You may get a bit of a crash around day 3 - 5 when the hospital meds wear off, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.  Most dogs show real improvement when the staples come out, about day 10.  And great news that you got into the vaccine trial!  It looks really promising.  Ditto the comments above on the sofa.  We barricaded ours with big pillows.  By the time he had the energy to knock them all off (week 3, after staples came out), I figured he was ready to get up.  And don't worry about how she looks now - the incision will heal, her fur will grow back, and you will see her start being just a dog again!  For now, just cuddle and love her.  Keep an eye on pain symptoms, and remember that sleep is the best thing for her right now.  

Oh my goodness!  I am overwhelmed with gratitude!  I didn't expect to get such lovely replies so quickly. Thank you so much. 

Depeche's is Dr Rita Ho at the HOPE Canine Cancer Center in Norwalk, Connecticut. She's very special, as it does take a golden heart to care for dogs with cancer, and their humans, too.

Ill be home with Depeche all summer.  We also have two Italian Greyhounds and three cats.  Depeche is the Grand Dame of the house.  She has the sweetest disposition which, although common for her breed, is particularly so with her.  She had never been unwell before this.

I knew.  Soon as I saw the pain signs she exhibited, I knew it was osteosarcoma. I'm thankful we didn't go the common route of misdiagnosis.

She has been eating, although small, frequent meals rather-than two full servings.  Her water intake in fine, too.  The Neurontin makes her thirsty.  Her pain med schedule causes me no problem and her vet assures me that she will be prescribed the right dose long as she requires it.  We have a wonderful vet along with her oncologist.  

Right now, 12:30-ish my time, Depeche is in her bed which has been placed next to mine.  For the first night since she began to show signs of pain, she is sleeping without hyperventilating and isn't restless.  I was awake all last night with her, my sweet girl.  Tonight, we both have a sense of relief.

I do have pics and videos on my Facebook page.  Idk if there's a way to link this site to FB. I'm still a newbie trying to navigate my way around all of this.

Again, many thanks.   I know this goes without saying, but I love my Depeche with an uncommon depth.  I've been through a lot of challenges since she's been with me, and she's never left my side.  Now it's my turn to do the same for her, and I shall. 

When I adopted her, I promised her and the Lord that I'd do the best for her until her last day. It gives me comfort to believe that, painful as a decision this has been, that I'm honoring my vow.  I think we are going to be fine. We're not there yet, but we are strong and determined.  She deserves the best that I have. 

Hi and welcome Beth & Depeche!

I'm so sorry you find yourself here, but there really is no better place for support and advice.

I have a real soft spot for greyhounds, ever since my first greyhound Millie accidentally stumbled into our lives when I was 16. We were supposed to be taking care of her temporarily for only two weeks while a friend was trying to find a new home for her after being retired from racing, needless to say, we took her into our hearts and couldn't bear to her go, she lived out the rest of her retirement with us, surrounded by fields to run in and lots of lazing around in the sun. I had never really considered a greyhound before that but they are such sweet and gentle souls, so full of character. When Millie earned her wings we couldn't think of a better way to honour her memory than adopt another retired greyhound needing a loving forever home, we knew that is what she would have wanted. And so she sent us Shamus...he's a bit feral and totally loopybut he's as sweet as they come and we wouldn't change him. Him and our Tripawd Beau are inseparable friends.

Depeche looks absolutely adorable, I love her avatar so much! It sounds like you are doing an awesome job with her, the first few weeks are no picnic but once you're past the recovery stage I'm in no doubt Depeche is going to rock it on 3 legs!

Keep us posted, sending healing thoughts your way

Hannah, Beau, & Shamus

Again, thanks ❤️

Yes, HOPE Center/ Dr Ho have brochures on tripaws. Along with a packet of info and lots of invoices, instructions, et al that I've enmassed this past week, the brochure lays. 

Even the Facebook pics will have to wait a while. I'm so tired that little things seem huge still.

During the night, I was awakened heating Depeche's collar tags jingle. We all know that sound, right?

I opened my eyes to the most-delightful sight: Depeche was doing that spin around thing.  She'd been repositioning independently since she came home Sat eve, but this was the first time she's done that adorable dog thing since she developed osteosarcoma. 

She also ate a little breakfast, licked my face, and wagged her tail.  She's napping now. 

My long history as an RN is making caring for my beloved less difficult, I think.  My daughter is in college majoring in nursing, too.  What she lacks in skill she makes up for in compassion.  We are doing okay, with moments of tears and of joy.  

Id like to know more about the harnesses I see on this site. Any/ all subjective and objective thoughts welcomed, please.

Last, if not against the rules, I'd like to share my Facebook name so anyone can see Depeche's pics and videos, and friend request me. Any dog and cat lover is a friend ❤️

The vet called first thing this morning to check on us. 

Our Iggies (Italian Greyhounds) are being weird, but they're always a bit weird anyhow. 

Thanks again for being here. 

Big fan of the Ruffwear Webmaster Plus harness.  Nice padding on chest so I can lift him without straps cutting into his body.  I also clip the leash onto the back so it stays up and away from him legs as he hops.  He reacts to it just as he does his collar - gets all excited.  And he can roll and do all his normal doggie things in it.