Saturday, May 14, 2011

Good News and Not So Good News

~Sammy~
Feeling pretty confident in my dog-handling abilities, I took 4 of the dogs to the vet today.  They were all relatively simple appointments, so how hard could it be?  Thinking about it now, maybe I'd not used my best judgment when I made the appointments.  But I did get help when I arrived at the office which was really nice. The errands that I ran afterwards were made easier when I threw a handful of crackers behind me and the dogs forgot about wanting to jump out the door when I opened it.  

It was good news for Sam. Some of you have seen on Facebook where Sam has lost 14 pounds since his last visit.  He contributes his weight loss to healthy eating, lots of exercise and not snacking too much in between meals!  He makes it sound so easy!

The other two pups, Sheba was there to have her eye rechecked and Bubba for blood-work so he can continue taking the Rimadyl for his arthritis.

~Hamlet~
The other pup I had with me was Hamlet.  I've not really mentioned anything about him lately and thought I'd give you an update since I know that there are some of you who are pretty fond of him. I don't quite know where to start.  As you know, he had his last surgery in late November.  Since that 2nd surgery he's been taking Chinese herbs to slow the return of the tumor.  In comparing the time that has passed when he was taking the herbs verses when he wasn't taking them, I really feel that they have worked pretty well and have given him some good time.  But the tumor has returned, just as we knew it would.  What was once the size of the palm of one hand, is now the size of both hands, and is growing relatively quickly.  There has been a change in Hamlet in the past week.  While he still has a great appetite, is very much a part of the group and my shadow on our walks and around the house, his energy level has dropped.  When he's resting, I notice him breathing heavily, and sleeping more soundly.   The vet recommended we put Hamlet back on pain medication, in case he may be having come discomfort.  I don't know what any of this means, and don't feel that another surgery is an option...I just hope that when the time comes to make any decision on the path to take, we'll both know.  Send some hope and prayers for Hamlet if you think about it, okay?
~Hamlet~
 

37 comments:

  1. Khyra says FUR sure and so do her Golden Khousins -

    Merdie is Queen of The Lumps so we know what you mean -

    Paws khrossed -

    Khyra's Mom

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  2. Reading this post pulls at my heartstrings in a huge way! Having lost a beloved dog in September to cancer, I know what you are going through. Sending hugs and a brave heart!

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  3. Hi Kum, So sorry to hear about Hamlet's tumor returning.
    We are some of those who are very fond of Hamlet and we know that whatever the future brings he is in the best hands and knows he is loved.
    Enjoy each day and give him a HUG from us.

    Sheila, Bob
    Hamish & Sophie

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  4. Sending prayers and hugs and kissed! God bless you too! :D

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  5. I'm taking nine of mine to the vet next week. Fortunately I'm taking three groups of three so I'm hoping it doesn't turn into a circus.

    Hamlet is often in our thoughts.

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  6. Oh Heck, it is never easy to make thast Decision. My Vickie says that you and Hamlet will know when it is time though. That is just how us dogs do it. We wait until our humans are ready for it if we can.

    BUT, we are sending hope and prayers for all of you, so that you have lots of time and love and memories to make.

    Love
    Bert

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  7. You are an amazing lady to be able to deal with the emotional load of caring for all your pups. I certainly keep you and the Golden ones in my thoughts.

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  8. Nice pictures of Sammy and Hamlet. Hamlet does have a look in his eyes though, maybe it's pain, maybe he's just tired, such a sweet boy! Did you get him some pain medicine?

    Hugs!

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  9. Dear Kim
    We are crossing our paws and saying doggy prayers for sweet Hamlet.
    We are sending every bit of hope that we can find.
    It has been such a journey for Hamlet..
    And yes,,, we agree,,, Hamlet will let you know which path to travel.
    We love you so much for all that you do and go through,,,
    We love Hamlet,,,, we send hope.
    love
    tweedles

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  10. Could that face be any sweeter? Sending lots of hope and prayers for Hamlet. When the time comes, you'll know.

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  11. All paws here are crossed for Hamlet to be comfortable and get his energy back. Wonderful picture of him.

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  12. Thinking of you and dear sweet Hamlet so much Kim...and you would be SO welcome to come for an English tea with me,it would be a pleasure to have your company. :0)

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  13. We've always had a soft spot for Hamlet. There's a gentle nobility to him that comes across on blogger. He couldn't be anywhere where he's more loved .

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  14. Hey there Kim...
    As you know, I am a Hamlet fan. What a hard road you both have to walk. I know you will do the best for him.
    Lotsaluv to you and Lotsa((Hugs)) to our sweet boy.
    MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

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  15. This is the 3rd blog that's made me cry this morning. I will be praying for sweet Hamlet. Kim, I can't imagine taking 4 dogs to the vet. I can't imagine anything past 1. You are amazing. Glad the other pups are doing well.... Have a nice Sunday.

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  16. Dear, dear Kim, Hamlet has always been one of my favorites too and I think of him often and wonder how he is fairing. But, just like the others, he will let you know when it's best to leave you and he will be waiting patiently for you to come through the veil to him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your pack, especially Hamlet. I truly don't know how you do it and I so admire you for all you do for these dogs in need.

    (((HUGS)))
    Lynn

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  17. Sending prayers your way for sweet Hamlet,it`s never easy,but I`m sure Hamlet will let you know when he`s had enough,you are certainly an angel,phyllis

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  18. sweet and handsome hamlet, we send all sorts of good wishes to you and your people...

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  19. Kim I am one of the people who has a very fond spot for Hamlet. Maybe it's the look in those sweet eyes or the noble way he stands (as in the photo) but he has a special piece of my heart always.
    You and your wonderful crew have been in my prayers each day for awhile now but I will send extra loving wishes for dear Hamlet!
    Always in my thoughts....
    Tina xo

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  20. Sending good thoughts for Hamlet. I hope he has many many more good days.

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  21. Hi Kim, good to hear that the dogs are all doing pretty well. Hamlet will let you know when the time is right and with your very attuned instincts Kim you will know as well. Why do you think they all found you? They will be safe and respected. Give Hamlet a huge but gentle hug from the three of us. Thanks.

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  22. Four dogs? That's brave!

    Hamlet is such a sweet guy and he's been looking so good in all his pictures lately. What a bum deal for such a nice dog. Hopefully the pain meds will bring him some relief.

    Take care.

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  23. I have always had such admiration for you to care for and love so many dogs - and so well! Oh how we are thinking of Hamlet now and you as well - he's always seemed such a Sweetie Pie... We have crossed paws here and sending our healingest golden vibes to Hamlet.
    Big Hugs and xoxoxoxo
    Sammie, Avalon and Oz

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  24. I had to laugh about you wondering if you had used your best judgment in taking four dogs by yourself. I did that once with six cats and think never again! Good for Sam on losing the weight. He looks so much more alert and energetic. As for Hamlet. I'm so very sorry. He looks so beautiful in the photos--you can see that the time you bought for him with his last surgery was good, he looks too healthy for it not to be. My prayers are with you as you face what's ahead with the dear old fellow.
    Tammy

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  25. Bambi got back in the cat food (so her lump that pops up every time she gets even a little cat food and it pops up in like 30 minutes but takes days and days to go back down) is back!!!! Oh I beat myself up every time she gets in it!!
    I am so sorry to hear about Hamlet, he is so sweet looking. I would have loved to have known him!!
    He is 13 now right???
    Bambi is now 13 years & 7 months & 15 days old.
    She is feeling it too!! No more run and play, she just walks now!!
    Thanks for your visit!!
    xx, Bambi & Fern

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  26. Hi Kim, Lifting up Hamlet right now and you as well. A friend of mind has an older dog that had a cancerous tumor and they prayed over the dog and the next day the tumor was gone-I'm claiming that for Hamlet now and peace for you my friend.
    Hugs,Noreen & Reggie-dog

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  27. All I can say, is that under the circumstances, Hamlet could not be in a better place than with you. What a trooper.

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  28. You are incredibly brave to try that with four dogs! Wishing the best for all of your pack! Have to agree with the comment above - they are lucky to have found you.

    Road Dogs' Mom

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  29. Your old friends always look happy and content, even if they aren't feeling so terribly well. Thank you for taking such good care of such special dogs in their time of need!

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  30. You're right. This post tugs at my heart for you and Hamlet. Yes, they're animals but they are in my prayers. I pray for comfort for Hamlet and peace for you. I'm sure you'll know when the time is right.
    Blessings,
    Berte

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  31. Oh, I'm so sorry about the bad news. I'm sending lot of hope and prayers for you and for Hamlet. I have no doubt that Hamlet will let you know. Meanwhile we have fingers and paws crossed for happy days.

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  32. we surely will ....

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  33. Sending extra thoughts & prayers Hamlet's way. Neeli is also sending extra licks. Hamlet's in good, loving arms - being with you.

    Love & woofs,
    Nadine & golden Neeli

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  34. Prayers coming from 2 people, 2 dogs, 1 cat and 16 chickens.
    Staci

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  35. Hugs for Hamlet! He is lucky to have you by his side at this time in his life.

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  36. You are courageous, taking FOUR dogs to the vet at once! I hesitate to take two!

    I'm thinking of Hamlet, hoping that the power of the paw helps him. He's a lucky dog, having you by his side.

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  37. Oh, Kim...my thoughts and prayers and hugs, too, once again are yours and his...:)JP

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!