Because I wanted to believe it. If I said it often enough, it would be true. Right?
I think all those who heard me understood. Because it is Tag. TagEButt, the Brown Dog, the Chocolate Puppy...the one who has always been my laughter...the one who has always had my heart.
Well, reality has reared its ugly head. Earlier this week, I learned that Tag is going to die. Seriously. He has been diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer). At best, he has a few months. At worst, he has a few months.
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Tag had been limping for about 2 weeks, for no apparent reason. What I mean by that is that there was no trauma...he hadn't injured himself in any way. On Saturday (July 4th), I noticed a lump/mass on his right side by his shoulder. It was actually quite noticeable, so I'm not sure why I had not seen it before. He does have several lipomas, so perhaps that's where my mind initially went if, in fact, I did notice something there. It doesn't change the outcome, though, so I'm not going to castigate myself for not seeing it sooner. On Tuesday of this past week, I took Tag to see Claire, his vet/my friend. Yes. It is Osteosarcoma. Which is what I suspected.
Because of his age (13+) and several other considerations, I will not be pursuing treatment, but will give him drugs to keep him as comfortable as possible for the short time that we have left together.
He has been on Meloxicam and now will be given Tramadol. Hopefully, that combination will cover his pain as this progresses. Right now, he is his normal, goofy self doing all that he usually does. Oh, my stoic brown dog...just a bit slower. And, with a limp.
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| getting some lovin' from Paul and Rachel |
We'll be together for as long as he has good quality of life.
He wants nothing more than to be by my side.
I want nothing more than for him to be there...
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11
19 comments:
That is so sad! Joyce
I am so sorry Jacque...we never have them long enough....Tag is one special boy...please give him some extra smooches from me...hugs
I am very sorry to read this. It's never easy losing a fur baby :(
Dear Jacque:
You and Tag be in my heart and prayers. Sending much love to you both.
xo
Donna and Little Tag
I am so sad for you, I know how hard it is and wish our pups could live as long as we do, they are so much a part of our lives and Tag has been a part of all of ours. Hugs to you.
Debbie
Sending you hugs and a shoulder....I've come to love that little man myself...he is in the best hands with you making his life one of only love and kindness and happiness. Joanne
Oh Jacque this is so hard to read. I will keep you and your sweet boy in my prayers. Our two fur boys will be 13 this Fall so the time could be limited...not what we want to think about either but reality.
Sending hugs!!
Cathy G
My heart is breaking for you.
Hugs,
Lauren
My heart is breaking for you. Big hugs to Tag too
Oh, Jacque! I am so very sorry to hear this about Tag. Such a wonderful boy he has been. Their time with us is never long enough, my heart is still hurting from my old Lucy girl passing away before Christmas. They take a piece of our hearts with them when they go.
My heart breaks for you my friend.
Jane
I am so sorry to read about your dog. I lost two dogs to bone cancer and tramadol took care of their pain. It's not an easy road for you. Seek comfort in today and don't look beyond. Enjoy each other and know that you will always do what's in your dog's best interest. Hugs to you!
So sorry to hear this. Thinking of you x
Jacque,
So sorry to hear this. I don't know what else to say, it's so hard to see our dogs age and Tag has done it so well. He's been such a lucky boy to have you in his life. Enjoy your time together.
I am at a loss for words to express myself. Thoughts and prayers for Tag E Butt. ♡ Auntie Julie
Jacque,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Tag has been such a big part of your life that no other dog could every replace him. But like me, you have so much love to give to another dog who needs it in its life.
Hugs to you, my friend, and give Tag a hug from me as well.
Prayers and hugs to you and Tag during this very difficult time...
I am sad to read this. Yes, we know that the reality is a given, but that does not make it any easier. Our pets are so apart of our family, love us unconditionally, are there when we need them. trust us so. This is fresh for me as in June we had to put down our two Calico cats. The 18-1/2 year old at the beginning of the month and the 17 year old at the end of the month. Sending you a big hug as ya'll go through this with Tag.
I'm so sorry to hear this, Jacque. I'll be praying for you.
We are going through the same thing with our 10 year old border collie and it sucks! The drugs have helped and she does not seem to be in too much pain, but her deterioration is hard on us all. Good luck on keeping Tag comfortable and spoiling him!
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