Well thank you for all of your advice and kind words.

I am so sad to report that Max went to what I pray is the best doggy heaven he could possibly wish for. We love him and already miss him so much it is unreal. Our baby.

Something told me to wait to go to the vet yesterday to pick up the meds until my husband got home. He called me and said Max hadn't moved all day and that he was whimpering in pain. He also said that Max's belly was hard as a rock and there was a huge lump. I called the vet and she said she could get him in. My husband couldn't move him, every time he touched Max he cried out in pain. So to make a long story short we ended having a local vet come out. Our vet said on the phone that if his stomach is that enlarged that it was probably something severe rather than the constipation we had hoped for. As soon as the vet walked over and touched Max he was freaking (he never even flinches for shots). The vet felt around his tummy and said that there was a large mass in there, larger than a man's fist. It was hot to the touch and extremely painful. That was probably the reason he couldn't use the potty, it was blocking organs and stuff. It was obvious that cancer had won. He was miserable and we knew it was time to let him go. We always agreed that we wouldn't let him live with pain and we stuck to that. I think that it happened so fast is the hard part but maybe it would be harder if he was just lethargic and unhappy for a long time in limbo. I checked him two days ago for pain and lumps and that growth was not there, well you couldn't feel and surely you couldn't see it like you could yesterday. This cancer is vicious and it is so fast.

I also wanted to say from the other thread that Max didn't actually go in to our vet….. we talked over the phone about it. She knew we weren't going to do anymore testing so it really was a matter of keeping him comfortable no matter what came up. Also, she consulted an canine oncologist every step of the way (it was her best friend) so we were lucky there. I think our vet was great and did everything she was able to do. I didn't want it to seem any other way.

You all have been great on this journey. I wish it would have lasted longer! I have only one request, because Max would insist, give your pups some ice cream today to celebrate the life of a faithful, loving, part of our family!

Beth

Oh Beth,

This disease is so horrible…my thoughts are with you.  Max is now out of pain…

Hugs,

Tracy, Maggie's Mom

Dear Beth,

We are so deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved Max.  Linus and Silly will have ice cream today to celebrate your sweet pup and his family.

God speed dear Max. 

I am very very sorry for your loss. 

I am so so sorry for your loss – I just can't hold back my tears.  My heart goes out to you.  It sounds like Max was under the best of care and you did everything that you could do.  When this cancer hits young puppies like Max it's just so heartbreaking.  You are in my thoughts and prayers. We will definitely be eating ice cream today in memory of Max and the love you shared.   Here's to Max!

Sending lots of hugs to you.

Kami (Mackenzie & Kobe's Mom)

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know first hand that abdominal masses can show up so very quickly – we lost Sophie the same way July 22nd. One day the masses weren't there – the next day they were. 

You showed great courage for helping Max when he needed you the most. Although he had a tragically short life – it sounds like his was a life full of love. That is the gift that comes from bonding with these angels in fur. We are forever changed from our time with them. 

I wish you peace – in time. My most sincere sympathies. 

Tana and Spirit Sophie

We are so sorry for your loss. Cancer really does SUCK! We'll have some ice-cream in his honor. No matter how long we have our pups, it just isn't ever enough time!

Sending you hugs!

Cathy/Jane/Spirit Skyler/Chloe

Beth,

 I am so sorry that Max's battle came to an end.  We will be honored to give Tasha some ice cream in memory of Max. My thoughts are with you at this time of such sadness.

 Rest in Peace Max

 Jo Ann & Tasha