Category: Animal House
steven has had surgery today to remove some cysts so they can be tested further for cancer. Dad and I will be bringing him home soon. what idd you do to stop yourself from crying or getting sad when your pet or guide dog may have whimpered with the pain and itching that comes with healing? Did petting and/or talking to him or her help calm yourself as well as him?
Hi Joanne:
First, those things did help us both. I had a cat with AIDS. She died after several months of the diagnosis. Here's sending positive thoughts and prayers and vibes your and Stephen's way. It honestly isn't any different than when one of our human family or friends is in the same situation. Best of luck. Lou
Thank you. Steven is home, groggy, and sleeping at the moment. *smile*
When will you find out the results of the biopsies?
Sometime this upcoming week.
Thanks for the update.
A little update on steven. well, recovery's going fine, but I was too late. Apparently, this cancer is really rare. It will keep spreading, and might already be in his bloodstream. He will have to be returned to the school, possibly even put to sleep.
Oh, Joanne. I'm so sorry. You'll both will continue in my thoughts and prayers.
Lou
Oh Joe Anne, I'm so very very sorry. I know how much Steven meant to you. I know how hard it is to have to give up your guide. I just recently found out that my first guide dog died of cancer. I know how hard this is for you. Is there anyway Steven can live out the rest of his days with you?
Hi Joanne, I am sorry to hear about Steven. My x guide dog Luke had cancer to. They amputated his leg and now he is at home. Not as lively as he was but doing good. He is stil eating well and he ran to the door for the irst time yesterday. Luke is 7 years old. I am keeping him as a pet now. At first I was missing him a lot I kept thinking he was with me at college, I stil do some times. I just use my cane now.
No, I have to give him back to the school. Even if I had had him for more than a year when this happened, I would still have given him back. They can take better care of him there than i can here. Michelle, how is Luke adjusting to life with three legs? hope he's better. *smile*
I'm still in contact with steven's puppy raiser, so if they decide to take him back, they can give me updates on his health. the technicians and other people at the kennels at the school will do the same, starting with a call or e-mail about his safe return journey.
My professors in college are aware of what is happening with me, and understand that I will not be in school, regardless of what day Steven is taken back to the school for retirement and treatment. I know he'll be a good boy even if i'm not there.
I thought the profs would be understanding. My wife and I have talked about adopting a retired dog guide at some point. I couldn't be a puppy raiser, because I'd hate to give up the dog.