Small recap: Scout was diagnosed in October with mast cell tumor cancer, stage 2, high grade. He had surgery and they did not get clean margins. Started chemo, vet gave 6 month prognosis.

For the most part, he's been doing quite well...surprisingly well. He's my heart dog and every day and practically every moment he is on my mind.

Last week he started to slow down noticeably. He had a round of chemo and is usually puny during it but its like he didn't bounce back like usual. Picky about foods but will eat if hand fed and certain items. Breathing seems a bit labored at times but other times more ok.

Now this weekend he won't hang out with us in the family room. Usually he is glued to my side. He's found a spot in the kitchen to sleep. He also won't get up on any furniture (which we fully allow). The weather was unseasonably nice on Friday so we were horsing around with his sister, Sara, on the property and he'd just lay on the deck. Now tonight it's like he's staring at me but not seeing me but then he'll snap out of it.

I'm wigging out about all of it. But he is still eating, walking, going potty, wagging tail and responding to us.. All things the vet said are the biggies to worry about.

I honestly don't know how to handle this. These are the little signs of the reality of the situation and they bring me to my knees. I don't know how in the world I will manage what's coming...no matter when it happens.

He is my heart and soul. My best friend. My confidant. My little trooper. My biggest cheerleader, the best listener. He's brought me more joy and taught me so much and is the most special being that I've ever known. In his day he was a TDI hospice therapy dog and touched so many in their final hours and now he is stricken at 9 with the exact illness so many of his hospice friends had .

It's horrible. I so hope he's just 'off' a bit and will rally...but even if he does, it's still looming. So, so, so hard.

Here we are pictured in happier times. I try so much to live in the moment and enjoy what we have. Easier said than done right now.

Please pray for us, or send good vibes if praying isn't your thing.






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Sending prayers and hugs for Scout and you. More happy time for you two to enjoy.

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I'm sorry to hear that Scout is not himself. How many rounds of chemo is he scheduled to get? It often has a cumulative affect on them so maybe that is what you are seeing. I assume he had bloodwork prior to chemo last week and if that was all good, he might just be tired from the chemo. Our dogs are such troopers, it's hard when they aren't themselves. Sending well wishes to Scout and his pack.

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Harley
It was always about you -
Found his forever home on 3/18/07
Returned to his eternal home on 1/09/13

I'm so sorry to read about Scout's diagnosis. My third golden had a Grade III Mast Cell Tumor and I also did chemo for her. I had never even heard of MCT's until she was diagnosed.

I'm glad Scout is still eating and walking and going potty. Yes, those are the big things. It is a worry though when you start to see little changes. You are right; it's horrible and it's hard.

He sounds like a really wonderful dog and I love the photo of him. So handsome and happy.

Please know I'm thinking about you and I will definitely send prayers your way for you and your family and Scout.

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AYLA: Simply put, you were wonderful. (2-16-91 - 11-21-98)
ADDY: My fun, personable & terrific little girl. (4-23-97 - 1-30-11)
ANNIE: How do I know there are absolutely great dogs in shelters? Because that is where I found you. (? 99 - 11-21-09; Gotcha Day: 5-19-01)
RINDY: Thank goodness for rescue organizations, my super sweet girl! (09-01-05; Gotcha Day: 1-8-11)
FINN: I love you bunches, my dear little man. You are such a good boy! (8-25-11)

Sending healing prayers for you and Scout. I know the pain you are going through. Enjoy every moment with loving him and leave it in Gods hands. ((Hugs))

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Lighting a Candle for you and you BFF Scout.

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"To err is human, to forgive is canine"
- Anonymous -

Sweet Amber @the Bridge 12-06-2011

You and Scout will be in my prayers.

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My thoughts and prayers to you and Scout.

How heartbreaking for you and how incredibly lucky you and Scout found each other and have shared so much love. Hoping there are better times around the corner for you, I will keep you in my prayers.

I was going to say this as well. With each treatment, it's taken my girl longer to bounce back to herself. She has the similar puny response that you described. After this last round, it took her about a week to turn the corner.

We'll be thinking of you and Scout.

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Part 1 of Hannah's story - Cancer diagnosis - - - - Part 2 of Hannah's story - grab bag of health issues