Worst part of having a great dog :(

[doc4216]

F^*K!!!!!!!!! I thought we had more time together.

Found out Friday the reason my beloved Kota girl (80lb dobie-boxer) was not eating (eating now) or feeling well is because she has lymphoma (cancer). My eyes hurt from crying, IM PISSED I don't have more time with her, and I can't fathom leaving her side right now. We have decided not to do Chemo and just keep her comfortable. She deserves our utmost love and respect.

She was an awful puppy; full of energy with a healthy dose of anxiety from her first 6 mos spent as a rescue. We almost didn't know if we could keep her but I am so thankful we did, even after eating multiple pieces of furniture. She has turned into the GREATEST dog, better than I could have ever imagined.

She is the happiest girl I have ever met. Every morning, every time we come home, every effin day she always had smiles. Through three knee surgeries, she never complained, only persevered and always recovered with a smile. She even broke her tail from wagging too much once! Those smiles are fewer and fewer since the last week but she still wags her tail for us.

Please, if you have a second, send her good vibes and love.

My girl at work with me

Wanting to play

One of her favorite activities-soaking up the sunshine

 

[Eldritch]

That's rough, you are right, it is the worst part. Sorry to hear about the bad days.

 

[JesasaurusRex]

Sux man, good lookin dog.

 

[doc4216]

Thanks guys. Today is a rough one.

 

[jdhu]

She's gorgeous. No doubt you will make her final days as comfortable and relaxing as possible.

Our cat is 15, and although she's still healthy, I'm already dreading the day, in a few years, when we have to say goodbye. A friend's cat is 19(!) and on his literal last days (great little boy).

 

[afm199]

Sorry to hear this. We get such a short time with them.

 

[DReg350]

Man... I’m so sorry. Such a tough emotional place to be. So glad you stuck with her through puppydom. Sounds like your family helped create a happy awesome girl. Heart goes out to all of you.

 

[Map8]

Sorry to hear this. You and Kota are in my thoughts.

 

[gixxerjeff]

Gut wrenching, Shannon.
You are in my thoughts too.
I lost Nugget at the young age of 8 to the exact same form of cancer.
The timing of your post hits alarmingly close to home. I had to take my beloved 7 year old Border Collie/Blue Heeler Shyla to the ER just last Friday. She was diagnosed with pancreatitis which the meds seem to be resolving but while she was there they discovered a pretty severe heart murmur. I was told I need to make an appointment with the canine cardiologist as soon as she cycles off her pancreatitis meds.
I hate this shit.
Like I said, Shannon....you are in my thoughts.

 

[lizard]

I am very sorry to hear the news. I’ve been there before. It really really sucks. Outhouse or castle, my Arnold never cared where we lived, he was just happy to be with me. Why does a parrot get to live to 50 and dogs to 10-15? Time goes by so fast with our furry friends.

It was noble for you to save Kota. You GAVE her a great life! You should be commended for all the love, patience and training you provided her. For without you, Kota would not have become the happiest and greatest dog on Earth. May you find peace and love.

Please see the second quote in my sig and replace “man” with “Barfette” and “his” with “her.”

 

[Cyclesuzy]

Love and light sent to you and yours.

 

[DTM74]

I'm sorry about your Kota. What a beautiful dog. We've lost two dogs to cancer. One at 9.5 yrs old and one at just shy of 6 yrs old. They don't live long enough.

 

[CABilly]

Sorry for the terrible news. We have a cancer-prone dog and every birthday I can't help but think of how much time we have left. We just try to give him as much joy and love as he gives us. Impossible task but something to aspire to.

 

[doc4216]

Gut wrenching, Shannon.
You are in my thoughts too.
I lost Nugget at the young age of 8 to the exact same form of cancer.
The timing of your post hits alarmingly close to home. I had to take my beloved 7 year old Border Collie/Blue Heeler Shyla to the ER just last Friday. She was diagnosed with pancreatitis which the meds seem to be resolving but while she was there they discovered a pretty severe heart murmur. I was told I need to make an appointment with the canine cardiologist as soon as she cycles off her pancreatitis meds.
I hate this shit.
Like I said, Shannon....you are in my thoughts.

Thanks so much! Fingers crossed and good vibes for Shyla and her upcoming appointments!

I am very sorry to hear the news. I’ve been there before. It really really sucks. Outhouse or castle, my Arnold never cared where we lived, he was just happy to be with me. Why does a parrot get to live to 50 and dogs to 10-15? Time goes by so fast with our furry friends.

It was noble for you to save Kota. You GAVE her a great life! You should be commended for all the love, patience and training you provided her. For without you, Kota would not have become the happiest and greatest dog on Earth. May you find peace and love.

Please see the second quote in my sig and replace “man” with “Barfette” and “his” with “her.”

I was just saying how I feel like it was just a few years ago that we literally could not keep up with her to expend all the energy she had. Our 9.5 years together have gone by too quick! I am quite sure she provided me with much more training than I did to her. She made me a much better dog mom!


Thanks to all for the kind words and replies. She will turn ten next Sunday so that is the goal for right now. I don’t think that will be an issue for her but we are taking it day by day and letting her tell us how she feels.

 

[4x4Runner]

I’m so sorry Shannon. Kota’s a good puppers and full of energy and love!

My thoughts are with you and if you need anything, do t hesitate!

 

[littlebeast]

F^*K!!!!!!!!! I thought we had more time together.

Found out Friday the reason my beloved Kota girl (80lb dobie-boxer) was not eating (eating now) or feeling well is because she has lymphoma (cancer). My eyes hurt from crying, IM PISSED I don't have more time with her, and I can't fathom leaving her side right now. We have decided not to do Chemo and just keep her comfortable. She deserves our utmost love and respect.

She was an awful puppy; full of energy with a healthy dose of anxiety from her first 6 mos spent as a rescue. We almost didn't know if we could keep her but I am so thankful we did, even after eating multiple pieces of furniture. She has turned into the GREATEST dog, better than I could have ever imagined.

She is the happiest girl I have ever met. Every morning, every time we come home, every effin day she always had smiles. Through three knee surgeries, she never complained, only persevered and always recovered with a smile. She even broke her tail from wagging too much once! Those smiles are fewer and fewer since the last week but she still wags her tail for us.

Please, if you have a second, send her good vibes and love.

My girl at work with me

Wanting to play

One of her favorite activities-soaking up the sunshine

am so sorry to hear this, but i beg to differ about this being the worst part of having a great dog. it’s actually the best part. she would be going through this with or without you. be consoled that she has you by her side. she could have easily ended up with someone less caring and compassionate. someone who didn’t feel the pain like you do. it doesn’t get any better than being there for a beloved companion in their hour of most need. i know your heart is breaking, but she knows it too - and she is comforted that she’s not ignored and alone, but rather wrapped in the arms of someone who loves her. and that is the greatest gift you have and can give her - loving her that much.

hang in there babe. much love to you both.

 

[Melissa]

such a beautiful dog! How happy living with you both has made her. You and yours are in my thoughts and heart.

 

[295566]

My heart breaks for you. I dread this day, and our woofer is only estimated 4 years. She looks like the goodest girl, and you're both lucky to have each other.

 

[budman]

Shannon... sending Budman love to you and Kota.

Having been through this many times I totally feel for you.

I love dogs so much and they are such a part of my and my families life. They are so special. I know Kota is too.

 

[Climber]

What a beautiful dog, and you can see the great personality in the pictures!

I went through the loss of dogs too many times growing up as my family always had dogs.

My heart goes out to you, you have a great dog and still have time with her, enjoy it and let her know how much you feel for her!