Alrighty folks, I should have posted about this last week, cause Gerry and I could use the pawsitive power of all you great tripawd pawrents out there – just in case.

Gerry once again takes after his big brother a little too much. He developed a small tumor just under the skin on his front left shoulder. I hear from Pam that there are several benign things that this could be. But we could use some crossed paws and prayers just in case!

The tumor was aspirated on Saturday and the vet did say it didn't look like mast cell, so hopefully that stays ruled out. He also noted that it was good that it was so small, easily removed. It was about the size of a chocloate chip, I'd say. This evening we had it removed. I'm glad it's off, though poor pup has another 12-14 days before he's suture free again. The vet said we'll have a diagnosis by the end of the week.

On the upside (strange that this is an upside) his vet bills are all mine now. I guess I can't officially say I have adopted him, because I haven't made the adoption donation. I have been told by the shelter person not to worry about it – yet. But whatever, I am his mom now. I bought him his own collar (he's been wearing Yoda's hand-me-down) and ordered him his own I.D. tag while he was having his surgery. No doubt he'll show them off soon in his blog.

Whatever it is, we'll get through it, with all your support ' class='wp-smiley' /> There's no money left after Yoda's cancer bills, but I'll protect his quality of life and at least he's out of shelters for however much time he's got! (Again, there really are plenty of benign possibilities, I just have to consider the worst).

First … Yay on adopting Gerry (even if not fully officially)!!!

Second … I am so sorry you are having to go through this scary time with Gerry, when you should be celebrating! Our Basenji develops fatty tumors, hopefully Gerry's tumor will turn out to be something as harmless as that! We'll definitely keep our paws crossed for you and be thinking of you guys.

Gosh you all are up late! Well, at least one of you is an earlier time zone.

Try not to fret, Tazzie. Most report that this is commonly a benign thing. Gerry's new vet apparently doesn't wanted to get my hopes up though, just in case (but I think I like that about him). In fact, Gerry's cousin had a mysterious bump that my bro and sis-in-law were told was probably cancer initially, but turned out to be nothing – and those two adopted cousins look more like brother and sister. I'll have to get the video of them on Gracie's Christmas visit up on Gerry's blog soon.

Great to hear from Yoda's amputation buddies Tazzie and Jack

Gerry's doing very well today. He's been eating and drinking since very early this morning, even though the vet cautioned he might not feel like doing either for 24 hours. His grogginess is all gone and he is his usual waggy self, ramming me with his cone as necessary for attention. His new cone from his new vet, which is a bit longer, also seems to be doing the trick so that I can rest assured his amputation incision will finish healing uninterrupted. He's certainly feeling well enough to update his blog, I'll try to squeeze some computer time in for him tonight, if I can.

FYI, I don't expect to hear a diagnosis until Friday, and of course, I will post ASAP after I find out. Thanks for all the support!

Hey Karen and the pug girls, I did change to GerrysMom last night, but it only displays that way in the chat and the blogs, it seems. On the forums it hasn't changed. Admin's going to look into it for me. No biggy if it stays that way. You all know and I'll will happily keep informing people that I am GerrysMOM! now as needed.

Hi Gerry's Mom,

That felt good to type.  Now Gerry can be assured he is in his forever home.  Prayers are being said that the bump is nothing. Thanks for the update.

Debra & Angel Emily