresh in my mind with everything we went through with Barney, so I know your anguish. You, your Mom, and of course Kali will be in my prayers as you decide what's the best course of action.

In the animal world, there are animals that just cannot be domesticated, like lions, bears, etc. But then there are animals that can, like cats and dogs. They have such distinct personalities and fit together so well with human companionship. It's those animals I believe God blesses us with as companions. Because of that, I think they are as special to Him as they are to us. God knows when even the smallest sparrow falls. If that is the case, then he knows what Kali is going through, and even more importantly, He knows what you and your Mom are experiencing. I pray God's comfort on you all......

Mary

Barney's Mom

[Milopup]

So sorry for the sad news - sending best wishes to you and your mom.

- Mp and Bosco

[abe's dad]

After starting and deleting this message several times, all I can think to say is that I will be thinking of you all, and hoping for the best. Give Kali a big hug from Abe and Scruffy's Mom on behalf of us all.

Valerie

[tlwtheq]

Our dearest thoughts and earnest prayers are for you and your family.

The Wilk Pack

[goforette]

We're so sorry to hear about your mother's dog. I know exactly what you mean about your work being non-dog people (I have the same problem) but my line of work kind of makes people emotional zombies - they have no idea what it's like to love a dog that intensely. There are never any perfect words of comfort, but if anything you picked your mom a dog that gave her six years - maybe more of beautiful companionship. I'm always one of those that when I face the end I refuse to give up - against all odds - I usually fail and I don't know if I set myself up for a harder emotional crash or not - I guess I've always had it in the back of my mind that I can save them all no matter what I have to do. No matter what your family decides, I send you the warm wishes you'll need to get thorough it.

[OzGirl]

What a sad thing to happen, I am truly sorry that you and your mum are having to face this.

Sending prayers your way.

[MikeC]

I am very sorry to hear about this. I lost a beloved Springer Spaniel three years ago to cancer (canine lymphoma which had advanced to her liver), and like Kali, my Chelsea showed little or no symptoms which makes the diagnosis all the more difficult to bear. My heart goes out to you and your Mom.

Mike

[Eliz222]

I'm sorry to hear about your mother's beloved pet. It IS hard losing a pet that is a family member, especially when the pet is so young. ((hugs to you and your mom)).

[Scully'sMom]

I am so deeply sorry to hear about Kali. Please know that not only Kali, but you and your mom will be in my prayers. A wise person many years ago told me when dealing with either a vet or a "human" doctor, the best way to ask a question is "If this were your (fill in the blank) what would YOU do." For me, I've found that to be an excellent source of information.

Again, please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so very sorry.

[Pepandfriend's mom]

I am so sorry to hear this and wanted to send thoughts and prayers for your mom and Kali. I lost a wonderful dog to this disease too. The only thing you can do is just keep loving him. I hope and think that I did give Tobi a good life, and he was a wonderful loving little guy, a Westie. All my best to you--

pam

[Tracy A.]

Thank you for the kind words and thoughts everyone.

I spoke with my Mother last night, the Vet has Kali on 40mg of Predisone daily. That's a massive dose, and I wouldn't think it was safe- but she does have terminal cancer so its to bring down the inflammation in Kali's liver and spleen, which are large enough that they are pressing on her stomach and diaphragm- so it should make her more comfortable with her breathing, and she should be able to eat more.

I left Kali's breeders a voice mail yesterday. They called back before I got home, and the message on the machine said that Kali's Mother died last year from Leukemia at 10. I feel more than a little urked that they didn't call my Mom or me. Maybe i'm expecting too much.

[goforette]

My Westie was diagnosed w/face & mouth cancer about 5 years ago and they put her on presidone too - I had zero treatment options really - they could try to remove part of her jaw and face, but she more than likely wouldn't have survived it, and chemo treatments wouldn't have succeeded due to the agression of the cancer. She was dianosed 2 days be for Christmas and passed about a month after. The presidone did help with her breathing and kept her eating regularly. Sometimes I would look at her with the cancer disfiguring her and wonder if I was letting her suffer, I desperately wanted her to go on her own - but she just wouldn't. It was the most difficult moment of my life - and there's no words to even describe the amount of pain I felt or even continue to feel deep down. Which is probably why I'm overprotective of my newest babies. I'm petrified of loss again and I so get so attached to them that they become my world - My Westie did really good on the presidone. It will help.

Breeders - well I understand your disappointment - especially if you were still in contact w/them after all these years. But I'm glad you're there for your mom, she'll need you in the coming months. Hang in there, and as always me and mine send hugs.

[tena]

I am sorry for everything you are going through. You and your family are in our thoughts, sending calming energy for all involved.

[savannahsmom35]

I am so sorry to hear about this with your family. From the sound of things, you are blaming yourself becuase you picked the dog. You can't blame yourself for this. Cancer is one of those diseases that can effect anyone (or any dog) regardless of family history. I know that it is hard but maybe your Mom was meant to have Kali because God knew that she would do anything in her power to keep Kali healthy and comfortable. If someone else had gotten her, they may have never taken her to the vet and she may have had to suffer through this.

I would be upset about the breeder too. At least if she had called, your Mom would have been aware and could have had tests run to maybe find the cancer sooner. It is a sad situation all the way around.

You, Your Mom and Kali will all be in my prayers. God Bless.