Hi Toby...we're so sorry to hear of your diagnosis pal, we're glad you found us. Jerry's place is a wonderful source of information, a place for compassion and understanding and just a place where you can come and cry when you need to. Someone will always be here for you.

Have you seen an oncologist? Do you know by chance what type of cancer you may be dealing with?

I would make sure you have all the facts and all your questions answered. I made sure that I knew what Zeus was going to look like with 3 legs...well, based on pictures of others...so that I wasn't too shocked when I first saw him after surgery. The surgical sight is not pretty - but it heals. For me that was important - I'm the type of person that faints when I give blood.

I made sure that the house was ready for him when we got home - lots of rugs for the hardwood floors so he wouldn't slip, my dad came to stay with us for 10 days after surgery, which was a godsend since Zeus is a 70 pound golden retriever and I'm a petite person. I set up baby gates at all stairwells so he wouldn't go up or down stairs (they don't recommend it for about 2 weeks after surgery). I made sure I was rested and continued to get rest - that is critical for staying sane during the recovery period. Zeus did very well in reality during his recovery period. He was anxious and unsettled much of the time and panted a lot while he was on the pain medication, but he ate with no issues and went potty with no issues, which is HUGE...trust me.

From the emotional and spiritual side, have no regrets with your decision...the journey you're about to take with him is a brave one and despite the circumstances (at least for me) it's been a very fulfilling and rewarding one. I would not trade this time that I've had with Zeus post amputation for anything in the world. Toby will follow your lead during recovery, so be patient with him while he rests and recovers and stay strong and positive for him too...he will need that.

We're here for you to answer any questions along the way or just to be a shoulder to lean on.

Please keep us posted and best wishes ~

Much love,

Heather and Zeus

I know you are heartbroken to learn this news, Toby is so young.  There are many supportive people here that are willing to help you along the journey.  It isn't always fun, some days are better than others, but the time the amputation buys for Toby will be well worth the journey.  I hope Toby has an uneventful recovery and takes it all in true bully style.