If you read my post on the angel exchange, you might have heard that McGwire isn't doing well.  

Here's some background since we've not been really active recently.  McGwire is an 8 year old golden retriever who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma July 15, and had his left front leg amputated July 29.  We had several lung x-rays done in the fall all with no lung mets.   He's been doing pretty well for a while, started having accupuncture and massage monthly and really doing well with most things. The one blip was a lump that developed in November over his left rear leg.  It was about the size of a lime at the time.

Until recently.  Brent and I have been out of town for over a week on a much needed vacation (escaped the snow storm of the century and retreated to beautiful sun and sand!)  McGwire, Mickey, and my kids were being watched by my in-laws who also have a Golden who is 2.  During the 2+ feet of snow, my in-laws let him out to play and he clearly over-did himself.  He had stopped getting up except when he had too (i.e. when my in laws got him up and made him go outside.)  He didn't seem to be able to get better.  On Friday, the vet recommended putting him on pain pills, which we did but since we were out of town, we decided to wait until we got back to take him to the vet.  Hopefully, he'll be able to be seen tomorrow. The pain pills seem to have helped, he's getting up to eat and moving around at times.  His lump has grown significantly in the last week, even my MIL was surprised how much it grew basically overnight.  It's now about the size of a very large orange, if not bigger. He's clearly in pain right now, jumpy when you pet him, eyes sad and withdrawn, energy just not there, and that's with the pain pills . 

Please keep us in your thoughts tomorrow (hopefully!) 

Have you had the lump tested yet or is that what you plan to do during your vet visit???  We are hoping it is pawsitive news and McGuire is back up and hopping around in no time.  Koda and McGuire are so close in diagnosis and amputation.  He gave me that little scare last week so hopefully Mcguire is giving you one of those brief scares. 

Thinking of you,

Storm and Koda

I'm sending good thoughts your way for today's vet visit with McGwire…

I hope and pray that it is not anything serious… Please keep us posted!!

Angel Jake's Mom

We are sending super duper extra, extra love, thoughts and prayers from here and from heaven (and you know how special the ones from heaven are!!!)

I hope that McGwire just overdid it a little bit…maybe just a little swelling? Stay pawsitive and know that you're in our thoughts.

Please update everyone when you get a chance.

Love Heather and Spirit Zeus

Please know that you are in our prayers.

Brett & Fortis

Just adding my well wishes for McGwire, hoping for a good outcome, hoping the pain is better for sure.

Ginny & Angel Paris

We just want to add our voice of support to the chorus. We want to send all the positive thoughts possible and want you to know that we will be pulling for you. Tazzie was the "King of Lumps" and while we know that it is freightening, try to remain as positive as possible around McGwire. Hopefully the pain pills will help.

Spirit Cherry's Dad – Bob

I am so sorry to hear McGwire is having some difficulties. More prayers and positive thoughts from us.  Hope your vet will have answers so McGwire will be back on track.

{{{HUGS}}}

Suzanne and Oslo