Hi all, 

My 14.5-year-old goldendoodle had a very large sebaceous adenocarcinoma on her lower rear leg. We'd been bandaging it for over a year and hoping to "limp it along" for as long as necessary, since the only other option we'd been given was amputation, which we'd decided was too much to ask from her at her age.

In the end, the tumor decided for us, leaving us with a very sudden decision to essentially amputate or euthanize. Suddenly, amputation was, to us, the only reasonable option. It seemed clear to us that she was still having fun down here with us and still had so much life to live. We knew there was a chance her pre-op bloodwork wouldn't be strong enough to recommend the surgery. We also knew there was a chance she wouldn't make it through the surgery itself. And also a chance the surgery wouldn't "take" or that she wouldn't recovery easily or well. 

Well, I know everyone's story is different, but I also know that when I was doing my research, I found it incredibly helpful and reassuring when I was able to find and read stories here about older dogs successfully adjusting to tripawd life. 

So here I am on my amazing dog's 15th birthday to tell you that...here we are! She was 14 1/2 on the day of her surgery and managed it all like such a champ. I don't know what will happen tomorrow or next week or next month. But her joy gives us joy every single day and there hasn't been a moment when we've doubted the decision. 

I know everyone's details are different and I know it's hard and scary. But a good result is possible. Good luck with your difficult decision. 

I hope this video will be viewable: https://www.ins.....FlZA%3D%3D