Hello sweet people! Today is a bit of a hodgepodge sort of post, so thanks in advance for bearing with us. Bear? Bare? I’m not naked, so I’m going with bear. It just never sounds quite right.
Coffee. Need it.
First up: You may have noticed a few changes going on around here…
Orrrr maybe not.
But we’ve freshened up our site a bit, as it was time for a simple look in the way of easier navigations. We’ve cleaned up a lot and we’re kind of loving it.
You may notice on our home page, we have a different kind of feed. It’s simple, straightforward, and should help with finding various posts, quickly.
{That, and it’s kinda fun.}
If you check out our gallery page, it’s a fresh look with simple categories… for the first time, it’s available for you to find posts based on their sections, with a simple click.
And our Archives will be up and running really soon. Simplified to help everyone find just what they’re looking for, from newest to oldest.
Sometimes, it just helps to clean things up a bit.
We just wanted to check in and touch on some easier-to-find areas, with a little housekeeping around here. Thank you for being patient with us while we continue to tweak and polish a little over the next week. Feel free to explore!
I’m switching gears here, but on another, totally unrelated note… if you follow us on Instagram, you may know that we received some hard news last Friday. I shared there and now I’m sharing here for the simple reason that you may be able to shed a little light on this subject. If there’s anything we’ve learned over the years it’s that you guys teach us more than we could ever share with you, and for that we are forever grateful.
Chloe, our first baby of almost 12 years, has been diagnosed with Lymphoma.
It’s been a hard last few days. For so many reasons. Our hearts are absolutely broken.
For any dog lover here, for anyone who has ever had a pet as a part of their lives, I don’t think we have to explain why. She’s a member of our family, and though she’s “just a dog” she sure has been a heck of a lot more than that to us. She’s been our constant. Our therapy. Our children’s endearing, best friend of a companion. And that, guys… that is the hardest part.
We know that full on chemo just doesn’t seem fair to her at this point in time. Selfishly, we want her here for twelve more years, but we also know that this is life.
And sometimes, life just really sucks.
So we’re viewing what time we have left with her, as a rare gift. And we want to help her any way we can.
We know everyone views this differently, but we’re still in research mode, and were hoping that you sweet readers may be able to share something in the way of natural remedies for dogs with us. We’re working alongside our vet, but are also looking for other elements as we’ve have opted to take a middle of the road approach and really focus on what is best for her at this age. So anything holistic- anything from essential oils, to diet… anything small to help, and we’re wide open. We kind of want to know what you wonderful pet owners may know if you’ve been through this before. Anything you recommend?
Thank you so much for your time and anything you may have to offer. We just feel like you guys may offer more in addition to the days we’ve spent scouring the internet. We are forever grateful.
cassie says
i don’t have any remedies, but wanted to say i was thinking of you. we lost our 13.5 yr old charlie last year to what the vet believes was a brain tumor- it was a hard time for all of us, but we spoiled him rotten and made sure he left us knowing just how loved he was. i wish you peace and i wish chloe comfort.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Cassie. I hate that. I know it’s so hard. Peace to you, as well. It really is so much more than “just the dogl”
Debbie Price says
First, I want you to know that I love your blog! I read it mostly ever time I am on-line and I always find something useful.
I am so sorry about your dear dog. Trying to make the right decision is sometimes so hard. I have been through it so many times, but it never gets easier. Every one of our pets were always part of our family. I will say that from my own experience, I keep my dear one comfortable and let him/her have as much happiness as I can in the time he/she has left. I allow them to have dignity, as I would like for myself when the time comes. Feed them a good diet, love them as much as you can. When the time comes to go to the vet for the last time, you will know it. You will feel it. I will say that for the family, make sure each one of you gets to say goodbye in your own way. Very, very important. It truly helps.
I will send up a wish for you and your family for peace.
Hugs,
Deb
ashley @ the handmade home says
Very true, Deb. Thanks so much for that little gem. Something to keep in mind, for sure. It’s been so hard reading through these comments, and the support is so sweet and overwhelming. Thank you.
Marilee says
Over six years ago we lost our sweet Golden Retriever to lymphoma. She was 10 when she was diagnosed. After discussion with our vet and a canine oncologist,
we elected to treat her with chemo. Dogs, unlike humans do not suffer side effects from chemo. She had no hair loss, no vomiting or loss of appetite, no lethargy – nothing! Just one more good year. The oncologist told us the treatments would merely put the lymphoma into remission and that when it returned it would be time. After about a year, it did return and we sadly had to put her down. While the treatment was expensive, to us, to have her for one more truly good year was priceless.
We now have two goldens. Would I do it again if one of them had the same diagnosis? Yes!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Marilee… Thank you for this comment. We’ve been reading more and more, and keep talking to our vet via phone (we were out of town this week and he’s probably totally over us – the worried, long distance parents – ha!) we’re actually starting to lean toward this. Thank you for your perspective. It’s just a hard call.
Beth M. says
Just wanted to say I’m sorry about Chloe! We have two dogs near and dear to us with the oldest being close to 14. Dogs aren’t just dogs, they are family members. I hope y’all get extra time with your sweet girl! We lost our pug over a year ago and our 5 year old still prays for him.
ashley @ the handmade home says
So sweet, Beth! So sorry for your loss. It’s just hard.
Maureen says
I am so sorry to hear about your sweet baby. Just the thought of losing my sweet 12 year old golden makes my stomach hurt. My cousin publishes a holistic animal wellness magazine and a web site to go with it. I know there are archives of different articles and I am sure if you contacted her through the contact page she may be able to provide you will further info on the subject. http://www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/ is the link. I will be thinking of you and your family.
On a bright note. I really like the new look!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much, Maureen. I’ll be looking into that.
Kyla Fetzner says
Your new header is adorable Ashley! I’ll be praying for comfort and peace your family and Chloe 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Kyla. ;}
Karin K says
I am so, so sorry to hear about Chloe’s diagnosis. Cancer is evil. I know exactly how you feel, as I am now on my fourth sweet pup, and it never gets easier. I don’t know much about holistic treatments, but you might find some information, or even just encouragement, at another blog I read daily – Old Town Home. They are dealing with a form of skin cancer in both their cat and their dog, and they lost their last pup to cancer. They research all their options meticulously and they’re a wealth of information. Best of luck to you guys!
Karin K says
Edited to add: if you look at their Categories, click on “Pets” or “Lulu” – those links are the ones that address the treatments.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks so much for that, Karin. Cancer IS evil. Looking at it from all different angles… This helps. Thank you.
Cindy says
Aw, sweetie. I’m sorry to hear that your doggie is sick. Unfortunately, I have no wisdom to offer here, but I just wanted to say that I think you’re approaching this from such a smart viewpoint by working with your vet while also researching “natural” options.
Big hugs and keep us posted. xo
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Cindy. ;}
stephanie says
Oh friend. This is so sad. I’ve been through this with a few pets. It’s heartbreaking.
I actually have a few suggestions. We once had great success with high quality colloidal silver in one of our cats water dishes. She lived years longer than suspected.
I’ve also recently learned that frankincense can be wildly effective in testing cancers. I’m a part of an amazing online team called The Pretty Oil. Check out theprettyoil.com and tell Nicole I sent you over! There are so many resources.
stephanie says
Come to think of it – there is an entire line of young living oils specifically for pet health. ..
ashley @ the handmade home says
Yes, looking into frankincense, now, amongst other things. Thank you, Stephanie!
stephanie says
I’d love to give you my discount (it can be a pricey oil), so let me know if you’d like a link!
Cortney says
I’ve very sorry your puppy has cancer. Our 8 1/2 yr old puppy, Clementine, was just diagnosed with cancer for the second time. The first time we found a mast cell tumor she was 5. To have it removed meant taking her rear leg. Her strength through that and the chemo taught me a lot. I wish I was half as strong as she is. To say finding out our little girl had the same disease was hard is an understatement. This tumor could be more easily removed but in the process of exploring that we also found out her kidneys were beginning to fail. We too came to the hard decision to love the time we have left with her. Every time I see my two year old climb on her and hug her it breaks my heart and makes it sing. Will he remember her? I can only hope so.
Our pets, especially the ones that come before our babies, have such an incredibly special place in our hearts. I wish your family peace, happiness, belly rubs, long walks and lots of snuggles. Cherish them all. We will with our sweet Clementine.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you Cortney. So true. So sorry for your heartache as well. It just sucks.
Laura Links says
I didn’t have a dog with lymphoma but I did have a pug with a bladder tumor. He also was unable to walk at the end of his life due to spinal stenosis. Most folks would have needed to put him down because of the time involved in caring for him. However, I had the time and energy…so I worked with my vet, monthly visits, to make sure he wasn’t suffering. I had to change his diet as he became uninterested in dry dog food …but with experimentation we discovered he loved mac and cheese. We spoon fed him and he was a happy old man. We had multiple beds around the house and made sure he was placed in the middle of things. He lived over 2 years, far longer than our vet thought he would, until the bladder tumor grew large enough to cause him pain. We then said goodbye. Those last two years were wonderful and we still miss him a year later.
ashley @ the handmade home says
I love this approach, Laura. It feels a lot like caring for an elderly family member must feel like… Of course it’s really nowhere close, and of course doesn’t compare- I can only imagine. It’s just the aspect of making them as comfortable for as long as possible. So sorry for your loss.
Marsha Sefcik says
Sorry to hear about this heart breaking news. We lost our poor Suzie cat in May at the tender age of 10 to Plasma Cancer. It was gut wrenching to tell the kids and see their reactions. She could always be found on either of their beds and loved a good snuggle with them. We still miss her terribly. We only had a short time left with her from her diagnosis as she went downhill quite quickly. We used art as a way for the kids to work through it. Lots of pictures were drawn of her during those first few days and we even did a collage as a family. That seemed to help. Nothing can replace the unconditional love of a pet and that bond between human and animal. God Bless.
ashley @ the handmade home says
So true. Gut wrenching pretty much sums it up. So sorry for your sweet cat and babies. I know that was so hard. And probably still is.
Abbey says
Sorry to hear about Chloe 🙁 Will ask around to see if anyone has any ideas!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks, Abbey. ;}
Stacy says
I’m so sorry about Chloe. I don’t have any suggestions–but my kids have added her name to our prayer warrior list. 🙂
And our dog, Piper, sends Chloe a kiss and a tail wag.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe Stacy …so sweet. Thank you. It’s totally a first world problem, but it doesn’t make it any easier, that’s for sure.
Melissa says
im so sorry! that is a tough decision! i hope the moments left are spent with lots of cuddles and kisses! xo
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Melissa! They will be.
Stefanie Dawson says
I am sorry to hear about your dog! We had a similar diagnosis with one of our dogs and we later found out it was related to the toxic topical flea & tick formuas as well as poor quality kibble. Obviously we no longer use those and choose natural flea & tick treatments. We also switched all our dogs to a raw diet. Check out Dr. William Falconer online as he is a homeopathic vet. I truly believe he can help Chloe! http://Www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com may also give you some helpful information. Good luck!
ashley @ the handmade home says
I will be sure to check it out, Stefanie. Thank you for that reference. I am sorry for your fur baby as well.
Fara says
I know essential oils help a lot of people, and pets. There is a wonderful group on facebook, animalEO, that was created by Dr. Melissa Shelton, DVM. She was with YL for many years, but ended her distributorship to develop her own line of oils and blends specifically for use in animals. She works with her own pets, and client pets, to find the right oils for the right issues. She is very open and honest, and tries to answer as many questions as possible. My go to for any cancer or serious injury/illness is Frankincense. Topical, diffused, internally, Frank and I are close. There are other oils recommended, but they escape me right now.
I completely get your situation. We all want our loved ones nearby as long as possible, but we struggle with having them here, and having them here comfortably. Quality of life is very important to me, and I’ve had to overcome my own selfishness more times than I care to remember. My pets are also my babies, just as much as my babies are. Love to your family, and sweet Chloe.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Fara. Definitely looking into that.
Kim G says
I agree with everything that Fara wrote. I was reading through Dr. Shelton’s website a while back and it is pretty amazing what she is doing with oils and animals. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Eileen says
Dear Friends. You are afterall virtual friends.
Like many dog owners we have travelled this path with an older, and dear furry family member. After much thought, we decided to not do chemo and take extraordinary measure with our dear Bobo (Always ready! Ever Present! The Bobo-nator!) What we did was change his food to a very high quality, no grain, no chicken food. Same with treats. I got him a new plusher ortho bed – he still preferred the sofa. We showered him with love and hoped that he would let us know when he needed to go or would simply walk over the rainbow bridge. We enjoyed 7 more years with Bobo. The last few months were harder and one day, I knew it was time. He told me with his eyes. His spirit spoke to mine – really. It was a tough day and we held a little memorial service & burial at our home in Texas. It rained and rained in the middle of August. you know how rare that is?
My only regret is that a few years later we had to move away. I know he’s resting in peace and waiting to be reunited someday. Thinking of you all and your furbaby.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe Eileen. I know that was so hard. So sorry for your loss. That’s a very sweet story though. I can only imagine moving away from where a dog is buried. So true on being reunited. I love his name.
Heather says
Something about reading your blog where you share so much of yourself makes me feel as though I really “know” you, and let me tell ya…this news hit me hard. My hubby and I have had up to 13 dogs at one time (rescues, craziness, I know) and everyone one of them was like our own flesh and blood. I just wish you as much healing and white light as possible as you and your family go through this. Give Chloe lots of treats and snuggles and give yourself permission to break down and cry into her fur…it really is pretty cathartic.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe thank you, Heather. I have done nothing but cry for a week now. I asked Jamin if I needed some medicine but the crying is actually good, you’re right. Thank you.
Corissa says
We are also in the palliative care stage for our wonderful and old dog. One helpful reccomendation from our vet is to supplement our dogs diet with canned pumpkin. This is both a preventative and a prescribed measure for “wasting” or losing weight rapidly when eating is difficult and disease is ravaging. It is highly nutritional, easy to eat and digest, and calm for tummies that are on mess for pain or treatment. It’s also an easy way to give meds by grounding and adding.
Additionally, I highly reccomended the read “The Last Walk: Reflections On Our Pets At The End Of Their Lives” by Jessica Pierce. Copyright 2012. University Of Chicago Press. Not an easy read due to nature of questions but thoughtful and relevant based in decisions you are about to face.
And my only comment as we are also in this process – dying is another stage of life, as lovely and painful as any other stage. Face this one in the same manner as you do the rest of your life and you will have few regrets. For some that is fighting, for others it is acceptance and for others something completely different. But be authentic and true to yourselves and you will be saddened – that is a fact of death – but you will live through it, and with your hearts intact.
Much love to your family including the four legged one!
May peace and mercy be yours,
Corissa
ashley @ the handmade home says
Very true Corissa and thank you for that tip. I am sorry for your sweet dog as well. It just really stinks.
Sherri says
I don’t know if our dog’s lymphoma is the same type as your Chloe’s, but he was treated with a series of gamma globulin injections to keep his immune system in good working order. He was first diagnosed nearly 5 years ago and is still alive and well at the ripe old age of 13. I believe our veterinarian worked with the Univ. of Kansas Veterinary Hospital to come up with his treatment plan. It was a long shot, but it has given us at least 5 good years with Eddie (our chocolate lab) that we would not have had otherwise. I’ll say prayers for Chloe and your family and keep my fingers crossed that you have a good outcome.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Sherri! That is very helpful and we will be looking into all these great tips. I am sorry for your loss but I’m so glad that it helped!
Sherri says
He’s still alive and doing well! A bit arthritic, but still enjoying life. I wish the same for Chloe.
Diane says
I am so sorry to hear about your beloved dog Chloe. I have a friend who lost her dog this year. She is single and her dog was a loving friend and companion to her. She also opted for chemo but sadly the cancer returned. The final months she had with her she made a bucket list of all the things she wanted to do with her. It was a wonderful idea and made the easing a little softer. She and her dog went on hikes and family reunions and she even got ice cream cones, her favorite.! It was a sad goodbye but we know she was greeted in heaven with an icecream!
Diane.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe so sorry for your friend. Thank you for your kind words. Definitely doing that bucket list. The kids have already started one. It is helping. ;}
Jennie says
The Facebook group – Wrigley’s Bucket List – shares Wrigley’s inspiring story . I didn’t know Wrigley or his owners, but still I found great inspiration in how they approached celebrating his life and making each day count, instead of counting down.
https://www.facebook.com/WrigleysBucketList
ashley @ the handmade home says
We will have to check that out. Thank you so much, Jennie!
Kelli Guytan says
My sweet Windy girl died this past July from a splenic mass. Your outcry touched me and reminded me of where I was at just a short time ago with finding a fix it for her.
I came a cross this website in my endless internet research and it brought me hope. It brought Windy licking her lips with delight. It is a mixture of flax seed oil and cottage cheese. http://www.holisticdog.org/Symptoms/D_E_F/Flaxseed/flaxseed.html
My four year old son and I would give Windy her dessert each night and we know it made her happy and made me feel like I was doing something good for her.
I also took her off full kibble and replaced her meals with one part Wellness Kibble and one part chicken/vegetable soup that I made for her on Sundays. It would last me for 2x a day feedings for a week. Message me and I will give you the exact recipe.
Much love and positive thoughts for your family during this new journey with your sweet girl.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Kelli! So sorry for your loss. It’s just hard.
I’ve been reading about this – the Budwig Diet? We will definitely be checking in with our vet, but I really want to try this. Also, would love the recipe – if you have time? [email protected] Thank you SO SO much for your sweet comment and time!
Kristen says
I’m so sorry to hear about Chloe. I am a vet, and a long-time reader of your blog. I wanted to echo a previous reader’s comment that chemo in pets is very different than chemo in people, and can lead to remission for anywhere from 6 months to a few years with very little side effects from the chemo. That being said, I’m sure you’ve discussed that with your own vet and have elected not to pursue for your own reasons, which is completely understandable. I would encourage you to pursue natural options, however, please discuss each with your vet, or a certified homeopathic vet before you elect to use any natural remedies. Unfortunately natural does not always mean safe, and there is a lot of well-meaning, but sometimes misguided information online. I wish you the best of luck in making Chloe’s remaining days happy and comfortable, and hope you cherish the time you have with her.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Kristen – Thank you so very much for your sweet words and taking the time to comment. DEFINITELY running everything by our vet – we would never want to do more harm than good. We’ve had more time to think and debate and make a list and read and going with our gut on this one… we think we may be leaning more toward full chemo at this point in time. It’s just been a hard call. Thank you for your kind comment. Definitely cherishing this time, regardless.
Melissa C. says
My heart breaks for you all. It’s not fair and I think pets should live forever with us as well as our loved ones. I found this and though it might be helpful. Blessings to you all. Your blog makes me smile and fills my heart and creative sould everytime I read it! You’re a part of my Saturday morning ritual as I scour my favorite blogs, drink my coffee, and watch the sunrise.
http://www.caninecancer.com/alternatives.html
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe Melissa. Thank you so very much for your sweet words. Will definitely be checking this one out. Hugs to you!
Cecilia says
Oh, I’m so sorry! I don’t know what to tell you…it’s a hard part of life but I’m praying for a solution and healing. Hugs to you and your family!
Cecilia
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Cecilla. Ps. your name is so pretty. ;}
Kathie from CA says
We had a dear chocolate lab who developed lung cancer. We gave him vitamin c, fish oil and move free. We also had acupuncture for him. It relieved pain. The pain med was ultran and we got the prescription from the vet and filled it at Costco. They gave us a better price because Cooler wasn’t insured. You don’t have to be a member of Costco to get meds from them. You could also probably get a good price at walmart. We know the anguish you are going through. We decided to try to hold back as much as we could because Cooler knew our feelings so well. Tears were still shed of course.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much for these tips, Kathie. I am so sorry for your loss. It’s so hard.
Renee says
I’m so sorry for what you have to go through. It is truly a hard thing. Might I suggest you look into Young Living Oils. I’ve done quite a bit of research on them before I used them. My daughter suffers from a lot of pain. A mixture of the Young Living Oils has helped her a LOT. I’m only mentioning this because people are using these oils on their animals. Dogs with cancer are being given the oils by their families. The families seem to think it helps and the Vets are not opposed to these oils. I never thought oils would help our family. Well I couldn’t be happier with what they have done for us. Good luck.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much, Renee. Definitely looking into frank, especially. ;}
Traci says
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine helped my dachshund live another great 18 months after her cancer diagnosis. I also used stress and pain-relieving Essential oils for her massage when I could tell things were “off”. , You could just watch her melt into relaxation.
Something I wish I had done that may help with your children’s healing is A Perfect Day. Take Chloe out for cheeseburgers and ice cream, to swim in her favorite pond and chase ducks, for a road trip, whatever she loves! Memories of the day captured in photos and videos will be priceless.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you Traci. So sorry for your loss. Those tips are great. ;}
Alice W. says
I am so sorry to hear that 🙁 Our Cairn terrier is 8 and I can’t imagine what you are going through.
(on a completely superficial side note I love the look of your blog! I have visited before but it has been awhile. Was just reading your Dollhouse Diaries post and giggling. Love all that you did with that! Inspiring me as I have wanted to make one for ages and now that my daughter is three think it is finally time!)
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe thank you Alice. ;} She will love it!
Barb says
Ashley, I am SO sorry to hear about Chloe’s illness. My heart breaks for you as start this journey. Many years ago I had a dog that developed seizures and I wasn’t willing to put her on meds unless absolutely necessary. I went to see a holistic vet in Atlanta and she was wonderful. We worked on Piper’s diet and some herbal blends and she did well for about 3 years. Unfortunately these natural remedies stopped working and she had to go on traditional medications. I am pretty sure the vet we went to was Dr. Susan Wynn. She is not in private practice anymore but does do consults. You might want to check out her web site and see what looks promising. Also there is an association of holistic vets that you can search for one in your area. Dr. Wynn is at http://www.susanwynn.com and the association is at http://www.ahvma.org/Widgets/FindVet.html (Americian Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. If you need me to search for other options please let me know and I will see what I can find. Prayers for Chloe and the entire tribe. This will be so hard.
barb
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Barb, thank you so so much for this great reference. We will definitely be checking it out. So sorry for your loss. I know that was hard but it has to feel good knowing you did the best you could for her.
Sara says
Reading this with tears in my eyes, it reminded me of a story I saw recently posted on Facebook. It’s called “I Died Today. By, Duke Roberts.” Here’s the link: http://www.robynarouty.com/i-died-today/
Although it will most likely have you bawling throughout all the pictures and commentary, It’s beautiful. This photographer is absolutely amazing, she’s a dog rescuer and is just an absolute hero. I encourage you to check her blog out http://www.robynarouty.com/, especially the story about, Duke.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Sara. We will definitely be checking this out.
Krista @ the happy housie says
Oh, I wish I had something to offer you…. our old pup is eleven and I dread the day when we discover something like this:( So thoughts and prayers to you:)
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Krista! We are just overwhelmed by everyone’s kind words and sweet input and well wishes. Feeling the blessings you guys have all brought us just means a ton. Thank you!
Helen says
I’m so so sorry to hear about your sweet Chloe! Old dogs are the best. She is blessed to be so well-loved by you and your kids. And I know the feeling is mutual. I’ll be praying for wisdom and comfort for all of you as you face those hard decisions!
Mindy says
My heart just goes out to you with Chloe’s diagnosis. Pets become family and are such loved members. Treasure your time together. I am sure she will feel your loves.
julie gilmore says
I am so sorry…I am sending prayers your way….
Jules Madden says
Oh my heart skipped a beat when I read the word changes and saw your dog in my blog feed. We have just said goodbye to our 13 year old boy last week, so it’s so fresh in my mind. I miss him everyday and wrote a little on my blog about his passing. I read a lot about alternative cancer treatment for people and recently came across information of people giving their dogs apricot kernels for cancer treatment. I believe modern pet diets contribute to disease in animals.. Our dogs just weren’t meant to eat highly processed cooked food or grains. I’m not sure what you feed your dog.. But I do know of someone that cured their dog of cancer naturally so it is possible. Best of luck, there is such a hole in my life now without my ‘first baby’. Fellow pet owners will totally get you and how hard it is xx
Amy C says
I didn’t read all the comments, but I did read the first one and I agree. It made me think of this post. Please read it (with tissue). There are a couple of follow up posts also. I’ll say a prayer for you and your Chloe. http://www.robynarouty.com/i-died-today/
GLenore says
No words of wisdom – just lots of good thoughts and prayers for your furkid! <3
Maureen says
This is a different form of cancer but…. our Dobie was diagnosed with cancer of nasal passages, sneezing blood everywhere with life expectancy of 2 months. We put him on a raw food diet but what was amazing was Essiac Tea. We ordered dry through bulk-essiac-tea.com so we could afford it and brew it ourselves. We have him on it 4 months with 2 months off (just how we do it) and use a turkey baster to administer. He is very cooperative and we give him a carrot after for a treat. (His fave). We’ve been doing this for 2 years and he’s healthy. Just a personal experience and I totally understand he is part of your family and so very sorry for what you’re going through. Oh, and very helpful if you try a raw food diet, our favorite book and tips for feeding dogs with health problems incl., cancer is ‘Raw & Natural Nutrition for Dogs” by Lew Olson.
Summer says
I just got similar news about my sweet Sunny last week and I immediately Chloe! How is she? The er vet sent Sunny home with us and it’s up to me to determine ‘when it’s time’ because there isn’t anything they can do for her. What a job I don’t want to bear! Thinking of you guys!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Summer – so sad to hear about your sweet Sunny. I know how hard it is! I don’t know if you know but we decided to go with full on chemo for her – so far, so good. Jamin and I decided to take the no regrets approach with what we had to work with. Her white blood cell levels were low last week so we missed a chemo treatment and will try again wednesday but that is our only bump in the road so far. Otherwise she’s been completely happy and “normal” Every situation is different and when it comes back full force it will come back, so we will just have to decide when it’s “time” but she is doing well. Just trying to enjoy the time that we have with her as a gift. It sucks. Thinking of you and your sweet family during this difficult time – what is Sunny’s diagnosis? So sorry for your sad news!