Over half of us will learn that our golden has cancer at some point in their life. It’s the only reason I buy health insurance for my dogs as treatment can be expensive. Here is a good web site with videos about different types of cancer and treatment options. One thing I’ve taken to heart is that our dog picks up on our emotional response and attitude towards a cancer diagnosis, so after the initial shock, it’s in your dog’s best interest if you arm yourself with info to help you make good choices about your dog’s physical care.

Canine Cancer Info

Macy is almost 6 months old and was pulled from a “pound.” Apparently, in the South there is a difference between “pounds” and “shelters.” A pound is where dogs are taken to be euthanized. They get no medical care and rarely come out, BUT Macy WAS rescued by us.

We got an email about a petite (30 lbs) golden mix who needed rescue. A foster home was available, but a rescue needed to pay for vetting/transport. We said “yes” as I knew we have families interested in adopting petite females and Miss Macy is a very dark, almost Irish setter red, and I knew someone was looking for a girl just like Miss Macy.

Macy became very ill a couple of days after leaving “the pound” and was taken to the ER vet. Apparently, the local vet had not treated for the right type of internal parasites. Macy had a very high fever and was spewing from both ends. After some fluids, antibiotics and the proper dewormer Macy was as good as new.

Macy is friendly, gets along with other dogs and lives with a houseful of kids. She was spay last week and will be coming from Tennesee the first week in April ready for her furever family.

Posted for Kristi

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish
Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Melanie, and their
little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping
for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we
couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia
procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Melanie told me they thought it would be
good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though
Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker ‘s family
surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last
time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few
minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any
difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s
Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter
than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why.”

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned
me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way
I try and live.

He said,” People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life
like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The
Six-year-old continued,

”Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as
long.”

Since that day as a vetenarian, and just a person I have added some lengthy adult words to help me remember the lessons that Belker lived, and Shane had learned from.

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure
Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you’re not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle
them gently.

There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and
people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you
laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So, love the people who treat you right. Think good thoughts for the ones who don’t. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of LIFE…Getting back up is the biggest part of LIVING…

I try to remember Shane’s simple all understanding sentence every day.

Tick Season