Good news for our little Alki dog

[kposey]

A few years back I had an older doberman that was hacking and coughing. The vet and I thought it was allergies. However, we did an xray of her heart and it was CHF - Congestive Heart Failure. What was causing the hacking and coughing was fluid build up around her heart. We put her on digitalis and laxis and that took care of the problem for a while. She did end up passing from a heart attack, but the meds gave her another good year.

Good luck with Chester. It is hard to see them get old and slow down, but from reading your posts, that you are giving him the best care and love possible!

[LLB21]

Our little doggie was about 12 years old. She started coughing a little at first but it got worse and worse. After spending hundreds of dollars on tests we still lost her.

The vet thought she had asthma but gave her a lot of tests and x-rays. While we were waiting for the results she started having trouble breathing and spitting up blood ovenight.

We rushed her back to the doctor but she was in such distress that we had to put her to sleep. We found out later that she had congestive heart failure.

Good luck. I hope Chester feels better and it is not so serious.

[Stefrobrts]

Well, the vet just gave us the bad news. It looks like it's lung cancer, and it's pretty advanced. He says there are some medicines that might help him breathe easier for a bit, but he says at best he's only got a few weeks to go. But they can make him comfortable for a bit. Chester has bad artheritis and a heart murmer, and the vet agrees he just isn't in good enough condition to put him through the kind of treatments Alki went through. Poor poor Chester!

[CanoeStream]

Sorry to hear this Stephanie. It is so tough to go through with dear friends of 2- or 4-legged persuasion. We'll be thinking of you.

[BDandTTs]

I'm so sorry to hear about Chester. You've been through so much in the past year, but we all can tell from your stories that you love your pets dearly and give them the best of care and all of your attention.

I wish dogs could live as long as we do, a companion for our life-time as well as for theirs.

[Mel]

Sorry to hear this awful news. Hopefully Chester can be as comfortable as possible, but it's still so hard to deal with. Thinking of you ~

[CanoeStream]

Diane, I like that sentiment. We lost both of our dogs in Nov & Dec (recently replaced). This was the first time in 34 years we didn't have a dog. We usually had two. It says something about the owner-pet bond that we only had six dogs over that period.

[Stefrobrts]

Thanks all. This really stinks. We knew his time was coming, but I'm still not ready for it. He's such a big hearted guy. I think Barclay's going to miss him most of all!

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

Thanks all. This really stinks. We knew his time was coming, but I'm still not ready for it. He's such a big hearted guy. I think Barclay's going to miss him most of all!

Steph, it's always too soon for our pets. It's certainly been a tough time for all of our pets lately.

[jcanavera]

Steph, so sorry to hear. Our first family dog was a Dalmation that we raised from a pup during a rough time in our lives. He was a sweetheart and was pretty special to us. He had a heart of gold and never liked to see someone cry or be hurting. When he saw this he would come over give you his comfort. Either by giving you a little lick on the face or what we used to call his doggie hug which was putting his head against your chest. He's been gone almost 29 years but it still seems like the other day when we brought him home.

Our thoughts are with you.

Jack

[Stefrobrts]

Thanks Jack, what a sweet story. Chester is just as big a charmer, everyone who meets him loves him.

The vet did a lot of tests today, and he showed us the x rays this afternoon when we went to pick him up. There is a big round thing in his lung, and he showed us where it is cloudy with congestion in another area. He's not sure if it's a tumor or an abcess right now. So he is starting him on antibiotics and wants to re-x ray him in a week to see if it reduces the size.

Whatever they gave him sure helped. He is home relaxing now, sleeping next to my feet. He was on the couch, but decided he liked the floor better. He's breathing easy, and he even ate some food, so it's good to see him feeling better after what he's gone through the last couple days!

[jnerges]

Hang in there Alki. And very inspiring.

John

[Stefrobrts]

Hi John,

It's Chester the Dalmatian who's having the current crisis. Luckily Alki the eskimo is in remission from her cancer and doing fine.

[Stefrobrts]

Chester is feeling so much better today, it's amazing the drugs have that much effect. He's slept a lot, but he's got his appetite back, and he's wanting to go outside and stand around and sniff the wind. And he's interested in ice cubes again. When he didn't want ice cubes, his very favorite treat, we thought he was a goner!

Even if this is only temporary, I'm relieved he is no longer in distress.

[juel]

Wonderful news for you, Barclay and Chester. Just to know he feels better is a blessing. After all, he doesn't know the diagnosis, so just feeling good is what I know you want for him in whatever time there is left. Hopefully it is a massive infection which can be treated. He's a lucky dog to have such a good home.

[kposey]

I am so sorry to hear the diagnosis. It seems like cancer is invading everyone we hold dear these days. Hang in there and be strong for Chester. From all of your posts concerning Alki's illness, and now Chester's, it is evident that they have a good and loving home with wonderful parents.

[CanoeStream]

A wish that we may be the person our dog thinks we are.

• Live simply.
• Love generously.
• Care deeply.
• Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

* When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
* Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
* Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
* Take naps.
* Stretch before rising.
* Run, romp, and play daily.
* Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
* Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
* On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
* On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
* When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
* Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
* Be loyal.
* Never pretend to be something you're not.
* If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
* When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

[Stefrobrts]

Good news for Chester the Dalmatian - he has fully recovered from the lung congestion problem, and the vet even managed to find a new artheritis medicine that is helping him. He seems to be feeling great and is playing with Barclay again. It's great after thinking he was at the end. Looks like he's got a bit more left in him!

Also, I'm attaching what is possibly one of the cutest pictures of Alki ever, doing her one-paw beg She is also doing great after the cancer treatments, and every checkup has been fine. Notice baby Barclay behind her, who at 4 months is now as big as her, just not fluffy.

[cameront120]

Good news all around! Terrific photos too.

[safari57]

Great news on Chester and Alki. It looks like Barclay has a master to learn the proper art of one pawed begging from.

It appears that this summer will be much more fun than last summer for all of you guys.

See you in 3 weeks.

Barry