I'm losing my dog to cancer...pls. help?

I have a seven year old Golden Retriever who was just diagnosed wilth a malignant tumor in his stomach. He is so young and was doing well. In a matter of ten days, he started throwing up a lot and wouldn't eat and after many tests at the vet's office, they found a tumor. They say there is no hope for him and we are putting him to sleep on Thursday. I've had many dogs my wholel ife, but my Golden was something very special to me. All I do is hold him and cry. I don't sleep, eat or go out. And this is happeneing at a time in my life when I have my share of problems (in the past two months, divorce, surgery, severe depresssion, losing everything I had built for the past 10 years). This is the last straw. I was just starting to bring my head above water when this happened. And he's soooo young and was doing just fine. I know there's nothing I can do other than end his suffering. My Q is: Do I bring another dog right away? I could never, ever replace my Yogi, but would it help me move on?

I am so sorry you have to go through this. Even without all the other things it's a terrible thing to have to go through.

Only you, yourself can answer your question. What is right for one person may not be right for another. You have to follow your heart.

When I lost Missy whom I called "my heart dog" as she was more special to me than any other dog I ever owned I was convinced I would never own another dog. My husband wanted to buy me this dog, that dog any dog to try and cheer me up. It just was not going to happen. It was only when I saw my Sierra I knew there was room in my heart for another dog. This was about 6 weeks later. I ended up taking her and her half brother and have added 2 more pups since.

I know many people who have got another dog right away, but some have waited many months or even years. There is no right or wrong way. All I can say is when a new dog should come into your life you will know the moment you see it. You're right in saying you will never replace Yogi, but in time another dog will come along for you to love as much, just in a different way.

God bless you and your darling dog. Just remember you are doing the right thing. When the time comes we must take their pain so as they don;t suffer. You will meet again one day at the Rainbow Bridge.

Please feel free to e-mail me if you need my support. I know how terrible today will be for you.

God bless you and Yogi. Today I share your tears too. Report It

Yes, I know it would never replace him, but you should grant the wish of a loving home to another dog, and even though it might be hard, you may end up loving it just as much. :) Here is a sweet poem.

Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

I'm so sorry.

Should I get another pet?

When or if you should get another pet varies with the individual and the choice is a personal one. Some people may want to find a new pet almost immediately. Sometimes they may have unrealistic expectations of the new pet, especially if they are getting a young, rambunctious animal after an older, mature one has died. Others need longer to work through their grief before they are physically and emotionally ready for another pet. In either case, we all know you are not replacing your pet, but finding another animal with whom you can share life. Some people may find it is just not possible for them to have another pet. You need to do what is right for you.

Im so sorry for your loss.

As to the question, depends on the person.

OMG I feel so so sorry for you and for your doggie... It must be so sad... you can buy another retriever puppy so he can live through him... i don't now that may make you feel better?

Tiem heals anything though... i know it will be hard but it's true... pray for him... awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Its hard to say but for me I would have to get another dog. Not someone to replace the one your losing but one to become another friend in your life.

Of course you couldn't ever replace Yogi. He's one of a kind. Just as any other dog you had/have are one of a kind.

We can't tell you what to do sweetie. You may need time to grieve for him without the responsibility of another dog right now.

Or, it may help you get past (not over) Yogi's passing.

I wish you well in whatever you decide. Give Yogi a hug from us and wish peace upon him.

*hugs*

Wait a little while before you get another dog. If you get one too soon you may be disappointed, because you may unconsciously think that this dog will act in place of your golden retriever. You might expect the new one to act like your old dog, have some of the same habits, etc.

Also, this probably won't help you get over your old dog. Anything the new one does could make you remember the old one. So if you get this puppy when the memories are fresh it could hurt you both.

Wait before you get a new dog. Decide if you're ready to make a new friend who is different from the one who is leaving you.

No one can tell you when it is right to bring in another dog. Me personally I probably would as I just love to have critters around me. I have lost dogs in my day and it is extremely painful. I still have pictures of them up to this day so I can smile over at them and tell them I still love them. But having my new dogs filled a void left with a whole new personality and funny traits. You need to do what is right for YOU and do not worry what anyone else thinks. Hugs to you during your horribly tough time. If you need a shoulder go check my profile and email me.

I completely feel your pain. We had to put our Rottweiler, Ruger, to sleep in March. He had bone cancer on his left front leg. We did have 1 1/2 years with him after he was diagnosed and tried radiation treatments (they helped relieve his pain some). Still it hurts no matter what and I still cry over him. I already had a couple of smaller dogs in the house but I knew I would want another big dog around. We got our Belgian Malinois, Carter, before we had to let Ruger go which helped.

Your time is short so ask your self...Are you going to have the patience to deal with a puppy right away or will it help you keep your mind going in the right direction? Dogs are wonderful companions and I know that I will always have a dog or dogs in my house. If I were you I would probably start looking for another dog in a few days because I know I would not be able to handle all the silence in the house. And no, Carter has not replaced our wonderful Ruger but he has helped ease the pain with his funny puppy antics!

Seven years ago I also lost a dog to cancer. I was devastated and didn't want another dog. I thought no other dog could possible be as special as the dog I had. My sister that could no longer stand to see me depressed insisted and purchased a dog for me at the Humane Society. At first I really didn't want him. The dog I have today is one of the most special things in my life. He has so much character and personality and shares his love very openly. Purchasing another dog at this point is a personal thing. No dog will ever replace your other dog. Each dog is special in his own way. If and when you are ready just remember your dog would want you to be happy.

I am sorry to hear that you are having such a rough time right now. You are obviously a caring, and unselfish person because you aren't going to let your dog suffer. I wouldn't advise you to get another dog so soon. I had some friends that did this, and they just ended up not liking the dog. Instead why don't you go and volunteer at an animal shelter, maybe take the dogs for a walk, groom them, ect. This will help you be connected with animals, give you time to grieve, and maybe in the process you will find another dog that fills your heart with the same joy that you feel with Yogi.

girlie, I am so very sorry for your heartbreaking situation. Unfortunately, I know how it feels when you have no choice but to put a pet down, that you absolutely love with all your heart. We had to do it six years ago, and I fully understand. Even though you know it is the right thing to do, it was the hardest decision that we ever had to make. As far as getting another puppy, generally I would say to wait a bit. I know for us, we could not bare getting another dog immediately, but we are all different. I think that in light of your situation, and all the grief you have recently been through, I do not think it would be wrong to get another pup right away. This is a very personal issue. However,I realise that you know you can not replace Yogi, and there are a lot of pups out there who need to be loved and given good homes. If you feel that you will not regret your decision, then by all means get a new pup. I am sure you will love him/her and the pup will definitely help you get through your difficult time. I have heard the Poem, Rainbow Bridge before, and It just moves me to tears. It is a lovely poem. Best wishes, and God Bless. It was so heartfelt to see all the beautiful posts, I will be thinking of you and Yogi.

You may have other options, email me at cgc_at_hrf @ yahoo.com if you are interested in what I know about fighting cancer naturally, when the doctors give you no hope. Also try this link:

http://forums.delphiforums.com/petcancer
http://www.fightcaninecancer.com/

If you think it's unfair to your dog to try (and you are the only one that would know, the condition he is in and all) then you have my sorrow. As for getting a new friend, give yourself some time to heal. Often if you jump too soon you find you regret your decision, and sometimes resent your new friend for not having all the great qualities you've learned to love in Yogi.

But today: Cherish it, take pictures, do what you can to spend these perhaps last moments with Yogi, it seems terribly painful at this moment. And the pictures seem tasteless, but that is one thing you will never regret.

I know how hard it is really I do! I had a 2 year great dane diagnosied with kidney failure and I had only 1 month with her. When she passed (well we euth.) I couldnt wait I only waited about 2 months and I got another dog,. It helped ALOT! It kept me focused on the new dog and had some one to keep me company. They only thing I suggest is to get a differnt breed or differnt color of the same breed. Like I wanted another Great Dane but I would dare get another brindle cause it would remind me too much of my Trinity so I got a fawn.
All you have to do now is keep your Yogi comfotable and love him up and tell him that everything is going to be okay and explain to him what is going to happen. Trust me it helps!
Also I don know where you live and what you vet offers but I know that the vet I work for we offer cremation. Which I did for my dog. You get this lovely Urn where you can place a picture in it and all too!
Well I hope I helped a bit, I am very sorry and my thougths will be withyou tomorrow.

Hi, I feel your pain. We had to put our 3 year old male Standard Poodle to sleep in February due to leukemia. It was very hard.

I have a website all about Standard Poodles there is a page about Euthanasia and one about Dealing with Pet Loss. Check them out, they may help.

http://www.standardpoodlesusa.com/euthan...

http://www.standardpoodlesusa.com/pet-lo...

I lost my beloved Lab (Thunder) on July 6. After 11 years of so much fun and love. The tears has not stopped. I miss him so very much.

My husband wants to get another dog but I want to wait. I want to grieve, I want to be able to stop crying.

Some websites says bringing in another dog right away will help with the pain. Some says it won't.

Only you can make that decision. I will pray for you and for Yogi. Please! don't let Yogi suffer.

This is a very hard time that you are going through my heart goes out to you.

I know you probably read my question about my dead husband and my dog that my brother inlaw beat to death I know what you are going thru beleive me It is very hard to let go of something you love.You will never replace your yogi
but you will find that kind of love again give it time dont rush you will find that perfect pet who will love you unconditionally
and you the same for it. If you need a shoulder or just someone to listen im here..........we all need freinds

I am so very sorry, about Yogi and all you have been going through. It's so sad, he's so young. I know losing a pet is like losing a member of the family and it's one of the hardest things you'll have to face. Nothing will ever replace Yogi, but if you feel in your heart that you are ready, to take in another friend to love and who will love you, ten fold, then I say, do whatever your heart tells you to do. Only you will know in your heart, if you feel your ready yet or if you want to wait a while. R.I.P Yogi!

That is so sad. I'm sorry to hear about your poor dog! As for getting a new puppy, I'd say wait. If your dog wasn't so ill I'd get one tight away, otherwise wait until after his passing, so you can devote all your time to him while he's still with you. Of course you can never replace him. From the sound of things, he's been your constant, most dependable companion ( I know my dogs are always there when I'm having a bad day ). I wish you the best of luck!

I'm so sorry...All you can do right now is hug him and let him know you are with him. If you have a job, ask your boss for a break for a few days. He is going to a happy place, but he'll never forget you. If you feel you are very lonely, consider getting another dog. I am hoping for him.

It did for me.I had my girl for 15 years and she passed in her sleep.I got lonely and went to a rescue center and got my new buddy,CoCo.He is my first male dog ever,and hes great.JRT/mix and active.I take him to work and he chews plastic soda bottles for fun,also fetches anything.Do what you feel comfortable with.Be strong and no pain for him.