Joe,
My Name is Dave and I Live In Massachusetts. 4 weeks ago my My Pal, Maarten started to limp. They then told me he had a bone tumor on his front paw. We went for a biopsy to Cape Cod Vetenary Specialists (Amazing People!) and the results came back Reactive Bone,,,however the Dr's felt from the x-ray it was cancer. We then did 2nd biopsy and it came back a cancer. Maarten never wimpered at all.

I was a single guy and several years ago I decided I wanted to get a dog. I have never owned a dog nor has anyone in my family. I got in contact with Debbie at Beechwood Goldens on Cape Cod and inquired on how to go about getting a puppy. I was shocked that her first question was "why do you want one?" and not how much it would costs. After being interegated she agreed to sell me one of her pups from an upcoming birth. I was never so happy when Maarten (Named after the friendly island of St. Maarten) was born on April 22, 2002!

Since then my life has changed and Maarten has given me, my fiance, and family so much JOY & UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. He is the best.

So my long story is, that I keep in Contact with my breeder from time to time,,,she always likes a good picture and to keep up on her kids. So I talked to her a few weeks ago about what the process is in putting my pal to sleep when the time comes. She has been great and assured my the time will come that I will know. God I hope so. The other day Maarten's limp was no worse, he is eating fine, sleeping, and spirits seem good,,,my mother came over to visit and he jumped up to go greet her. He over did it, and by the time i got to him he wa sitting holding his paw up and started to cry. I sat with him and held him and we both had a good cry, I carried him in and put him on the couch, gave him a pill, he then seemed ok and slept and then ate his food,,,after hours on couch I got him up and he seemed ok,,,he put weight on it and was in good spirits.

While we lay on the couch I googled my breeder to get her email and I noticed her name on your website so i went to it,,,,,,come to find out it was a lady asking about the breeder, she wanted to know any bad/good things about her,,,,I signed up on your website and was amazed at all the good people out there. I sit here with a tear in my eye reading about Hunter....b/c I know my days are short with Maarten.

I am sorry for the long email but I just wanted to say THANK YOU for this site,,,I am sure it will bring me comfort and also good advice on when Maarten's time comes. WE BOTH THANK YOU!

Dave in Massachusetts

I'm so sorry Dave! That is an awful circumstance. Have the vets recommended any chemo or just palliative care? Can it be amputated to stop the cancer? Wishing you the best.

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Abby and Finn

Thank You!

The Dr's could see the liason on his front paw by his ankle. They gave me different ideas. But I think we all agreed that if we amputated his leg we would be gambling the cancer didnt spread. They do believe it was in early stages but my undersatnding it spreads fast. So we are doing Palliative care for him. He is on tramadol 1 every 8 hours and 1 previcox a day. He goes in tomorrow to have the few stitches removed from his biopsy. I will talk with the Dr and see what time we are talking about. Its crushing! He is my best friend and dont want to see him hurt. My concern is how will I know when it is time...when I heard him cry yesterday I knew that was it,,,,but last night and today he seems to be ok,,,,,I dont know, sad.

Thanks for responding.

Dave - I'm so sorry to hear about what you are going through with Maarten! I saw your post on the Beechwood's thread, but didn't know that your poor pup has cancer. I am one of the people getting a new puppy from Deb in a couple of weeks, and I'm glad to hear that she has been helpful to you in this difficult time. I will send lots of prayers for you and Maarten...

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Lindy
"Parker" -- Beechwood's Kick It Up a Notch

"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot little puppies." ~ Gene Hill

Well, just my 2 cents...

Dogs get along quite well on 3 legs as long as they are fit and not overweight. Have you considered amputation? A few here have been through it and their dogs did darned well afterward.

Not many know that the original "Buddy" from AirBud developed a similar illness shortly after the film was shot, and had an amputation. It didn't slow him down a bit, and he continued to shoot baskets until he died 12-18 months later.

Maybe have the Vet do a good chest x-ray series, and if it all looks clear, proceed with an operation that may give him some time.

I've been through Cancer with Goldens 3 times now. I know it's really hard to deal with.

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Remember, Dogs have owners. Cats have Staff...

I am so sorry about your Maarten. I consider myself blessed that my two boys have made it to the age of 6 and I dread the day I may be given a similar diagnosis. I pray I never hear the words, but when I speak to my Vet about the possiblity, I know it's probable.

Give Maarten a great big hug for me...

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Dave... I'm so glad your'e here, but sorry for the circumstances. Have a list of questions for your vet. Consider getting a consult with an oncologist..... dogs do very well on chemo and most don't have the reactions that we humans do. It could possibly extend his life and give you more quality time. Fight like hell for him......read, research, and question. You will find many instances documented on here where vets were wrong, were too quick to give a dismal diagnosis. I hope you have lots more time with your buddy. Your breeder is right, he will let you know when it's time...... but until then try your best to live and enjoy each moment with him. Hugs.

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Betty and the Dallas crew


“Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened.” A. France

Welcome Dave,
I am sorry you had to find us during this time. We have several members here that have dogs with 3 legs and they do just fine. One of them is going thru something similar to yours. I will contact both of them to see if they can give you information on their experiences about this. Their names are jazz and jules and Motherhen. If his xray for his chest comes clear and you meet with an oncologist, I would do the surgery. This website has some great information on it that might help you with grants, information and recipes http://landofpuregold.com/home.html

Please know that we are here for you and hope you can get some positive news from the doctors and oncologists.

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So glad you found GRF ,Dave. I love it here and have made lifetime friends!
We all love goldens and my heart breaks for you and Maarten. I am hoping he can have much quality time with you.

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Sasha, Gunner,
& Angel Selka in Heaven

Love You Always
Max, Sophie and Shammy

Dave, welcome to GRF. I'm sorry you had to find us under such tough circumstances. If the cancer was truly caught early I would give some thought to further study - MRI and/or CAT scan. If those images come back clean than amputation could be a path to consider. Also, could you consider seeing a canine cancer specialist in Boston at Angell Animal Medical Center?

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