We found out Wrigley had cancer in mid Dec- with an amputation on Dec. 22. ( she had been limping since Nov.). At the time of amputation it was either that or euthanasia. I knew she had too much life left in her to take the euthanasia route.  She also came home after only one night in the hospital.The docs felt she would be better at home and I agreed.  Those first 2 weeks are very rough. She also had a pain patch- which can make them feel very strange and react strange. Hang in there.It is important to keep them very quiet for those 2 weeks of recovery. It is very important to their healing process.  After you get through the first 2 weeks of recovery, I am sure Delilah will be back to her old self- just as you remember. 

Wrigley ( and Rookie) and I just got back from a run down at the river. We ran into a stranger who was there training for a 1/2 marathon for stroke vicitims. I told him we were training for our Canine Walk For Cancer- he could not believe how well Wrigley was getting around on 3 legs - he was amazed she could run like a "regular" dog. It truly is amazing how well the adapt to the 3 legs.  I really think you will be thinking the same thing about your Delilah in a few weeks.

As far as the "how long we have left part". We too were told Wrigley only had about 4-6 months- if we did chemo we could get maybe 12-18. We are trying the chemo, but more importantly we are cherishing and enjoying each and every day that we do have. One thing we do know is that with the amputation, we were given this extra time with her, and she was given this extra time to LIVE like she likes to - loving life to its fullest, without the pain of the cancer.

I don't think what you did was selfish. What you did is give your dog the gift of a pain free life. That is the greatest gift we can give our faithful companions. Just try and take one day at a time and enjoy each and every moment. Or as it is often said here , one hour at a time  sometimes if that's what it takes.

Lean on us for support- I know I could not have gotten through without the help of Jerry and all the gang here. Have you watched Jerry's videos on You Tube- I know we found them very helpful in showing how Tripawds really do great. There is also a great post here What can a Tripawd do - wonderful pics of dogs doing jsut what they like to do.

Keep us posted.

Seanne and Wrigley

It's a hard decision. My Rottweiler's front leg was removed yesterday. For me, there was no question - he was not ready to die, he just wanted the pain taken away. He was already on 100mcg Fentanyl and tolerating it well, but I know a lot of dogs have a hard time adjusting to it...they can get loopy and confused and vocal.

For what it's worth, and I don't know you at all - you did the right thing and there is NOTHING to feel guilty about.

If you are selfish, then that makes us all selfish. You are taking the chance and fighting for your dog that she may have some more time, without pain. I think this is courageous, and a gift.