I am so very happy to hear Zeus is having good days.  This part of the illness is very difficult.  Many of us on these forums have already been where you are now, and know just what you're going through and how hard it is.  You are absolutely right to enjoy each day as it comes.  That's what Zeus does, that's what all of our dogs do.  Tell your boy he's got an awful lot of people thinking about him, and wishing him well!  Please give your boy a kiss from me!

Lisa, thanks for the update.  I too come on a couple of times a day just looking for any updates on Zeus.  I'm happy that he still has his appetite and seems to be relatively comfortable.  Every day becomes a gift.  Lots of hugs from Kathy & Harley. 

Lisa, I only experienced something similar with one of our dogs, a rottie mix named Zoot. She was a great eater but as she declined, she simply wasn't able to process her food any longer. I think her body's need for food quit, so her appetite declined, along with her ability to metabolize and digest. If Zeus is digesting, then the food is going to places that it's needed. It sounds like you will be guided to some degree by that. Of course, if he begins to experience pain that can't be managed, then no amount of appetite in the world will matter. I know how important that is to you. Pain trumps everything, I think.

(Nothing to do with dogs, but years ago my son had a pet rat that developed a large mammary tumor. We took her to the vet and he said as long as she was eating and playing and had her personality, she would not be considered to be in pain. The tumor grew and we returned to the vet. He advised that the size of the tumor indicated it would soon break the skin because it was beginning to drag on the floor. The vet said her immune system would be suppressed enough that an open wound would become infected and she would be unable to handle it. We enjoyed her company for another couple of weeks, until the skin integrity was about done. Does that help?)

Shari

I'm glad to hear he is still bright-eyed, happy and smiling! That is very good news.

As for the eating situation... We were in a similar boat with Abby at the end. Abby was never a food motivated dog, but up until the very end, she was happily eating anything we gave her. (Of course - we knew the end was near so what we were giving her was primo stuff - steak, yummy treats, etc.) But loss of appetite was definitely *not* the sign with her. With Abby, it was all in her eyes and her breathing.

I think you will be able to see it in Zeus's eyes when he has had enough or the pain is too much. I really wasn't sure I believed it when everyone told me we'd get "The Look" - but man, did I ever.

And even at her final appointment at the vet, she was happy, wagging her tail, eating all the treats we could give her - but that look that she gave me before we left for the vet - well, there was no misunderstanding that look. I think Zeus will let you know when it's time.

I know this time is hard, but also so special. Hang in there, and please give Zeus some extra loving from us!!

Jackie, Angel Abby & MBBunny Rita

I was glad to hear that Zeus is still happy and full of love.

We didn't experience an abdominal tumor but we did experience a dog with a spirit that kept her going much longer than anyone thought possible. Her lungs were filled with mets and she had a spinal met. Yet, she kept eating, and her eyes, oh her eyes, still sparkled with life and love. Based on her xrays, my vet had encouraged us to consider letting her go earlier than we did but I couldn't do it because her eyes and tail were still puppy-like, just like Zeus's.

Then, as she declined over a week or two, her eyes were different one morning. I saw that the sparkle was gone and that thumping her tail was an effort. She was so so tired. Then, I knew, immediately and without a doubt, that it was her time. We spent the rest of that day with her and let her go in the evening. She seemed to simply run out of energy... but had no other dramatic symptoms aside from a mild cough and difficulty using one leg.

I believe that when you love a dog as much as you love Zeus, you'll be able to read what his heart wants by looking in his eyes.

I hope that you have more tail-thumping days ahead of you. I remember the phase that you're in because we were there a month ago. I'm thinking of you.