Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Sad Maggie News

Thank you for the birthday wishes for Maggie! She was so excited over her birthday hamburger from Carl's Jr, that she walked a foot away from her dish and peed on the kitchen floor. Yeah, Maggie! (Even though she is 17 now, that is not something she does that often.)

Unfortunately, I have some bad news about my little dog. The vet found she has a large mass on her liver, which he is pretty sure is cancerous. There's also a lesion on a bone in her back leg and she has an enlarged heart. After he showed me the x-rays, he recommended having her put down. I was devastated because up until this, she has been pretty healthy for an older dog. I knew she wasn't going to live forever but I didn't expect this.

I know she has lost her hearing but maybe she somehow knew what the vet was suggesting because since that visit last Thursday, she has been acting as if everything is fine. She naps a lot but when she's awake, she is active and her appetite is really good. The other day, she was sitting on my bed and pawing at me to give her something to eat. I offered her a dog biscuit, a piece of Pupperoni and some other soft treat, and she turned all of them down but kept scratching at my arm and making this low growl. Finally, I realized she wanted a Sweetart. There were two of them sitting on my night table -- they're good for bringing up low blood sugar so I have them around -- and I gave her the blue one. Every try breaking up a Sweetart into little tiny pieces for a dog who doesn't have that many teeth left? I was ready to give her the whole thing and let her gum it.

So, for now, we're in a holding pattern. I've read some stories online about dogs and cats who were diagnosed with liver cancer and they seem to go downhill pretty quickly. I hope that doesn't happen with Maggie. I'd rather she passed away in her sleep after eating a Sweetart. But we'll see how it goes. We won't let her suffer but I don't think its time yet to do anything drastic.

12 comments:

Jenny S said...

Oh Patty, I'm so sorry to hear about little Maggie *hugs*
Hope she keeps doing as well as she can and you get to enjoy every minute with her for some time still
xox

Kandra said...

:( I hope that when she does go, she goes peacefully and doesn't suffer much. I'm so sorry to hear all that bad news. Not much I can say, but I wish I could just hug you!

Deepa said...

Iam so sorry to hear this,Patty.God,may she does not suffer..

A big comfy hug from India,
Deepa

Her said...

oh big hug, that is a very hard place to be. I think she will tell you when she is suffering and wants to go. Hang in there.

Bea said...

It is never easy. Big hugs...

Mary said...

I'm really sorry to hear about Maggie. She probably sensed your pain and she is trying to cheer you up by acting like there's absolutely nothing wrong. If she isn't in pain, then I say make the best of time with her. She will tell you when it's time. Animals are smart that way.

Many hugs to you! I know what it's like to have to put an animal to sleep.

Right now, my current cat, Molly and I aren't speaking...lol. Long story. At least she still has my mom to entertain her. She's so freakin stubborn. I have no idea where she learned that from...lol. (wanted to add a little humor for you)

jan said...

It is hard when we are confronted with fact that a furred family member is going to leave us soon. I hope you and she have some good days ahead and that your memories will give you comfort.

I will be sending thoughts of peace to you both.

Kellie said...

Oh Patty. I am so sorry to hear the news about Maggie.I'm sending you both love & prayers. Since I can't hug you guys from here I'll hug Mya for you both.

Clara said...

I know you don't know me and your blog just comes up in my reader, but I wanted to comment anyway.
I'm so sorry about your dog I know how hard it is to have a pet that has a diagnosis like this and it never gets any easier. I hope that you are able to cherish the time you do have with her and that any decisions you have to make about her will be clear for you. *hugs* I'm sorry.

Alicesg said...

Hi Patty, so sorry about your dog. Take good care and hugs to you. Regarding your question in our blog, I have a reply for you. Thanks so much for your concern and interest in our blog.

Loralynn said...

Patty, I'm so sorry to hear about Maggie. We love our pets like they are our children, so it is never easy to hear this kind of news. Here's hoping her time left with you will be happy.

Diane said...

Aw, sweet Maggie. I'm so sorry to hear that she's sick. She's in my thoughts... and so are you Patty. Give her some pet-pets for me :)