In my mind the bond between pet and owner is unique, they give so much but expect nothing in return. I have everything crossed for good news for Rocky x

Really sorry to hear about your beloved dog, Janet. I'm sure he feels every drop of love you've given him.

We got him to the vet and they did an exam and some X-rays. He has a bone tumor on his back leg. One course of action would be to amputate and do chemo, but I can't imagine putting a dog his age through that.

We have some pain medication for him, and we're going to see if that allows him to move around a bit and enjoy a few more days with us. But it does appear that the end is near.

We brought him home and got him in the swimming pool, which he seemed to enjoy -- he swims better than he walks! He fetched a toy a few times and then stood on the step in the nice cool water. My youngest stepson is heading over to have some time with him too. We'll just spoil him with good food and love for as long as it seems to help him.

Thanks again for all the good wishes!

I am sorry to read your news, will be thinking of you and your family today.

I'm late to comment but am so sorry. You have given Rocky a great life but it's heartbreaking to have to say goodbye to a dear pet.

Awww...this is so hard Janet, but I am glad he's back at home with you now and is enjoying the cool water. It's also wonderful to read that other loved ones will be able to come and visit him for a bit too.

I think the pain medicine will help him enjoy this time with you, and it should also help him enjoy his favourite treats and foods too.

Sigh...such a tough thing. I'll be thinking of you.

As saddening as the news is, it is a wonderful thing that you and the rest of Rocky's family have time to spoil him and make sure he crosses the rainbow bridge with a happy heart. You are fabulous puppy parents. *hugs*

Oh, so sorry! Glad you have some time with him to spoil hiim rotten. Huskies are so stoic. Our last dog was totally happy and normal, until one day she stopped walking. Turned out she had a massive stomach tumor and was gone the next day. The vet couldn't believe it - she literally wagged and licked his face even during the exam. We tried to keep her home for one last night but she wouldn't stop crying and we knew it was time.

Hug him for me and give him lots of ear rubs. And take lots of pictures - I would love to see some photos of him here.

I am so sorry about your dog. He sounds like he is a very lucky guy, indeed, to have people who love him so much and take care of him so well. Losing a pet is never easy and my heart goes out to your family.

Oh Janet...I'm so, so sorry. Losing a pet is so difficult. I'm glad you're able to bring him home, have family come, and all give him much cuddles and belly rubs. He will leave this earth knowing how much he is loved. Sending hugs and comforting thoughts to you and your family.

Oh, Janet - these are tough times when our fur babies are failing I'm glad you and your husband were together taking him to the vet, and I'm glad you were able to find out what is going on, so you can help Rocky through these days.

Hugs and comforting wishes for you all. . .

Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry.

Lots of hugs and love to Rocky as you make all the time with him fun and comfortable.

Shadow takes pain pills sometimes because she has arthritis, and benign fatty tumor in what remains of her hind leg muscle (she's like skin and bone in her rear end.) For a long time she was not only limping a lot, but she was frantically pacing and not able to lie down, kind of like what you mentioned with Rocky. She'd come and put her head on your knee. We kind of figured out over time that this was her "I'm in pain!" signal. Now when she starts acting anxious we'll give her a pain pill and once it kicks in, it seems to help her feel better. So I'm very hopeful that it will alleviate some of the discomfort that Rocky is feeling.

It's really hard to have an older dog who can't enjoy all of the same things as before (for Shadow, running around and chasing the hose, chasing bubbles, and long walks are out now, and she's lost her hearing so singing to her in a funny voice doesn't do it anymore), but I've realized over time that there are still a lot of things that do make her feel loved and happy (stroking her, the whole family being in the same room together, funny body language that seems to make her amused, large visual signals to make up for the verbal commands she can no longer hear.) That's awesome that swimming is still enjoyable and is easier than walking.

I hope that you have a long time with Rocky, but I know that he will feel loved no matter how long you are together.

Thanks for the update, Janet. Rocky couldn't be in a happier home right now. He is surrounded by love, attention and good spirits. He is at peace, and it sounds like you are all at peace with him.

MUCH MORE LOVE FOR ROCKY from YLF xoxo

Janet I'm so sorry. I'm glad Rocky is at home surrounded by the people he loves.

Janet, Rocky knows that you love him. Peace to Rocky and the rest of your family.

So sorry Janet. We have gone both ways (the chemo for a tumor and a gentle home based hospice as long as possible) and it is a tough decision. Rocky and you all have been very lucky to have each other. Take care and lots of vibes to Rocky.

Janet, hugs!
I think it is a wise decision not to put him through the pain and shock of amputation at his age. Maybe spoiling him is the best medicine now as I am sure he feels he is going (animals usually do) and he also wants to spend as mush time as possible with all people he loves.
<<<HUGS>>>

We had a dog in a wheel chair for four years. We got it from K9 carts in Maryland. You'd be surprised how easily they adapt to it. Moe had a lot of happy times in his cart. Sadly he deteriorated over time and even the cart wasn't enough to hold him up and he couldn't enjoy his life as a dog, chasing balls, running with us and eating rabbit poop in the yard. We lost him not too long ago. I am feeling your pain as a fellow older dog owner. I know what it's like to see your baby in pain. I hope that Rocky is doing ok. Sending you, Jaime and your dog lots of love.

Oh, Janet, I am so sorry for all that you and your family are going through. It's just so, so sad to have to say good-bye to a beloved family pet. My thoughts are with you all.

I'm so sorry the news was not better. However I'm glad that you and the family have a little extra time to spoil Rocky rotten. Double the dose of love to you and to him.

((hugs))

Janet, I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm a huge dog lover, and this makes me teary. He has had a very long, wonderful life with you, and I know he feels your love. I'm sending hugs to you, your family and Rocky.

I am so sorry to hear this Janet. Pets are family members. Sending lots of hugs and positive energy to Rocky, you, and your family.

Big hug to you and Rocky, sorry to hear about the tumor. Glad to know he has a pool to enjoy.

This is heartbreaking. I'm so sorry, Janet. Hope he can enjoy his last days with you, without too much discomfort, and gets to spend a quiet, happy time with his human family. ((hugs to you both))

Oh Janet, it's so hard to go through this. It's really hard to watch, even though it is a natural course for all living things. I wish you all the best during these difficult days. He has been a really lucky dog to have been rescued by you and your husband so many years ago and I am sure he knows that and loves you for it.

Oh Janet I'm sorry to hear that the news wasn't better How wonderful that you are able to spend many loving years with you and your family, and that you're able to do so now (and that he can still enjoy the pool!). *BIG HUGS*

I am so sorry. Much love to you and Rocky. I love the *spoiling*.

Oh, Janet. I know the pain of losing a beloved dog. We lost our yellow lab, Cabot, two years ago and we still miss him. He was 13+ years old and was such a sweetie.

You are doing the right thing to spend some quality time with Rocky. It is so hard to say good-bye to such an integral member of the family. Sending you all a big hug.

Thanks again, everyone! He's a little better today, probably because the pain meds are doing their job. He's had two hamburgers and his favorite, pizza crust. Had another little swim today but it was terribly hot so we didn't keep him out long. My stepson and two of his friends are here, which I think livens him up a bit. He's getting even more love and hugs.

We're just taking it day by day. We know he's not going to get better, but as long as he's doing a little better than he was the other day, we'll try to make things as comfortable and maybe even enjoyable as we can.

I really appreciate all the support. This is hard.

I'm so sorry about Rocky. I hope the pain meds continue to keep him comfortable and so nice that he's getting lots of love and spoiled rotten by all of you at home. Big hugs, I know this is so hard.