my dog barney

long story short it will be 4 weeks tomorrow when we found barney has cancer. He is a rescue dog and we have only had him for 4 1/2 years.
Hes a beautiful golden.
We took him to the vet cause we noticed when we got back from vaca, he was rather blah. At first we thought he was mad cause we left him (he stayed at the inlaws who have 2 dogs for him to play with). He wasnt playing, eating and just not being his usual self.
We took him to the Vet and besides him losing 14 pounds, they said he has blockage in his stomach, his arthritis has gotten worse and he has enlarged lymphnodes....... then they say he has Lymphosarcoma (sp?). I was beside myself and asked how all of a sudden this can happen. I was at the Vet on 2/7 for a checkup and all was great. They said that in bigger dogs this can come out of nowhere etc etc.
So they said we can do chemo.....but thats not an option becuase its too much $$ and we cant afford it. Believe me, that KILLS me that we cant.
So, they gave us an antacid for his belly and steriods. They said he isnt in pain but hes uncomfortable.
He's been doing well. Sometimes I think that the DR was wrong. he has been going to the bathroom, playing, we go on walks, he jumps in the bed and on the couch and he's been eating.
Im not really sure why Im posting....maybe cause I just need to get it out. My husband and I have given barney the best place he has ever lived and all the love in the world :)
I know I will be devastated when his time comes to leave and I dont know how I will deal with it.
I told my husband that I dont want anymore dogs and he said I dont mean that. I think I do. Has anyone gotten another dog (or any pet for that matter) after your animal passed?
I been taking pics of him too.....he's hilarious. I'll have to post when I get home. I just hope that when the time comes, he isnt in pain. I dont want him to suffer.

Sorry this is long and I think its more rambling than anything but it felt good to write.

Re: my dog barney

First off, I am really sorry to hear about Barney.. As long as he isn't in any pain or suffering, I would let him live the happy life he is accustomed too..

As for the time he goes over the rainbow bridge.. well, there are no words for that.. you will be devastated but you will also know that he is going to be in a much happier and healthier place..

Of course you will grieve but in time, you may want to get another dog. And that dog will never replace Barney, he will always hold a spot in your heart..

It was so hard for me when my Lani died 8 years ago.. I thought I would never love another dog again and now I have 2 lovable chihuahuas and while they hold a big place in my heart, they will never take the place of my beloved Lani..

Many hugs to you!!

Re: my dog barney

I am so sorry to hear your poor Barney is sick.
Whenever I read a post like this I myself ALWAYS start tearing up. Not only do I feel so horrible for what you and your dog are going thru ...but I wind up putting myself in your situation and cannot possibly imagine my life without my little MIA.
I can totally understand why you would write such a long post . I do not think you rambled at all .. I think you found a way to help you deal with your pain.
So ramble on if that is what you would like to call it.. because we are all here to listen.

As far as what you should do... nobody can tell you but..... be sure to hold him tight and help him thru his journey.
He needs you now.

Re: my dog barney

I just lost my dog on Feb. 2nd to Lymphoma (almost 2 years & 1 round of chemo after we found out he had it). I can't imagine getting another dog now. But having our dog around brought us so much joy and I want my DD to have a pet. So we may get another later this spring or over the summer.

Just our pup & give him lots of love for the remainder of his days and don't worry about the future right now.

Re: my dog barney

Re: my dog barney

First off I am so sorry to hear about Barney.

I don't have any experience with losing a dog since Petunia is the first dog that I ever had but I can tell you that I know i will be extremely devastated when her time comes. I can't even begin to think about it

I just wanted to give you hugs

Re: my dog barney

Re: my dog barney

I'm so sorry about your dog. Your post caught my eye because Barney was the name of the first dog I loved and lost as a little kid.

You're doing all you can do for your dog and when that time comes you will find the strength to be strong for him... I went through it a couple of years ago with my shepherd, and believe me it is hard, I think worse than losing a person, but nothing heals you like a pet either. My dog was my world and when she died I needed some time and it took a while to find the right pet but when I found my little dog I knew it was love right away. Your dog will never be replaced but another dog will come along to love you. And don't count your dog out just yet either... I've gotten bad news from the vet in terms of timelines and seen my dogs and other dogs bounce back outliving their expectations. Just enjoy the time you have and if you need to talk FM me, I know the unique heartache that comes from being in your position and sending many your way!!

Re: my dog barney

I'm so sorry for what you are going thru. Cancer does suck! my dog was diagnosed 2 years ago also at the age of 4 1/2

Re: my dog barney

Awww Nance, So sorry to hear this ...



I know how you feel , pets are like our kids to people who own them..

I dont know how you could possibly prepare yourself fpr whats in store , other than just keep doind what your doing, The walks , pictures spending time with him etc,,,

as for never wanting another dog, I know first hand that feeling , Rocky passed ( god it kills me to even type his name) 2 days after xmas. I had him for only 10 years & it was a sudden & tragic death... My dh & my parents felt gettign another dog was best , The 1st 2 days I wasnt having it . I was practically begging ppl to take the dog back , give it it away . as embarassing as it is , thats how i was felling . like i was betraying rocky. .. NOW its the best thing ever .. Im so glad I stuck it out. Does meatball replace rocky N E V A !!!! But having him around made the pain a lil easier ..

IMO thats what worked for me, so dont rule it out ,

xoxoxox
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