I would like to ask the question that many may be asking themselves...Why did the vet not see this mass earlier? Perhaps nothing would change the outcome, but maybe his pain and treatment methods would have given him more comfort earlier. If it is as advanced as Richard says, Fella has had this for awhile. And then to get the wrong xrays for his trip to the specialist. If Richard had not sought out this second opinion, he may have never had the correct diagnosis and the best treatment options for Old Fella. It would be a crime if this happened to a person, so why should it be any different for our pets.
Glenda asks a good question. With bone cancer in dogs, by the time it has been diagnosed (even with the best, quickest diagnostic plans), it has already metastsized (so we're told). Almost all therapy is aimed at pain relief. Seldom does intervention convert to prolonged life. Richard has done great things to provide pain relief and quality of life for Fella. It would have been great to know, but in the long run, it probably would not have made much difference.
Doug
Doug & Sandy
Megan (14 yr old Golden)
2008 Southwind
2001 Honda CRV
I have followed Old Fella's story, even though I have rarely posted. I did want to tell you how saddened I am of the turn of events is a very special dog's life. Old Fella, with his spirit and love of life, has touched so many hearts, and this will continue even when he has gone to a better place.
Richard and Sue, you have done so much for Old Fella, and I'm sure he knows he is truly loved. Having lost our beloved, Bubba, a Basset Hound to cancer, I know how tough the days, weeks, or possibly months ahead will be. Just treasure each moment with Old Fella, and know you have been blessed by sharing your lives with him. You will be in my thoughts and prayers along with Old Fellow.
Connie
ClassBGirl, Hubby, and "Bogie" the Basset
2007 Born Free - 22 foot - "Built for Two"
E350 Chassis with 6.8L Ford V-10 Engine
As I try to think positive thoughts about all of this, one big one that I keep coming back to is that Richard went back and got him from the Modoc Campground. Otherwise, think of the pain that Old Fella would have had to endure with no human kindness and comfort in his old age. Just one more blessing to consider as we all adjust to this diagnosis.....
Chemisd's Joe,Jana,Jarod,Jansen
GS Allie and Sammi
See you at the bridge Maddey&Maicey 2005 Rockwood 8318SS
As Doug has mentioned nothing would have changed the outcome of Fella's illness, but as Glenda mentioned Fella's pain treatment would have been earlier instead of later. It is easy to find fault in a situation like this but I would like to think that because we are all prone to mistakes we can find it in our hearts to forgive and move on to better things. I think we have all learned something from this and second opinions on something of this importance should always be considered. I am glad I went to see the specialist in Aiken because without her urging I most likely would not have pursued this any further, much to Fella's cost.
Fella’s cancer really caught me by surprise as I had never really considered this as a possible cause of his problem. I had thought about it, but only for a fleeting moment and then dismissed it quickly and moved on to something else. I will admit that this has eroded some of my confidence in Fella’s continued care and I will always wonder if what I am being told is the whole story? But one day at a time, each situation at a time and taking things in stride will be a better solution for Fella than finding fault and blame.
I want the best for Fella and most of all I want him to be comfortable and happy. I am glad that we now know all that we do so we are better able to meet his needs.
2005 Ford XLT F250 Supercab - 6.0 Turbo Diesel
2005 27RL Wildcat Fifth wheel/Reese 16K hitch
Wife Sue
Pets: Old Fella, Levi and Charlie at Rainbow Bridge. Suzie the Imp, Peaches the Princess and Izzie the cat.
God put Old Fella here for a reason, the meeting of the two of you 3 years ago was for a reason also. He needed you to complete his mission here on earth.
From what I have read here Old Fella and your family have accomplished many 'great' things together, that had you not met, would have never happened.
Old Fella will have permanently left his paw print here, as many of your accomplishments and more importantly awakening compassion in people, will continue on 'forever'!
If just one of these people pay it forward what they have gleaned from meeting both of you, he will have accomplished what he was sent to you for.
You will be in our prayers tonight and always.
rock
* This post was
edited 06/25/08 08:34pm by rockhillmanor *
31 ft Four Winds
Chevy Tracker 4x4 BlueOx Aventa LX We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
In retrospect, when looking at what happened to Richard and what happened to Old Fella, I don't think it matters what the outcome will be, it was all predetermined. The best we can all do at this point is to accept and to learn, Richard has given so much and Old Fella has given so much in return. If mankind could only do half as much for themselves the planet would be a better place. AMEN I truly believe it was predetermined by the higher powers that we all believe in and should be thankful for the experience and yes Old Fella's footprint will always be remembered. Richard, Sue and Old Fella, you will always be in our hearts, minds and prayers.
Woodstick and Queen of the North
Woody and Patsy and our Furkids-Oreo, a black lab and Cookie, mix of Shihtzu, Bichon, Lhasa Apso
38' Sportsmen Sportster Toy Hauler
Pulled by 2003 3500 Dodge Diesel 6 speed Rolling Castle Blog
Patsy does all the posting.
Another good night for Old Fella as he slept all night without moving around, so that means he is comfortable and the pain meds are working. He made his way outside this morning to take in the fresh morning air before the heat moves in and is now resting next to me as I make this post. I look at him and wonder how much time he has left before the cancer makes life unbearable and he takes his journey to Rainbow Bridge. Each day will be special as we spend time with him and give him all the love we can.
We go back to Modoc campground in August for another visit as well as a trip to Hunting Island. I hope Fella is able to be with us as we try to pack a life time into a few days, weeks, or months. We will hold this time as precious and cherish every moment we have left to enjoy with Fella. Your posts are very comforting and I thank everyone who has added to the thread to help make this time more memorable .
* This post was
edited 06/26/08 07:04am by Dixie Flyer *
Old Fella will have permanently left his paw print here, as many of your accomplishments and more importantly awakening compassion in people, will continue on 'forever'!
If just one of these people pay it forward what they have gleaned from meeting both of you, he will have accomplished what he was sent to you for.
______________________________________
I was talking to Smudge last night and I told him (again) about Old Fella. If it hadn't been for OF, Sue and Richard, I never would have checked PetFinder.com and would have missed seeing the face of Smudge.
Life is a chain of love.
So thanks again.
Marilyn w/ Joe, 2000 Xplorer Class B van, usually pulling a Ranger bass boat.
Smudge, (in photo) a Shih Tzu/Yorkie Mix and Gizmo is waiting at the Rainbow Bridge
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