How To Savor The Time With A Dying Pet?, It's hard... Options

[ladywolf]

Hi All--

Darnnit, every time I look at Ladywolf now, I'm thinking, "she's dying, I wonder how much more time she has...?" I keep staring at her swollen back leg and wondering if it hurts her, if it's growing or shrinking, if, if, if. When I take her for a walk, I watch her movements constantly to see how much she's being affected by the tumors as she walks. I wonder how much she is missing Poppers. I feel as if I am not doing enough for her, when in fact, I am more or less dedicating my LIFE to her right now.

But there's little pleasure left in my interactions with her, because I am spending all my time with her WORRYING now! All this has happened since the vet confirmed that she has cancer--everything changed, somehow. I'm moving through all the stages of grief constantly, and don't know how to be with her in a "normal" way anymore. Does any of this make sense to you folks? I hate this. I don't want to look at my beloved beauty and see only "dying wolf." It's all making me a little insane, and very very sad.

Help, please! Thanks!

Margi and Ladywolf

[moon_beam]

Hi, Margi, right now you are in shock at learning about Ladywolf's cancer, and of course this is going to be a "focus" now. When Oslo was diagnosed with Laryngeal Paralysis in September 2007 I thought he would not be alive for long from the information I read about LP. It took me quite awhile to "relax" and let Oslo live. He lived for 2 years and 2 months beyond the "expected" prognosis for LP. How to tell if Ladywolf is in pain: Is she limping? Can she weight bear on her leg comfortably? Is she licking and biting at her leg - - could be a sign of discomfort or pain. If / when she is in discomfort or pain there are medications that can help with that to still give her "quality" time. Take one day at a time, Margi, and enjoy each day that you have with your precious Ladywolf. I know it is hard - - all too well. Anticipatory Grief is as hard as the grief journey that comes when our beloved companions are no longer physically with us. Let Ladywolf show you what she needs as she needs it. She is still your precious furchild as she always has been. None of us knows "how long" we have on this side of eternity. The same is true for our furkids, even when we know their life journey is being shortened by illness. Just try to make each minute you have with her the very best quality time as possible. And - - please know you and Ladywolf are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how things are going, okay?

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam