Life just gets better..

[Zabo]

Well.. first it was Christine, then it was a bill crisis with school. Now, of all the things out of left field this happens. My family has two dogs, a border collie and a schnoodle. The Collie's bills are footed by the golf course my dad works at and where the dog chases geese off the property. We've had her as part of our family for almost 7 years now.

My dad took her to the vet today because she wasn't eating and was having issues with breathing and a bit of lethargy. Not knowing what was going on the vet sent some blood samples out to be worked on. Today the results came back..

She has Lukemia. As far as they could tell it's in it's advanced stages, leaving her about a month or less to live. Worse off, the club heard and has chosen the option of letting her die. They found that they couldn't find the money in their budget to save her. And they will probably forgo purchasing a 'replacement' leaving us with a hole in our family.

I am still not sure how to take this. I really don't.. She may be a pest, and a bit annoying.. but she's OUR ANNOYING PEST of a lovable dog. Damn..

[PQ]

:(

A dog is the only animal that I like. That sucks man.

That just sucks.

[respect is earned]

damn dude, this sucks. sorry to hear Zabo

[mickss]

Zabo, did the vet. state if it was "acute" or "chronic" canine leukemia?
If it was "acute" then the dog may have a couple of months to live.
If it is "chronic" it could live months or years.
I`m very sorry to hear of your dog having leukemia. In my life I`ve had to put two of my own pets to sleep, a four month old kitten and a eight year old Lab. both to acute leukemia and it`s the hardest thing for an animal lover and pet owner to do, good luck to you and your family.
One other thing, how long was your dog working the golf course?

[LadyinBlue]

That really stinks -I'm so sorry for you, Zabo. Our dogs are members of our family also - not just 'employees' who bark when something's not right.

Enjoy her while you can and make her as comfortable as possible. Talk to Fenwick - he's a vet tech so maybe he can give you some ideas about helping keep her stress level down.

[PQ]

Originally Posted by LadyinBlue

That really stinks -I'm so sorry for you, Zabo. Our dogs are members of our family also - not just 'employees' who bark when something's not right.

Enjoy her while you can and make her as comfortable as possible. Talk to Fenwick - he's a vet tech so maybe he can give you some ideas about helping keep her stress level down.

[Zabo]

Originally Posted by LadyinBlue

That really stinks -I'm so sorry for you, Zabo. Our dogs are members of our family also - not just 'employees' who bark when something's not right.

Enjoy her while you can and make her as comfortable as possible. Talk to Fenwick - he's a vet tech so maybe he can give you some ideas about helping keep her stress level down.

Originally Posted by mickss

Zabo, did the vet. state if it was "acute" or "chronic" canine leukemia?
If it was "acute" then the dog may have a couple of months to live.
If it is "chronic" it could live months or years.
I`m very sorry to hear of your dog having leukemia. In my life I`ve had to put two of my own pets to sleep, a four month old kitten and a eight year old Lab. both to acute leukemia and it`s the hardest thing for an animal lover and pet owner to do, good luck to you and your family.
One other thing, how long was your dog working the golf course?

Acute. They want her on meds and treatment asap. Were already recommending euth. on the treatment box on the vet bill. That's how bad it is..

My Dad and I are a wreck. We flew out and picked her up from NC 7 years ago and shes been working at the club since then. Hell I can still remember how much of a handful she was back then. She and the little schnoodle were the first things to greet me when I came home from college.

[FenwickHockey65]

Zabo...I'm so sorry to hear this.

At this stage, you're going to want to consider her quality of life...it may be best just to let her go to relieve her suffering...not to mention that treating leukemia is very time-consuming and costly.

I know it's hard, especially when you're this attached to her. I see it in the faces of owners every time I tell them there's nothing more we can do.

Think it over and discuss it with your family. As for her, keep her at home and keep her comfortable.

[mickss]

I`m sorry for asking how long your dog worked at the golf course with out explaining why I asked the question. Check with the grounds keeper and ask what chemical pesticide and fertilizers they use or if they contract that job to an outside firm. There could be an outside chance that your dog was exposed to chemicals that might mimic canine leukemia during a blood test, I`m not saying that is the what happened in your case but ask your Vet. it`s worth a shot before putting your dog asleep.

[Xanthos]

I'm really sorry to hear this Zabo... Life just bites hard for you right now...

Things will turn around for you though. I promise they will. Just keep one foot moving in front of the other.
- X

[Zabo]

Originally Posted by mickss

I`m sorry for asking how long your dog worked at the golf course with out explaining why I asked the question. Check with the grounds keeper and ask what chemical pesticide and fertilizers they use or if they contract that job to an outside firm. There could be an outside chance that your dog was exposed to chemicals that might mimic canine leukemia during a blood test, I`m not saying that is the what happened in your case but ask your Vet. it`s worth a shot before putting your dog asleep.

My dad is the superintendent of grounds at the course. He is the one that purchases, and sets the chemical mixes for turf and water care. None of which would have posed an issue to animal life otherwise we wouldn't have let her swim in the ponds or chase geese there.

Oddly enough, I used to also spray some of the chemicals for the course, and did a lot of pond care there in my 5 years there. 4 of which were with Ally (the collie) constantly getting in the way back at the maint. barn. All pesticides and Herbicides were kept in an on site state controlled barn with several protective protocols in accordance with the GCSAA, OSHA, and EPA.

And after looking at the bill, the official diagnosis is Malignant Lymphosarcoma. Told us to either make plans for treatment or Euth. And the former may not be able to be footed in this economy. Not even with a fundraiser from course members (the GC is private.) They love the dog as much as we do.. heck she's almost the course mascot.

This is really devastating for us, and totally out of left field. She was so healthy even a week and a half ago. Then she started getting a bit sick, and we got worried. And today, after driving 6 hours to Kalamazoo and back to pay rent and electricity, the first thing I find out within 20 mins of parking the truck is that one of my two best buddies at home may very well die while I'm at school. I am literally in tears right now.. it's so ****ing hard.

[Sir Nuke]

Zabo, I am very sorry to hear this, I personally went through this myself and my 6 year old Belgin Shepard, she was my best buddy, I couldn't bring myself to get another dog for almost a year. that was about 7 years ago......My current buddy is a dream, her name is Princess Arwen Undomiel. She brings a lot of joy to my life. In time, you too will find another furry child to fill your life. It will just take time.

[drivingincamaro]

sorry to hear Zabo



make your dogs last months, the best month of his life

[dreammy]

darn..so sad news....some don't understand how a pet is really a family member.....prayers and support vibes to you .....sighs