Good Thoughts Needed for Shadow the Dog

Published March 22nd, 2008

Today’s post is a departure from the usual.  It’s a personal and time sensitive post, but one that’s very important to me and my whole family.  It relates to our oldest family member, Shadow, who is a Lab cross going into his 18th year on this earth with us. 

For the last week or so, Shadow, who lives up North with my parents, has on and off been having these unusual neurological episodes with his hind end.  He’ll have one, and then be fine for a couple of days, but I had a strong feeling that this was not just normal old dog stuff.  Over the last 3 years we’ve successfully managed some old age conditions like cognitive dysfunction (similar to dementia in humans) and arthritis–but this is different.  

I brought him into our clinic to work him up, and sadly, discovered that there is at least one large mass below his spinal column, that is probably accounting for some of the things that are going on. 

I am very sad, but I know that this certainly can be a part of life, and I am thankful that this little guy has made it this far with a loving family of humans and dogs.  I see a fair number of 18 year-old cats in general practice, but I don’t even know that I’ve seen an 18 year-old dog.  To look at him, you’d never know how old he is.  He certainly looks like a senior, but generally his strength is good, and he doesn’t have that run down look that really old pets often get.  He is a Humane Society rescue from many many years ago, and I think because of his past, is very sweet but has never been a dog that really likes to cuddle or be confined in any way.  He’s made it this far because he’s a survivor!

Anyway, this is where you, dear reader, come in.  We need something very important from you; your good thoughts.  We have an appointment with an internal medicine specialist in a couple of days, who will do an ultrasound of his abdomen and hopefully get a small biopsy sample of the mass so we can figure out what exactly it is and how much/whether it has spread to any other tissues.  I am trying to be realistic, but there is always a chance that this space occupying mass could not be cancerous.

I know that he is 18 years old, and that he has already beat some incredible odds, but what I am asking for is your positive energy and good thoughts for this little guy.  Whatever happens, we are going to do right by him, and keep him happy and comfortable.  His quality of life is our number one priority.  Once we figure out exactly what is going on, we will do what is best for him. 

To Shadow,

Your mom and dad love you so much, and are so glad that you are an important part our family.  They will do absolutely anything for you.  Pete and I will get you the best medical care possible, and do everything in our power and control to keep you happy and pain free.  Your best human friend, Ru, wants to take care of you, and is hoping for the best.  The dogs here at my home, and your best dog friend Kira all love you, are being gentle and kind, and sticking close.  We love you little guy–and if there is any way, we want you to survive this.  All of our love and positive energy are directed at you right now.  

With all our love,

Mom, Dad, Ru, Amanda, Pete, Kira, Naula, Moab, and Jaspy.

Click here to get the latest update on what’s going on with Shadow.

Please pass this on to any dog lover you know.
Any correspondence can be sent to Amanda at valueforyourlife@gmail.com

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