I Did Not See This Coming, Sudden Death Options

[sheppie]

Friday the 13th at 4pm, let the dogs out in the backyard and my toddler and I got dressed to join them.
At 4:30 noticed my husky/shepherd x struggling to catch her breath. I placed her on the grass and rolled her
gently over. She was in distress and did not have good colour. I rushed her into the vets office. I was there in 10 mins.
From my time of arrival to the the xray being taken and the terrible news "hemangiosarcoma"....was total time 20 mins.
I said "are you suggesting euthanasia"...to which the vet nodded her head. "What"???????????????????????????????????? I walked this morning and she was running around the yard and barking at 4pm....less than 1 hour ago.

I did not see this coming. She was the picture of health. Never vet related issues only yearly exams. Plus we just had her bloodwork done in July to make sure she was great. So she was 11 but had the energy, great body weight and playfulness of a 3 year old.

I work in a vets office so I see things. But...this is my dog. I cannot eat/sleep or function. I wished (in anger) my other left instead (German Shepherd) as she is dog aggressive and not as kindly towards my toddler on occasion.

I am looking for help...but don't know what kind. I am looking for answers yet know there are not any really. How will I get over this? Will I get over this? I hate everybody right now. I am angry and sad and starting to get mad.

How does a dog that is walked daily, is trim, fed excellent food, well cared for and extremely loved get this nasty cancer?
Why is cancer for dogs on the rise?

So so so sad

[moon_beam]

Hi, Sheppie, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your beloved companion. Losing a beloved companion is never easy regardless of the cirumstances or how long we had had the privilege and blessing of their company. Working in a vet office does not shield you from the sorrow of personal loss. What you are feeling is very normal - - the deep sorrow, anger, searching for answers, etc. Clinical studies now recognize that the stages of loss from a beloved furchild are identical to those experienced when we lose a loved human family member or friend. Eventually, yes, the intense feelings of loss and anger and guilt and all the other emotions we go through in our grief journey will lessen. Will you ever "get over" the loss of your beloved furchild? No. But eventually you will be replacing the feelings of loss with the loving memories that are forever yours to hold in your heart with your life with your precious furchild. In the past three years I have had three furkids diagnosed with cancer: My number one kitty son, Eli, was diagnosed with end stage Lymphoma in September 2006 and joined the angels on December 11, 2006. In July 2009 my beautiful baby kitty girl, Abbygayle, had a stage III Fibrosarcoma tumor removed from her left hip, and then in September - - 10 weeks exactly from her first surgery - - she had three new tumor nodules removed. Thankfully our vet has been able to spare amputating her leg so far. And also in September my handsome Black Lab Oslo was diagnosed with an Adenocarcinoma of a salivary gland on the right side of his neck. He is not a good candidate for surgery because of his advanced age, a diagnosis of Laryngeal paralysis, along with hypothyroidism, DJD in both of his rear hips, and neurological degeneration in his rear back and both legs. He is still with me hanging in here, and today is his 15th birthday. The tumor is growing as I feel it in his neck, but he is still able to swallow comfortably, so we are taking it one day at a time.

You ask why cancer is becoming more prevalent in our furkids. This is a very complex answer, but the root of it is that our furkids are made of the same material that humans are, and are therefore subject to the same illnesses. But knowing "why" doesn't diminish the deep pain and sorrow that we feel when our precious furkids precede us to heaven's perfect garden.

There is something else I would like to touch on with you. Please remember that children grieve differently from adults, so it is important for your daughter to know that she can talk to you about her feelings, and for the both of you to be able to comfort one another.

This grief journey you and your daughter are traveling is a one day at a time journey, and it is important that you do not suppress these feelings. And the most important thing to remember above all is to know that you are not alone in this grief journey. Each of us here knows first hand the pain and sorrow you and your daughter are going through, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us. Please know you and your daughter are in my thoughts and prayers, Sheppie, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[madi]

You poor darling, I feel so sorry for your terrible loss. I don't know why, but it's always the favourites that go first. I had to bury my much adored cat Ulriich after he was killed on the road and I was inconsolable. He was a black "tuxedo" sleek, young, healthy, adventurous and happy kitty cat that loved his life. He still looked so beautiful when we buried him and it was just such a damned utter waste of life. I know the sorrow, the disbelief, the anger and the 'what ifs" and " I hate everybody" mood swings. Apparently it''s normal, I thought it was just me until I came to this life saving forum. I am coping 6 months on but I still miss ulriich with a vengeance, but I can talk about him now without crying every time his name is mentioned. My husband is still upset too, but doesn't like me bringing things up all the time, because he said he is trying to cope himself, so that's why I come here to talk. I know it will take time for you to even come to terms with your loss, but feel free to vent here, because we understand. Hugs to you.

madi xx