Thank you all for sharing your stories and your kindness. I have been thinking about this since I received the news yesterday and I really think that amputation is the way to go. Congo, even in pain, is running around and jumping and soon do things. Most people in my network here at home think I'm being selfish, I'm doing the amputation for my own benefit and that I'm being mean to him for not putting him down instead. They are partly right, I am not ready to say goodby and I'm sure if he could talk he would say the same. I am worried about his adapting to only one leg but you have all showed me that for most dogs the adapting is easy.
We will go tomorrow for our X-ray of the lungs, I guess we will have a plan then.

Thank you for sharing your stories, it warms my heart and makes me feel that I'm not as crazy as people think I am for wanting to help my dog

Well last night while laying with Congo I found that he has a lump on his chest. Why it is I don't know and won't know until the vet looks at him later today. He is there now awaiting his X-rays. I am feeling so alone in this decision as I mentioned before my husband is not a supporter. These last few days I wonder how I married someone so opposite of me. It really breaks my heart to feel so alone in this battle. I will keep you posted

Oh, yes, the Other Half.  My husband is very supportive, but it's also clear he sees dollar signs WAY more than I do.  I don't blame him; Jackson is a momma's boy and is terribly (hell, WONDERFULLY) bonded to me.  But my husband realized that if I wasn't happy or comfortable with every decision, that could likely come back and sting our marriage.  I would like to say I wouldn't resent him, but who knows?!  So we've largely done what we can for Jackson....for me.  I had to be comfortable with each treatment, each drug, each appointment, because down the line neither of us wanted Me to be wondering What If.  Oh, and since you're new, I also want to stress, that if Jackson didn't want anything to do with these appointments or drugs, he holds the trump card!

I know shortly after J's amputation, I felt a lump on his chest.  I cannot find it now.  It literally disappeared within 24hrs.  So was it really there?  Who knows!  This whole cancer thing does weird things.  All I know is, from what we've gone through so far, is to try to take it 1 day, 1 appointment, 1 symptom at a time.  Even though we've had smooth waters so far, we've witnessed a lot on this site.  It can be incredibly hard to remain positive and not dwell.  The good news is, that lump you found, isn't open, bleeding, or causing immediate pain or problems.  Just let it be.  Forget about it.  At your next appt, bring it up.  But until then, belly rubs for Congo!  Lean on your pup's zest for life, energy, love, and passion take away your concerns.  Be in the moment with him.  Relish in his outlook on life.  Be More Dog .  Then, when you're with your vet, freak the &^$* out!  They (and us!) are prepared to help meet your fears and concerns.  We do want you bring your fears and concerns here (ie, the lump).  We will listen.  We will be nervous with you.  We will wonder, too.  But we will hopefully always remind you that after a short time of freaking out to us online (or to your vet in the office), recollect yourself and focus on your pup and his PAWESOME life!

Keep us posted.

~ Katy & Jackson

Awesome news! To many it may not seem like much to hold on to, but here we take the good news whenever we can. It really is the small things in life that make a difference. Just know we are all here to give whatever support and encouragement you need.

Hi Tanya,

I'm sorry I didn't welcome you right away, but I've read all the posts and understand your concerns. One thing you may want to explain to the nay-sayers (including your husband) is that you want to give Congo the same chance to squeeze as much joy out of life as you would give to them (the nay-sayers). So if your husband starts telling you he doesn't understand why you want to do this, you can look at him lovingly, put your arms around him and say "Sweetheart, if you were in Congo's place, I wouldn't euthanize you. I promise." Let that cook for awhile. 

It is the truth, though. Every person here who opted for amputation did so because they chose to give their dog or cat a chance at getting the most out of life that they could get. We all believed that our companions were not done living and had been dealt the short straw. If Congo were old and arthritic and needed constant help going potty and had to be medicated to deal with the pain of just living, that would be different. But a dog that finds fun in his day and a human who enjoys doing things with the family deserve equal shots at living. But that's just what the crazy animal people here believe. 

My dog had cancer but not OSA, so there was no agonizing over here. He got an amputation for his 9th birthday. He was a party pooper dog, kind of a sourpuss to an outside observer but fully engaged and sweet and affectionate with his people at home. If I'd let an outsider give an opinion on amputation for Dakota, they probably would have judged simply on his apparent fearfulness, lack of affectionate engagement with strangers and total disregard for play and said "put him down." But Dakota was a member of our family and was a different dog altogether inside our private home. We gave him a chance and the relationship between us changed dramatically.

If you do this, you may be unprepared for the new connection you will build with Congo. Others can attest to this, but it will cement a new kind of bond that will take your breath away. Hopefully that will be the case between Congo and your husband, too. (Try to involve your husband in Congo's aftercare; I think that helps. Congo will show his gratitude and may win a believer.)

Keep us posted on what you decide. Nobody judges here. Whatever you do will get you support here, unless you choose to do nothing and force him to live with that pain. We're not so understanding of that, but you aren't planning that. If you amputate, come back for helpful advice on what to expect right after and how to prepare your home and your emotions. Come to chat. The evenings are usually full and it's fun and a little nuts, full of nice people. Crazy, but nice.

Shari