Putting down my beloved Rottie

[Angelfire]

Zar is my best friend, champion and to me the greatest and smartest dog I have known. He came to us 7 yrs ago. He was 2 yrs old and had been abandoned and abused and had only weight 65lbs. He took to me right away and of course our female rottie Juno but it took him longer to warm up to my husband. In April, he was limping just a bit so we took him into the vet and we all agreed he must have pulled a muscle. We had him on some meds for a week and after that, he was ok. In June, he started to limp again and I notice a very small lump on his leg. Then the dreaded words were spoken "he has bone cancer"(OSTEOSARCOMA). I cried for a month. I looked up everything I could about the type of cancer he had and the prognosis was always the same. Remove the leg and chemotherapy and then he may have a 20% chance of living 2 yrs. It was my decision to make about what to do; I choose to let nature take its course. Not because of how much it would cost but because of the research I did. They say from the time you find out your dog has cancer if left untreated he would only live 2-3 months. I had read so many stories about people who had done the leg removal and chemo and most of the dogs lived for 3-6 months. I did the math and without treatment, he has lived for 7 months. This Saturday will be the day we put him down. This Sunday is my Birthday.
My other Rottie Juno is 10 yrs old and has been totally blind for 3 yrs. Two days ago she started hacking and I fear the worse for her also. I do take comfort that if it is her time soon, she won't be alone, she will have her best buddy there to meet her.

[ferJenna]

I'm so sorry to hear that.. you have my deepest sympathy :(

[Lehi]

I'm very sorry for what you're going through. I'm sure you are making an informed decision and are doing what's best for Zar. It's always hard and my heart goes out to you.

[BrinkleyBing]

I am so sorry that you all have to go through this heartbreaking situation. I can totally relate to you as I saw our Boxer named Tyson, pass away to cancer infront of me.
I am sure Zar has enjoyed his life with you all and is a very fortunate dog to get a second chance in his life. You found eachother and gave Zar a loving home. Remember all the fun days and let him go to the forever happy place. He would be waiting over the rainbow bridge for you playing with Tyson!! He would be healthy again and bless you for everything you did for him.
God bless your heart and take care.

[NewfieGrl]

I'm so sorry to hear about Zar. It really tugs at my heartstrings when I hear things like this, because I know how much we all love our pets. They are more than just pets to us. They are like our children.
The same exact thing happened with my friends Rottie last year. At the same time my ex husbands Newfie was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I'm not sure about everyone else, but it seems that I hear about more cancers in our pets now than I did when I was younger. Maybe it just wasn't being diagnosed or I just didn't hear about it or know anyone who had a pet with cancer.
My sympathies are with you.
Michele
owned by 2 Newfies, a cocker spaniel and 3 cats.

[PatchO'Pits]

I'm so very Sorry

You are however giving the greatest gift to your baby so they'll be no suffering and pain


I'm crying for you , but also happy you had so many great years being blessed with your dog


I wish I could come and give you more support.

I know how hard this is

I HATE CANCER

Hugs and Prayers

Your baby will be in a better place and is not gone from your heart but only out of you sight for a little while until you meet up again


I know my Sock-M will be more than happy to go and play and keep your pup company until you get there

[rstowe]

We lost our Rottie to cancer a year ago tomorrow. We made the same decision you did. You are thinking about what is best for him not for you and that is the only thing you can do. It is never easy to make this decision, but sometimes it is for the best.

My thoughts are with you.

[colin0173]

everyone above has said what i'd like to say. stay strong. my thoughts are with you both.

[Angelfire]

Here is my baby boy taken a few months ago.
4825

[dlaura]

I am very sorry to hear about Zar's illness. So sorry you are faced with this decision.

[Angelfire]

Whenever I wonder if I make the right decision, I always ask my mom (who passed 5 yrs ago) if I was making the right one. On Thursday, 2 days before Zar would be put down, I asked my Mom, "Is this the right time to put Zar down". Friday night around 7 pm Zar's tumour broke open so I bandaged him up and knew I had made the right decision and thanked my Mom for sending me the sign.
I woke up early Saturday morning so I could spend time with Zar before the Vet come over to put him down. She got here around noon and Zar was so happy to see her. He jumped up on the couch right beside me as he always had. He laid in my arms and passed away peacefully.
Sunday was the second Birthday in my life that was not celebrated.
The house seems bigger now and lonelier as the dog who would lay beside me, following me around like a shadow and watch TV with me is no longer here. The bed has more room for my husband and I but is a little colder. Tonight is the first night I go to bed alone (my husband works nights) and I am so not looking forward to it.

[Evey]

I have been where you are, and know the empty house all too well.

Before too long you will find or be found by a new companion. That is how it always works for me, anyhow. I always say that I am not getting another one, but.....

[rstowe]

Sorry for your loss. It is never easy to make that decision, but you did make the right one. He is in a better place now and is waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

Take care.

[whit2232]

I am new here..but I was looking around on some of the forums and I ran into yours. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. In Janurary of this year my cat Diamond passed away. I had her for about 11 or so years. A few months before she passed away, we found out she had diabetes and so once we found out we did all we could..gave her insolin, made sure she always had food when she needed it, and also her water. She lived for about 3 months and started getting very sick again..for various reasons..but mainly because of her diabetes. So the day she passed away me and my mother decided that if she was sick again for the same reason we were going to put her down. So the day we took her in they were going to observe her. A few hours later we got a call from the vet saying she had passed away. I think they know when we have settled with the decision and even though its soo hard we know that it is for the best. It is just soo much easier for them to pass away that way. My opinon though is that I feel lucky that I didn't have to put her down. She did it on her own..when she was ready. I am really sorry for your loss and I hope things get better for Juno. I'm sure Zar was a very lucky and happy dog..and I am also sure that he believes he had the best mom in the world.

[colin0173]

Zar sure was beautiful. I hope you are doing well.