You are not a bad person.  It is a difficult decision. Such a young dog who thought his life was turning around. So terribly sad.

Have you been speaking with a veterinary oncologist? Is the cancer in his lungs (I wasn't clear from your posting)?  How much cancer is there? Do you know how many spots and what sizes they are? There are options such as radiation and metronomic chemo.  They are only short term but if the cancer is already in his lungs they maybe an alternative to amputation and give him some good quality of life for his remaining days. Quality is what counts. If he can be showered with love for his remaining days, no matter how short, then he will leave this world a very happy and contented dog.

Putting the money aside, you need to weigh up the trauma of putting your dog through major surgery with the amount of quality time he will get.  For my dog, she didn't have cancer in her lungs prior to the surgery so I went ahead (the specialist had cautioned that if there was cancer in the lungs it may not be worth it).  We are now 7  months down the track and the cancer is showing up in her lungs.  For us those 7 months of extra time were worth it and she has been very happy. We are hoping to get a few more months yet before we say goodbye.

Good luck. It really is an insidious disease and something no beautiful dog should have to endure.

I wanted to say how sorry I am that you have received this devastating news, but I also wanted to say how relieved I am that his lungs are clear-- that is fantastic news!  Hoping that you continue to receive good news today.  Drake is absolutely gorgeous, and I, too, hope you enjoy many years with your new boy.

I just want to say to everyone that your dogs are lucky to have you. I have almost come to tears reading some of these topics and responses these past few days. You are all heros to me, and our dogs are heros as well. Going through this has really changed my life. I know this is off topic not in response to the original poster, but I just had to say it because it was heavy on my heart and I felt my heart overflowing while reading these posts. You all are beautiful people and I'm grateful for having found this site and knowing you, even if it was electronically. 

I tend to get really emotional as it gets closer to time for Cadence's recheck X-rays. I just can't imagine losing her. I'm not ready for it if there should happen to be bad news. For me it sucks because I can't stop it, I can't control it, and that's the hardest part. 

Drake's mom, you are in a great place here. I hope we can help you. I am sorry about this that it happened to you, and so soon, although there is never a good time for this diagnosis. But Drake doesn't have an expiration date stamped on him no matter what the statistics or prognosis. Whatever you decide we are here for you. 

Cadence's Mom

You know, this would kind of make sense in some ways. Infection is often exacerbated by stress. Drake just left his old life and started a new one. What's more stressful than that? It makes sense to me that his immunity might be all over the map right now. Regardless of what the real problem is, he could probably benefit from some short-term immunity boosters and probiotics or something. 

Please keep us posted on what the final verdict is. This would be a great thing for Drake, if he has a treatable infection that allows him to keep his leg. Bone infections are nothing to sneeze at and can take a long time to heal, but it would be nice if he could  hang onto his spare for awhile. Good for you, pursuing another opinion and refusing to write off Drake. It would have been so easy for some people to do. If Drake could talk, he'd thank you. As it is, he will be grateful. Rescue dogs always are.

Shari