Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So I just found out that my housekeeper who comes once a week has been feeding Chance a biscuit every week. Now I know that this may not seem like a big deal but I have really been trying to keep him on a grain free , low fat diet. At one point we thought he could have food allergies and he has also gained about 2 lbs since we started steroids a few months ago. I'm just wondering if a biscuit once a week makes enough difference for me to say something to her, or should I just let it slide? This is the same one that would take him through McDonalds everyday when she kept him while I was gone for a week (that was before his diagnoses though).
Chance is a 10ish Shetland Sheepdog Mix who was rescued from the shelter in January of 2013 and diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in September of 2013. He had a front left amputation and 6 rounds of carboplatin. He had a great 11 months and was diagnosed with lung mets on 8/23/14. He was released to the bridge on 8/28/14.
Absolutely you should say something. Just let her know that you are treating Chance's cancer from many different angles (surgery, chemo, etc), and a strict diet is one of them. Let her know grains aren't really good in a cancer diet. If she loves Chance very much (and it sounds like she does), maybe give her an alternative to treat him with. Some kind of meat alternative. I'm sure Chance would love that.
That way, she knows what to do and not do, and Chance still wins by getting a treat!
Believe me, when Max was in treatment, everyone wanted to give him something. We were nice about it, but we were very firm that there were certain things we just weren't going to let him have. We always provided an alternative suggestion to whomever was trying to treat him. It's a win-win situation for all!
I understand how frustrated you feel. I would say that unless he is actually allergic to the biscuit, let it slide and if you're worried about the calories cut something else back a touch. You want him to have fun and enjoy life, and it's so nice that your housekeeper loves him so much and they have such a good relationship.
By the way, this advice is from a neurotic control freak 
Hugs,
Carol
I would let her know that you're trying to keep track of what he eats so he's around for a long, long time, and while you appreciate how much she cares for him, he just can't have that sort of thing for his own health. I also think that like Carol said, it's a fine line between being conscientious about what he eats and letting him enjoy life and the people he's around, so it's kinda tough!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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Thanks for the tips. She comes back Monday so I will say something to her then. She does love Chance. She was the one that led me to him. She has a diabetic dog so she should understand about him being on a special diet. I think if I leave out some treats for her to give him then they will both be happy!
Chance is a 10ish Shetland Sheepdog Mix who was rescued from the shelter in January of 2013 and diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in September of 2013. He had a front left amputation and 6 rounds of carboplatin. He had a great 11 months and was diagnosed with lung mets on 8/23/14. He was released to the bridge on 8/28/14.
OMD!! I'm breathlessz! I just got throgh chasng down Happy Hannah!! As soon as she saw this post, she packed her little doggy suitcase full of dog biscuits to take over to Chance! (Silly girl doesn't even know Chance's address!)
Okay! Just to keep it interesting and "fair and balanced".......Happy Hannah and I vote for keeping the one treat in place once a week!
One treat...once a week? Yeah, let Chance have it!
I love this woman by the way! Taking him for car rides...how sweet!
You are an outstanding advocate for Chance!
Love and Hugs!
Sally and Happy Hannah
PS CONFIDENTIAL: TO: Chance FROM: Happy Hannah
Chance, send me your address. I'll try and sneak out tonight while mom's asleep. I'm not sure if I'll go by train or just catch a cab...but I'll get these dog biscuits to you somehow! Oh, and it's not as many in my suitcase as I started with.....I keep sneaking into your stash and eatng a few myself!!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Haha Sally, you crack me up! I don't deprive him of doggy treats. She's giving him like a bisquick biscuit! A little different in the nutritional value.
Chance is a 10ish Shetland Sheepdog Mix who was rescued from the shelter in January of 2013 and diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in September of 2013. He had a front left amputation and 6 rounds of carboplatin. He had a great 11 months and was diagnosed with lung mets on 8/23/14. He was released to the bridge on 8/28/14.
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