Ed's best friend

His neck glands are so swollen, underneath his bottom jaw and under his ears, are about the size of golf balls and tennis balls. I can fit the entire tumor in my hand. There is another one under his arm and several small ones all around he neck area on top.

Yet, he continues to eat and bark, and today we took a short walk. He is on 80 mg of prednisone, which is driving his energy and his hunger. Last week we dropped him to 60 (on advice of the vet) and the tumors just went crazy.

It's killing me to see him like this. He can't whine anymore, only bark. But he is right there when I am cooking and eating, as always.

The nights are the hardest...it's very hard for him to get comfortable with his neck glands. He snorts at time to breathe, although the vet says that the glands won't cut off his airway, I am no so sure. I am thinking that perhaps Saturday will be his day to go to the bridge. My husband says "No, it's not time". This is truly the hardest thing to watch. I will miss my buddy.

bubbad

It is hard . I would stay up nights with Bubba because I knew each day brought us closer to the end.And You will grieve for him .Don't be afraid to grieve for him,let it happen ,cry when you feel like it ,don't let anyone say ,"Oh he was just a dog." Maybe so, but he was your dog and that means something.If it gets too rough after a while go to therapy ,if you need to talk and you know no one will understand go to therapy.You are not nuts but your heart is broken and you will need time to heal.It takes a while,a long while.If you feel the need get another basset to ease the pain,asap,we here understand.

murraysmom

I'm so sorry.

klm42005

I do understand....and they are not our pets, they are our family...Houndmomma Jen posted a very beautiful poem in her post of a girl named Mabel....

Having just had my world ripped away from me just before christmas, I can attest to the devastation....and you heal in your time...and we are here to listen, cry with you and most of all understand...

Just know that my prayers are with you and that this decision is never going to be easy....


Kristi
Woody Hayes ATB
Romeo ATB and Miss Paris....our ray of sunshine thru the tears.

houndmomma

I am so so very sorry to hear you are on the path to the bridge. My heart hurts for you – I cry with you and one of the things I pray is not only that your baby will pass without pain and in peace but that you have the strength that he is counting on you to have. It’s not an easy road you’re walking but please know you have a lot of wonderful caring people here with you every step of the way – and I say this from being on the receiving end of their prayers for my baby before she cross over.

It’s not an easy walk you’re taking – I pray you know you’re not alone; we are here for you every step of the way. I’ve added the poem below Kristi mentioned – it has helped me – I hope it does the same for you.

Hugs,
Jen~

The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this, the last battle, can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end

And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

__________________
Momma to Lucy age 12 ~ Basset Hound
Momma to Rickie age 5 ~ Shi-Poo (don’t tell him though – he thinks he’s a hound dog)
Momma to Mabel age -1 ~ Basset Hound
Momma to Flash – RIP 2000 ~ 2011 – Gone in body but with me in spirit ~ You will live on forever in my heart baby ~ Je t'aime

Wworm

It must be so hard to see Lou like this, i am sorry you have to go through this.
Please keep us posted. We'll be thinking of you and Lou this week.

__________________
see what the Worm is up to: http://bassetworm.blogspot.com/

bassetmom26003

Towards the end of our lymphoma battle, Bentley would climb off his bed and lie on his side on the floor, not sure why but he seemed more comfortable. Let your heart guide you, and I think Lou will let you know when it is time to let go. Enjoy each and every moment together.

__________________
"A basset is an asset" Kathy, Miss Annie Gotcha Day 4/27/11, and Angel Bentley ATB 3/1/11 gone but forever in my heart

smimlitsch

Words can not say the sadness I feel for you. both of my boys are 12 and 13 and everyday i am scared. I am thinking of you

Boomer's Mom

You and Lou will both know when it's time. Go with your heart, and I'm so sorry you have to go through this.

__________________
Boomer: Born 4/18/2010
Biscuit: Rescued 1/26/12, approx. 2 yo

Chez Basset: Come for the kibble, stay for the belly rubs.

barneysmom2510

I am so sorry this must ne just horrible for you. You will know when the time is right and you can feel good about the wonderful life you gave him.

__________________
-LISA


Mini daschunds Sadie Lou & Daisy dukes
Chihuahua Lola
Bassett Hound Barney