Don't underestimate your dog (or your vet)

Almost 4 and a half years ago, my dog died. This was Maxie, *my* first pet (as opposed to a family pet), and I had adopted her from the shelter in 1994. This was the dog that had gone everywhere in the car with me, the reason we took up hiking, the one who had obedience and agility training, and the one who, as soon as I found out I was pregnant, I *knew* would love my baby. She was what I now call a "pre-baby".


She never had the chance to meet the kid, though, because I was 3 months pregnant when she died. She had been diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. It was in her front leg, and unfortunately, due to her age and arthritis, she was not viable for the only treatment, amputation.


It was horrible, and we were devastated. I just could *not* bring myself to make the decision to put her to sleep. My extraordinarily supportive vet helped me by prescribing pain medication for her and listening whenever I needed to talk. She referred us to a specialist and even offered to come to our home to "do the deed" if we wanted.


In the end, Maxie made the decision for us, and passed away peacefully on her own.


Fast forward to a few days ago, I got a message from that same vet (she has since moved to another city, but we keep in touch). *Her* dog was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. Thankfully, today, she is having the amputation surgery, and I hope with all my heart it goes well for them both. The surgery is a difficult thing, and although this will sound strange, I am thrilled that this option is available to them. Dogs can generally adapt to the loss of a limb fairly well, and with the great care I know she will receive, she should soon be back on her feet.


So, here's to the dogs in our lives, may we be as good to them as they are to us.