Sick Doggo: The News We Didn't Want...(Updated)...

"Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)" (galileo-humpkins)
03/20/2019 at 20:35 • Filed to: None

Lucy, many years ago, enjoying her favorite room at Grandma’s house, the sun room.

Update: As of 6:10pm cst, our dear sweet Lucy is no longer with us. The damage to her spine and ribs was more severe than initially thought. The cancer developed so quickly and aggressively that is was just a matter of time. So after numerous conversations with her oncologist, internal medicine specialist, and primary vet the decision was made this afternoon to put her down. We all agreed that we did everything we could, and that the idea of trying to keep up quality of life would be nearly impossible. Lucy, by this afternoon had no use of her back legs left, her spine and ribs could be easily fractured from even a gentle fall, and she had a look in her eyes (for the first time) that she was over it. I’m really still in shock at how quickly this happened, and the severity. I’m at a bit of a loss. She was a truly great pup and will be dearly missed.

Thanks to all for the condolences, words of support, etc.

_________

Right off the bat, this is not a happy post and it is about our older dog, Lucy. If for whatever reason you’d prefer to not read about this, I completely understand and will not be offended (or even know) if you click away. I’ll try and keep it as short as possible but it might still get a little wordy...

In December ‘18 and January ‘19 we noticed that our 12 year old Boston, Lucy, was losing a little weight. We took her to the vet mid January, they ran some basic tests but everything came back ordinary, so she went on some basic anti-nausea meds. Then the usually strong appetite slowly started decreasing. By end of January the appetite was down to her only eating half of what she normally would, and she had lost 3-4 pounds. Not necessarily alarming, but obviously enough to warrant another vet visit, some tests/imaging, and a follow up visit. We were referred to an internal medicine specialist.

After the initial tests came back, again, mostly normal, the game plan was to continue with the meds, now with a weekly B12 injection, and continue to monitor. Well, after two weeks the appetite had lessened, some apparent weakness was displayed, and she was losing 1 pound a week. We took her the Emergency Vet (same overall practice at which the Internal Med Specialist works) so that she could be evaluated and seen immediately. The next day she had exploratory surgery based on a suspicion of some kind of bowel disease. While in there they found a small tumor on the exterior of her stomach. Results came back a few days later, she was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Disease and they had removed the entire tumor and it had not metastasized. All further tests came back clean and we began the difficult process of finding the drug cocktail that works for her IBD.

Well, after the surgery she seemed a little unstable, wobbly even, at times on her back legs, but since all further tests came back clear, we all chalked it up to senior dog, major surgery, not a lot of food intake, and muscle loss. She’d get better over time. She didn’t. Further ultrasounds/imaging and blood work continued to come back clear but the weight was not stabilizing and the occasional weakness in the back legs was getting worse. Another trip to the ER yesterday.

The first thought was perhaps she slipped a disc or some other, more common orthopedic issue unrelated to the others. However, this time, a large abnormality was visible on the spine, affecting some vertebrate and ribs and ultimately the back legs. They took some further imaging, some cell samples, and sent us home with a harness to use to help her potty and instructions to keep her immobile as she now has very limited use of the back legs. We got the call from the Dr today and it turns out it’s a carcinoma, unrelated to her IBD or stomach tumor, that most likely started in the lungs. It’s inoperable and fatal. So for now the plan is pain management and quality of life. We will get further test results in the next few days that will help determine the course of that treatment. We could opt to put her through chemo and radiation, but we feel like it’s selfish to do so on our part given the full picture. It’s particularly difficult because mentally, she’s all there. Physically, she’s just not, and it’s only going to get worse.

We all know when we get pets that this is inevitable. It doesn’t make it any easier though. My wife adopted her at a few months old back in 2006. I first met her when she was 3 when we started dating in 2009. When I moved to Chicago in 2011, and moved in with my now wife, Lucy became just as much my dog as hers (and my Boston, Estelle, became just as much hers as mine). This is going to be particularly hard on our 2.5 year old Tuxie, Bowie, who thinks she is a Boston as well, and has a particular fondness for Lucy. Lucy’s 13th b’day is 4/22/19 and she has a b’day tradition of peeing all over flowers (don’t ask, it’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like). I fear that this year, we will be the ones peeing on the flowers in her honor.

Anyway...Sorry it got so long, guess I needed to vent more than I thought. So, without further adieu, some pics:

Lucy and one of her only big dog friends, Wrigley.

Lucy got in my suitcase while I was packing back when Mrs. Humpkins and I were long distance. I think she wanted me to stay.

When she was a younger pup, Lucy would randomly jump onto counters on her own.

Lucy and Estelle having one of their cuddle sessions.

Lucy and Bowie (the Boston Purrier) having one of their many cuddle sessions.

Lucy and Bowie, again.

DISCUSSION (65)

Shamoononon drives like a farmer > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 14:48

I lost my boy last summer. He was my main companion for most of my adult life . Just him and I most of the time. It was so fuggin hard. You have my sympathy, enjoy the time you have left.

dumpsterfire! > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 14:53

Dog cancer sucks. Sorry.

vicali > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 15:00

Sorry to hear. Give her hugs and treats. Take care of your Wife and other fur babies too - it’s going to be a tough few months but then it gets a bit better.

Chariotoflove > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 15:06

I’m so sorry. My first dog died from leukemia when she was only 7 . It was hard to see her go. She tried to crawl off and die quietly, but we were able to give her pain relief. She was a great dog.

vondon302 > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 15:07

S orry for the bad news. Hang in there.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 15:15

We’re always here for you if you need anything.

Arrivederci > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 15:20

So very sorry - we lost our beloved dog back in October. She had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, but you’d have never known it to look at her and observe her behavior. She passed a few days after her 13th birthday quickly as a result of heart failure (heart attack). She was vibrant to the end, which made her departure that much harder. I know it’s hard to see a loved one decline like Lucy, she looks like a Very Good Girl.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 15:23

we lost our family dog tigger to a stomach tumor that that ruptured a little over a year ago, and it still sucks. im so sorry galileo, just try to remember all the good times :)

WilliamsSW > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 15:35

Awww, so so sorry. I hope that she still has some good days left, and that you can make them a bit more special. Tough times. Give her a hug for all of us!

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero
03/20/2019 at 15:37

Thanks. There were plenty of good times, at least, and the other 4 pets provide some sort of comfort.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 15:39

yeah i told my wife, if we didnt have our pup skye, i would have been even more of a wreck. like i love our cats but ive always been such a dog person and tigger was my first dog. skye now has one of tiggers old collars and leashes so its kinda like the torch has been passed

nermal > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 15:54

:-(

Cash Rewards > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 16:19

I am so sorry. Look back through my posts to about a month ago, we went through something very similar. Same warning, if you don’t want to read through this comment, I get it.

We were sent home with “days to weeks”. We went from 2cups dry food per meal, 2 meals a day to 1/2 cup wet food, every couple hours. We got her back Monday, that started working Wednesday. She gave us a wonderful Thursday and Friday. But Friday she didn’t eat in the afternoon/evening. S a me Saturday. Sunday she was refusing food altogether, so we put a stop to it rather than watch her continue to starve. It sucked. It still does. Enjoy the days you have left. They're priceless. It's hard to know when it's time, but try not to worry about every little thing your pup does or doesn't do, and try to enjoy the time (hard to do. I know). Good luck in the time you have with your pup, and good luck after. We're still not over ours. It still creeps up on me, when for some reason I think "gotta taker her out when I get home" just to remember that I don't. Good luck.

facw > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 20:42

Oh no! Sorry to hear that.

Chuckles > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 20:43

I am so sorry for your loss. Lucy looks like she was a real sweetheart.

Future Heap Owner > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 20:46

I’m so sorry for you and your family’s loss. This is so hard. Try to remember that, even though it hurts a lot now, you did a great thing by giving her a long, happy life.

$kaycog > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 20:46

I’m so very sorry.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 20:51

So, so sorry to hear friend... :(

Svend > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 20:58

I’m so really sorry for your loss mate.

She had a good life and gave you many great memories, you’ll always have those.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 21:03

Sorry for your loss you have my condolences.

TheRealBicycleBuck > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 21:20

Sorry to hear that. I’ve had to make that hard decision twice now. It’s never easy. You did right by not making her suffer.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 21:29

Sorry for your loss . She had a good run and i can imagine 12 years leaves a big hole in your heart.

boredalways > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 21:52

My condolences

Funktheduck > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 22:44

I’m sorry to hear. Similar thing happened with my mom’s dog. You did the right thing and gave her a fantastic life.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero
03/20/2019 at 22:47

That’s sweet. I think we’re going to keep some of her things for her little sister, but will donate what we can to a shelter.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Cash Rewards
03/20/2019 at 22:51

I’m sorry to hear that. It was difficult in particular with the food because she was eating well, given the circumstances , even earlier today. It was just a matter of finding out how sever the situation was with her spine and ribs and having all 3 doctors agree that we were past the point of sustaining any quality of life. I’m never going to forget the look in her eyes while at the vet this evening. She knew why she was there and was completely okay with it, the vet even mentioned when she saw her that she looked ready to go. It’s fucking gut wrenching, but it was the only choice.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Arrivederci
03/20/2019 at 22:52

She was a very good girl. I’d imagine that would be incredibly hard. Everyone though Lucy was only 5 years old whenever they met her. They’d never guess, or believe, she was 12. Up until December she was our 12 year old puppy.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Chariotoflove
03/20/2019 at 22:54

Oh shit, that’s young. My wife and I both would get worried about Lucy trying that. Particularly the last couple weeks while she still could walk, if a front gate was open she’d make a (very slow) attempt to get out. That, in and of itself, was very unlike her and a sign that something more was going on with her.

shop-teacher > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 22:56

I’m very sorry for your loss :(

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Shamoononon drives like a farmer
03/20/2019 at 22:56

Thanks. Unfortunately, that time left was not much after speaking with her doctors more after the original post. We had a ton of great times though, plenty to look back fondly on and be grateful for.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Future Heap Owner
03/20/2019 at 22:57

Thanks, she was a spoiled little girl. For as much as we spoiled her, she in a way, spoiled us right back.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > WilliamsSW
03/20/2019 at 22:58

Thanks, man. Unfortunately the decision came a lot quicker after speaking more with her vets this afternoon.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > vicali
03/20/2019 at 22:59

Thanks, it’s going to be hard, but we’ll get through it together.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 22:59

I’m so sorry. They really become members of our families, and they bring out the best in us. You have my condolences.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > TheRealBicycleBuck
03/20/2019 at 23:00

We will always wonder if we made that decision too soon, but we know we didn’t and that she wouldn’t want to live on not being able to walk and being fragile as glass while she withers away. We’ll remember her fondly and think of the good times.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Svend
03/20/2019 at 23:01

Thanks mate. So many great memories. As much as we spoiled her, she kind of spoiled us right back.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com
03/20/2019 at 23:02

Thank you. She was the first, and was a very important part of our happy little family.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Funktheduck
03/20/2019 at 23:04

Thanks, we knew she wouldn’t want to live on the way she was. Hard as it is, it’s what she would have told us to do if she could have.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
03/20/2019 at 23:05

Thanks, I like to think she did. It leaves a big hole, but there are way too many happy, fun, positive memories to hopefully focus on.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Chuckles
03/20/2019 at 23:06

Ha, she was, in her own way. Thanks.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/20/2019 at 23:06

Much appreciated.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
03/20/2019 at 23:07

Thanks, it’s tough, but it will get better.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > vondon302
03/20/2019 at 23:07

Thanks, it’ll certainly be tough going for a while, but we’ll get there.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
03/20/2019 at 23:09

Thanks.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > shop-teacher
03/20/2019 at 23:10

Thanks, man. We appreciate it.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > $kaycog
03/20/2019 at 23:10

Thanks $kay, we appreciate it.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > facw
03/20/2019 at 23:10

Thanks very much.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > dumpsterfire!
03/20/2019 at 23:11

It really does. I wish they could just tell us when something is wrong.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > boredalways
03/20/2019 at 23:11

Thanks, we appreciate it.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > nermal
03/20/2019 at 23:11

Thanks, very :-(

Svend > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 23:19

Dogs do that, they always pay it back several fold.

They give so much and ask very little in return, so they deserved to be really spoiled from time to time .

glemon > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 23:26

That’s really awful, I have had two dogs as an adult, the first died unexpectedly, which was hard, we had to put the second down, which was worse. Wish they could all pass while sleeping at a ripe old age.

Now on our third dog, my wife says after she is gone she can’t do it again, don’t know if I can either, but don’t know if I can live without a furry friend either.

Most sincere condolences.

Chariotoflove > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/20/2019 at 23:56

Yeah, we found Jackie in the middle of the field in the rain trying to die cold and alone. She had crawled out there with the last of her strength. My dad drew a bone marrow and took it to the lab. That’s how we knew it was leukemia. We brought her in and gave her stuff to lessen her pain until she just stopped breathing. It didn’t take long. Like Lucy, it advanced quickly.

She was a gorgeous shepherd retriever mix we got from the humane society as a pup. I wish I had spent more time with her. She was a Good Girl.

Cash Rewards > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/21/2019 at 00:07

I’ m so sorry to hear that. For us, the first sign of cancer was when the tumor got so big it more or less collapsed her stomach and she couldn’t keep down food. It was always going to be a matter of time. But we got lucky. I’m sorry that you didn’t. It’s never easy to make that choice, even in this scenario where it sounds l ike it was absolutely the right choice to make. Your dog was lucky to have you, many wouldn't even have tried all that with an oncologist. You have my family’s condolences.

Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/21/2019 at 09:49

Oh I am so sorry to hear. So sorry for your loss. Bonnie, Clyde and Bob send all the hugs

Kinja'd!!!

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW!
03/21/2019 at 10:15

Thanks. Aww, they’re all adorable.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Chariotoflove
03/21/2019 at 10:20

Your dad took the bone marrow cell sample? She sounds like a pretty girl, I always love a good shepherd mix.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > glemon
03/21/2019 at 10:22

Thanks. My father was that way after their second dog (which he originally didn’t want) died. I even tried to bring them a stray I found one time and he steadfastly refused. As for us, I am pretty sure that in time, we’ll rescue another dog. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s another Boston, but we’ll see when the time comes.

Chariotoflove > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/21/2019 at 10:35

He did. Dad’s a physician, but he also grew up on a farm and does these kinds of things. He once drew a blood sample from the horse and brought it to work to look at it. I don’t remember how exactly, but it got put into the lab system at the VA. The hematologist freaked out when he saw the weird results th at he thought were from a human patient.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Chariotoflove
03/21/2019 at 10:43

Haha, I can only imagine what that episode was like for the hematologist.

vicali > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/21/2019 at 11:18

We are two months ahead of you. It is still hard .

Chariotoflove > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/21/2019 at 11:28

He was excited. He wanted to call the patient. Since the sample had been submitted under the name of one of the veterans that was seen at the hospital , my dad thought that wouldn’t be prudent. He promised to talk to the family himself.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > vicali
03/21/2019 at 11:34

Lucy being either of our first pet as adults makes it especially hard. It’s going to take some time, but we’ll get there.

Bo Knows > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
03/21/2019 at 17:36

Lucy lived a happy puppy life and had two great dog owners who unfortunately had to make a very tough choice for her . My neighbor wasn’t able to do that with his dog. Why not? She ran out in front of my car from behind a row of trash cans one night.

Silver lining?

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Bo Knows
03/22/2019 at 10:42

Yeah, in a sense it is. Mrs. Humpkins thinks that last week when Lucy could still walk she might’ve been trying to pull that move. She would try and go out the front gates which was very much unlike her.