My Duke...the Red Doberman. Options

[Dukerman]

We had to let our beloved Duke go yesterday...he was 11 years old. He was diagnosed with Lymphoma that spread very fast and took over his body in less than a week. He also had cardiomyopathy and arthitis, which we had been treating. He told us it was time to go...it was the hardest thing my boyfriend and I have ever done. We are devastated...I feel so empty.

[Christine]

Kathleen, After I posted my note about Duke, I realized that I had been a little insensitive regarding my comments about chemo. Of course you should try chemo if the dog is young and healthy and has a good chance of survival. My husband (before I knew him) had a rottweiler that had 18 months extra life because of monthly adriamycin injections. But the cancer came back with avengeance in a matter of hours one day. She was fine at bedtime, then covered in huge lumps the next morning. But the quality of life during those 18 months was good. I'm just glad that we have the option of euthanasia. I stay with my furry friends when it's time (three have passed that way), and it's very quick, peaceful, and painless. Making that decision is the hardest thing I have ever done.

Love,

Christine