Yesterday morning I brought Zuo in to see his vet before he leaves for the holidays. We did an X-ray of that growth we spotted on his rib before and it is confirmed —— the growth is cancerous and it has spread to his lungs as well. I knew he didn’t have a lot of time left with all the other ailments he has but just hearing that today really crushed me. I don’t know what to do or how to deal with all of this moving forward. I just hope he gets through the holidays.
When would I know its his time? Do I wait till things takes a turn for the worst or let him go while he’s still his happy, goofy self and just plan out days of pure adventure for him? He is happy for the most part and he wants sooooo badly to just run and play and chase cats that even if I put him down just for a minute to tie my hair, he goes bolting off, dragging his poor leg haha
I brought him to the beach this morning and he did so great! New post on that with photos later today!
By: Michelle on December 15, 2017 at 1:17 pm
I am sorry to hear that the cancer spread. Zuo will let you know when the time is right for him to cross the Bridge. My girl Sassy when the cancer spread to her lung survived 7 3/4 months before I had to say good bye.
You will know when the time is right.
hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
By: Jane on December 15, 2017 at 7:07 pm
That is so great to hear! of course, it’ll always be never enough time but I hope we get more time with Zuko as well. I just feel that all the odds are stacked against him right now. It has been so difficult since losing the use of his hind leg and loss of control of his bladder and his bowel movements but as long as he still has that big smile on his face, we are going to continue to do whatever we can for him!
Hugs,
Jane and the furbabes, Zuko and Keiko
By: megstamum on December 15, 2017 at 6:01 pm
I’m so sorry to read this, and well understand how crushing the news must be. For you, of course, not for Zuko, who is completely unaware of the cancer, or the fact that it has spread, and is his happy, goofy self, which is fantastic. Remember, from Zuko’s perspective, nothing has changed.
Deciding when to let him go is, of course, a hugely personal decision, but certainly it seems to me that now is NOT the time. Zuko is happy and not in pain, he wants to relish every moment of his time with you. I think you should follow his lead. Planning out days of pure adventure is a fabulous idea. Cherish this time. It is hugely precious. It’s brilliant that you took him to the beach and he did so great. That’s Zuko telling you he’s happy, and he still has plenty of life to enjoy.
Big hug and sending lots of love to you both,
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie
By: midnighter94 on December 16, 2017 at 12:29 am
I’m so sorry for you for this news. Yes, Zuko will let you know when he’s done, when he’s ready to say good-bye. It seems cliché to say that, but really, you will see changes … for Murphy, he seemed sad, he seemed like he was breathing different (although I thought that often, this time I could see his cheeks puffing), I had to force him to go outside and then he would just plop on the deck & wouldn’t move – he didn’t pee for a whole day! Murphy still ate – my husband made a sandwich & Murphy perked his head right up! so don’t let eating or not eating be your guide lol. He just wasn’t acting like himself, if that makes any sense. My husband thought maybe he just needed fluids, but I pretty much knew we were probably going to have to say good-bye, and when we went to the vet it was confirmed. So really, just let Zuko guide you. If he’s happy, let him be happy. Let him play and eat and do things. Take pictures, lots of pictures, and be in some of them with him. Go places. Give him special treats. Make a foot print impression (1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup flour mix together, add a little bit of water, mix until smooth. roll it out about 1/2″ thick. bake at 200 about 3 hours).
Donna
By: Super Stu! on December 16, 2017 at 3:39 am
Zuko, you beautiful fella!
You will let Mum know when it’s time to say good bye won’t you lovey! I have to agree with Michelle and Clare… it’s not time yet!
Zuko is living in the moment and just wants to make you super hoppy! As long as you are both good with that then keep in lovin’ each other to the moon and back!
I dread the day that Stewie starts giving us ‘signs’, but we don’t think on those things ‘cause he doesn’t!
Massive hugs to you both and now I am going to see how your lovely day at the beach went!
Petra, Super Stu and his Pack.
By: benny55 on December 16, 2017 at 4:06 am
Not the news you want to hear, but as already noted…ZUKO DIDN’T HEAR IT!!! NOTHING HAS CHANGED IN ZUKOS’s WORLD!!! Zuko is living in the now happily flowing from one glorious moment to the next! Days on the calendar mean nothing…but happy moments with you mean EVERYTHING!! 🙂
As hard as it is, do not let that piece of crap disease rob you of one second of joyius fime with Zuko!! He sure isn’t!!
As long as Zuko can still be Zuko (even with some…er…,”adjustments” along the way), and CLEARLY HE IS, just keep on keeping on! 🙂
And yes, as Michelle said, dogs can continue with a great quality for quite awhile, even with mets…And even after sympe show up! Zuko as no symptoms as far as the mets go. In spite of everything else, he’s srill ahead of the game! Ahead of the game because of who he is and because of your love!.
WE HEREBY DECLAR EVERY DAY, ZUKO DAY!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Love and hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
By: Kerry on December 16, 2017 at 8:28 am
Zuko will let you know when it’s time. I would advise you not to spend any time worrying about making a wrong decision (easier said than done, right?) because you obviously love him very much and you’ll just know the right thing to do. Also, our Lily had lung mets for several months with no issues. Just continue to spoil him *rotten* and make every day count. I highly recommend lots of treats, car rides, walks, and if Lily was here she would insist you add some peanut butter shakes into the mix 🙂 The tripawd community will always be here for you and I can tell you from experience that this community is THE BEST at celebrating the triumphs and understanding the worst like no one else.
As a side note: Zuko is freakin’ adorable!! Is he always grinning ear-to-ear like that? He looks so happy – especially when he’s sitting with his mom 🙂
Hugs
Kerry and Alumni Lily