My husband and I will have been married 9 years this summer. A couple of months after we got married, we wanted to add a new doggo to our household. My husband had previously adopted a border collie / cattle dog mix who doesn’t like to play fetch, so he wanted a dog who would fetch with him. We generally were looking for a lab, and went and met Ruby (a then 3 year old) at a shelter local to where we lived. We brought her into the meet and greet room and my husband bounced a ball. This dog went NUTS for it. Husband looks at me and simply says “I want this dog”.
As I said in my last post, we found out in February that Ruby has what’s almost assuredly osteosarcoma. She had been limping. This wasn’t totally unusual since she’s an old dog now (about 12 years old). But it wasn’t going away with rest like it usually does, and we did note a bump on that leg, so we took her in for x-rays.
Although amputation and chemo is the most aggressive treatment for this, we decided against that route for a couple of reasons. Due to her size and body type (she’s large and front heavy – it’s her front right leg) we were concerned she would not take well to losing that leg. Additionally, her advanced age and the aggressive nature of osteosarcoma played a large roll in our decision – we didn’t want to put her through an amputation when in even under the best circumstances, we have to accept that our time with her is pretty limited. After speaking with a vet oncologist,we opted for a radiation treatment and I feel good about the decision and outcome (so far). If anyone is interested, I can discuss the radiation more later.
So we’re keeping up with the pain medications and giving her as much love as we can. This girl doesn’t know she’s sick – she still tries to tear around the yard, so we mostly take her out on a leash.
Please take this for what it is – I feel like our decision was the right one for us and first and foremost for Ruby. I’m very aware and totally respect that different decisions (particularly amputation) are right for other families and other doggos. This was our decision, and we’re doing the best we can. I know you guys get how much this dog means to me, so I guess I’m just asking for some understanding. Love y’all.
Just catching up on your recent post about PANDORA HOPPY ONE YEAR AMPUVERSARY! Thrilled to hear this! The pics you took are gorgeous!
And then to hear about your sweet Soul Euby…bummer. As you said though, Ruby doesn’t know she is “sick” an she doesn’t have a timeframe stamped anywhere on her vutt either!!
YOU ARE MAKING THE BEST DECISION FOR RUBY OUT OF LOVE AND THAT IS ALWAYS THE RIGHT DECISION!!❤❤❤ Oh my goodness, no judgement evvvver from anyone on this site!!! Your love for Ruby comes shining through😊 You know your Ruby, you know your situation, and you have a good treatment plan moving forward!!! Your thought process for proceeding with this path is spot on!
We have lots of honorary “four legger tripawds” who are family here! Some have gone the radiation route and have definitely had good extended quality time!! And it sounds like Miss Ruby is enjoying being Ruby and that’s what it’s all about. Ruby knows It’s not about the number of years in her life, it’s about living life to the fullest in whatever years she has in her earth clothes.
Please stay connected AND continue to share more great poictures of her happy young looking self!! BTW, love the fetch story!
Ice cream, cheeseburgers and more ice cream for her supper tonight!! Maybe she’ll let you and Pandora have some!
Love and hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
“Doesn’t have a timeframe stamped on her butt” made me laugh out loud and is my new motto. 😂
Thank you so much for the kind words – they ring so true and are so appreciated. I can’t even say. I’ll keep you guys posted for sure. Sending love and gratitude to you and yours.
Oh my dog do we understand, guaranteed. All of us want what’s best for our dogs, and our dogs are all different so there is never one right path to take. You guys are doing right by her, and that’s all that matters. Ruby is one lucky girl to have you.
Since we don’t get too many folks sharing details about radiation therapy (I think because it’s assumed we only support amputation decisions here…wrong!), we would love to know how things are going when you’re able to share.
At three years old, Ruby found her perfect people. You were a dream come true for her. Lucky, lucky girl!
Jerry – your kind notes always bring a smile to my face and I cannot thank you enough. I will for sure go ahead and write a post about the radiation treatment and will keep y’all posted on how both Ruby and Pandora are doing.
I think I’m the lucky one, tbh! 🙂
DITTO to the Sally & Rene -We can assure you no one here will judge you or think anything other than you guys know what’s best for Ruby and made the right decision for Ruby. There is never a one size fits all! Fantastic to hear the radiation & pain meds are helping Ruby!
Scratches and smooches to both Pandora and Ruby, please!
Holly & Purrkins❤️