Canine Cancer Pet Loss

The reason I wanted to tell you about my Skeeterbug, is that I realized something great as the weeks went on after her diagnosis.


Everytime that I sat and tears would fall from my eyes when I looked at her, knowing she was going to die, I was able to reach out and touch her... I was able to sit down next to her and tell her how much I love her and how she made my life wonderful. I was able to feel her fur and feel her warm body next to me as I cried and grieved. It was a very comforting time, I feel, for the both of us.


Having the diagnosis of canine cancer, and being able to go day by day knowing that she was going to die, made the process easier to accept. When I felt sad, I could hug her and have her right next to me.


I thought to myself... if she had suffered a sudden death, and I was crying over my pet loss, she wouldn't be there for me to touch or hold. I realized that if she were gone, I would be sitting here alone, wishing I could just touch her just ONE more time...BUT...she was there, and I could reach for her, and it was very comforting. That was an amazing gift from the Lord.




Everynight that I would say my prayers, I would ask that my Skeeterbug would pass away peacefully, and I wouldn't have to watch her suffer. I was always afraid that when I would go out to run errands that I would come home and find her dead, or she would die in front of me in a horrific manner. I would practically beg the Lord each night and day for this not to happen. I knew that I was not strong enough to go through that experience.





So, weeks went by, Skeeterbug was diagnosed in February, and it was now August! I couldn't believe she had made it to six months!


I could tell that she was a not as well as she had been, but seemed to be doing quite well. She was coughing and sleeping a lot, but her energy was still up, and she even played outside with my other dog. I did notice that she tired easily on her walks in the neighborhood, so I slowly cut back on those. She would become winded, and need to stop often. It was very sad when the walks became a thing of the past.


I can say that I think the cancer diet I was feeding her helped a lot. I was feeding her more protein. I read somewhere during one of my research journeys that dogs needed more protein when fighting cancer. I cooked up fish, eggs, chicken and vegetables.


I would love to tell you the reciepe, but honestly, I just threw it together and fed her. I let her eat twice a day, and kept her a tiny bit on the chunky side to make sure she had extra fat for the ongoing fight! This might not have been the right thing to do...but that's what I felt was right for her. I googled "canine cancer diet" and got a lot of different recipes and options. You can try that if you want...




Another great thing that I did was use a supplement called ES Clear. I found this website while I searched for answers in the beginning, the link to see my testimony about this product is at petwellbeing.com


This is a true testimony I wrote...I am not an affiliate of this company, I am just a satisfied customer whose dog benefited from this product. Maybe it can prolong the life of your pet also. That would be wonderful! I think they also have a formula for cats too.


I also read a book a long time ago about the benefits of unfiltered apple cider vinegar. It is a great body balancer and you can make health drinks with it, and do a fasting to cleanse your body. Well, I decided to try a little apple cider vinegar mixed with her drinking water. She had a 3qt metal mixing bowl that I used as her water dish, and I would just add a capful to her water each time I filled it. This is just another little thing I would do out of desperation!

Well, now it was October....and she made it to her 13th birthday!


Don't let this fool you, there were plenty of ups and downs during these months. There was one day that I had called the vet to schedule the day to put her to sleep. She had hit a day that floored her. She had slept all day and would not get off of her doggie bed. She didn't want much to eat, but she would drink when I would bring the water bowl to her, and she took her supplement.


I was in tears, and scared she was going to die. I had no idea what to expect with this disease. I wasn't even familiar with the passing of a human with cancer...Thankfully!

I had taken her down to the vet office...thinking this was the day. I was terrified of that moment. I could not believe my eyes though, she perked up in the parking lot, hopped out of the car and walked in, not even out of breath! The doctor took one look at her and we both laughed. We determined that she just needed to get out of the house a little! Amazed, I loaded her back into the car after she was examined and I was told that "it's not time yet".


This happened to me once more...


Then...it was December! She made it to my birthday AND the holidays! I was so excited!


I knew that I was bringing in New Year's Eve for the last time with my Skeeterbug. I stayed home instead of heading off with my friends that evening so that I could be with her on our last New Year's Eve together(plus, the noise from the fireworks in the distance were making her anxious). It was just something I felt I needed to do.


Skeeterbug had started a course of pain medications, but sadly, towards the end of January, Skeet's legs began to start swelling and she was having trouble walking. She aslo looked like she was a little confused with her surroundings at times. At that point, I knew it was coming to an end.


Now, strangely, knowing the end was near, was not as hard as it was to accept in the beginning.


I was able to call and make my appointment to bring her in, and I felt at peace with my descision. I was able to let go knowing that...I spent every moment of free time with my dog, I did everything in my human power to help prolong her life. When I was grieving, I was able to console myself with her by my side and express my heartfelt thanks to her for her loyalty and companionship. I was thankful that the lord gave this time to me. I took full advantage of the time we had, it was much better than I had ever anticipated, waiting for her death. I am pleased to say that Skeeterbug lived longer than her "one to six months" that she was promised! She lived twelve months from her first canine cancer diagnosis...and I am very thankful for the extra time that I was blessed with!

There is an article that I have just run across today that I think any pet owner would appreciate. I am warning you right now, if you have just experienced a pet loss recently, this article may be a little too much for you, BUT....maybe not...


ENJOY!


"Charlie" a chapter from James Van Praagh's book, Talking to Heaven: A Medium's Message of Life After Death. Found on Dr.Denice Moffat's website: www.naturalhealthtechniques.com






Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to honor Skeet by reading about her brave and long fight with canine lung cancer. --Susanne




Please consult your vet if you are going to try any of my "tricks" I used for Skeeterbug! Different pets have different needs, especially when thay are sick. I would only want to help your pet with my story, not hurt your beloved friend.




Skeeterbug. October 5, 1995~February 16, 2009.




If you would like to add your pet to the online memorial or find help and support for your pet loss...I have found a website worth checking out! I added Skeet to this memorial at www.petloss.com


I hope this gives you some relief. Take care!


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