Looks like I'm going to lose my dearest hunting buddy

B

Bill McAdam

Active member
Had a great hunt in AR with good friends and excellent conditions.
Called the wife to let her know that I was starting the trek back to Huntsville.
She said that the pathologist's report had come back on my dog Duncan and the prognosis wasn't even fair.
Mast cell tumor that the vet found and removed prompted her to run sonogram and x-rays and she found that the cancer had spread significantly throughout his organs (spleen, etc).
Prognosis is quite short and could be extended to as much as 6 months with weekly chemo, but both my wife and I think that we'd only be buying back part of Dunk's life.
He's been a true joy over his 14 years and will join Shiloh soon to wait for us at the Rainbow Bridge. Then it's Frisbees for both of them for eternity.............
 
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Bill, So sorry for your bad news. We have all been there and feel your pain. You are in good company here and there are plenty of good dogs waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for Dunk and us when the time comes.
 
Hate to hear this Bill! They are never with us long enough - that's the only down side to owning one. Keeping ya'll in my prayers.
 
Really sorry to hear about that. I lost my Chessie to the same thing 2 years ago, the cancer had spread by the time it was discovered and he only stuck around for a few weeks after he was diagnosed. That's always the hardest thing about training and hunting with dogs, you know that you will lose them eventually, it makes the time you have with them so much more treasured! Good luck to you and your family.
 
Bill
This is a very tough pill to swallow. I had a great 9 year old that had the same crap. Do the best you can for your forever buddy!
 
Bill,

That was a hard call to get from you after we'd spent a great couple days together. I'm sorry; I know how much you love your boys...and I always enjoy the time I spend with Duncan and all of your Labs. He's a good dog.

It's a hard thing to let go.

I always liked what Michener had a character in "Chesapeake" say about his Lab... something to the effect of "a little dog, but the house is so much bigger with him in it..."

Best,

Rick
 
Thanks for your kind words, everyone. Dunk's cancer is too far along to try chemo, so our plan is simple. For him, every day is Christmas. We'll keep him happy and manage all the crap for him, just because his Lab smile buoys our spirits as well.
 
Sorry to hear of your dogs prognosis. Sounds like he's been a great companion. As others have commented of losing dogs I look at my Lucy laying by my recliner knowing she's here due to a lose as well. I hope he finds his piece without pain.
 
My luck with dogs have been an average of 12 years. It seems the older I get the harder it is to let them go.
Always sad to let them go.
Good luck
 
It never gets any easier at the end.
Going on 40 years of labs in our live's and god bless them all!
My sincerest condolences to you.
Tom
 
Bill, I came across this tome from an unknown author years ago. I make a point of reading it as one of our dogs meets his end, or as the Ojibwe word it: walks on...

It came to me that everytime I lose a dog they take a little piece of my heart with them, and every new dog that comes into my life gifts me with a piece of theirs. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will be as generous and loving as they are!
 
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I'm very sorry Bill. It's tough to go through that. Just try to keep him comfortable and enjoy his company while you can.
 
So sorry to hear about Duncan's prognosis. I'm sure that the memories of all those years with a great hunting buddy will be the kind that continue to make you smile.
Al
 
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