My dog, Oliver [Archive] - Digital Design Den Forum

robyn

11-10-2010, 10:58 PM

Some of you picked up in another thread that my beloved old dog, Oliver is not doing to well at the moment.

Thank you all so very much for expressing that you care about my situation with him; it really means a lot to me.

Basically he IS an old dog. If he makes it, he will be 14 on Valentine's Day 2010. He has pretty much stopped eating in recent days......just enough to keep him going. My vet, Peter, retired last year and sold his practice, but still works just a couple of days a week. I've know him over many years and many dogs and have complete trust and faith in him. He has been fantastic over the last few weeks.

He thinks he may have something spinal happening. His heart rate has been very fast and temperature up. He is standing very strangely and sometimes drags his back end and sometimes not. I've just got blood tests back (blood was sent to the other side of Australia to a specialist laboratory - West Australia where Karen lives) and it's indicating thyroid problems and possible associated kidney problems. So we are starting him on medication for that and are looking at pain management medication too. So I guess we go from there and see what happens.

Some of you may be aware about how very precious Oliver is to me and how much I dearly love him. It is a difficult time knowing he is at 'the pointy end' so to speak. I'm hopeful that this medication will improve things and we will have him for quite a bit more quality time. One thing I do know though.....as painful as it is, if it should come to a quality of life decision, I will let him go. As a friend said to me when we had to put our previous dog, William, down...........it is the last act of love that you can show for him.

Enough of being morbid...........hopefully I will be able to update this thread with more positive thoughts in the coming days.

Thank you for caring. :)

Traci

11-10-2010, 11:15 PM

Oh, Robyn! How well I know these feelings! I, too, have a "heartstring" dog...one who is attached to me by the heartstrings. I am here with you in spirit if not in presence....and you know that we are all pulling for Oliver! Give him a hug for us! And prayers!

Trina

11-10-2010, 11:32 PM

Robyn, Im hoping for the best for Oliver! Some of the meds they have out there do amazing things... My thoughts and prayers are with you both... Give him a hug for me.

Karen

11-11-2010, 01:14 AM

Robyn, my prayers and thoughts are with you and Oliver.

Karen

Julie-Scrapaholic

11-11-2010, 03:32 AM

I'm sorry Robyn. It is sad when you have to watch them like that. My thoughts are with you.

KimR.

11-11-2010, 06:42 AM

Robyn, I know how much Oliver means to you. I'll say prayers that the meds work!

cats4jan

11-11-2010, 07:10 AM

I wish the best for you guys. Only people who've had pets can understand how important these furry beings are in our lives.

msbrad

11-11-2010, 08:05 AM

OHHHHH, keeping you and Oliver in my thoughts and prayers. I understand.

NancyP

11-11-2010, 08:21 AM

Robyn, there is nothing morbid about that at all. A pet is so much a part of our lives. I lost Misty 2 years ago after having her for 12 years, and I still feel like she is here. I had to put her to sleep and yes, it is definitely the last act of love. She was in a lot of pain.
My heart goes out to you. Unless one has been through this, you can't explain the pain. Just know we are here for you.

Ellie

11-11-2010, 09:16 AM

Robyn, my prayers are with you and Oliver.

KathyJ

11-11-2010, 09:30 AM

It is so sad when your beloved pet is suffering. My heart goes out to you Robyn. Hoping the meds do the trick for dear Oliver.

ShortCake

11-11-2010, 09:32 AM

I'm sorry Oliver isn't doing well. I hope he gets better.

Andrea

11-11-2010, 10:01 AM

Robyn.... my deepest thoughts and prayers are with you and Oliver. I do so hope that the meds work and his quality of life much improves so you both can be together for a long time to come....

Ellen

11-11-2010, 11:48 AM

here's hoping that the medication will ease his ( and your) pain .

Been there , done that and remember well how difficult it was to decide ..this is the moment to let go.

wishing you and him a long time being together , give him a hug from me too.

Miss Pepper

11-11-2010, 12:54 PM

Oh my dear, Robyn, so many times I've been there. The love that is given and received from our fur babies, helps us through these times. I will be thinking of you and Oliver, and knowing that whatever happens is for the best.smilie-love029 hugs

Grace

11-11-2010, 12:55 PM

Robyn, we'll have positive thoughts that the medications will work and that Oliver will have more quality time. I'm keeping you and Oliver in my thoughts and prayers. smilie-love029

MsKaty

11-11-2010, 03:47 PM

I'm oh so sorry to hear about Oliver. I feel like I know him too with your LOs and kit with his name! I will keep you and Oliver in my thoughts and hope he will not be suffering. We love you Robyn!!

Digidonna

11-11-2010, 03:50 PM

Robyn, I am so sorry about Oliver. It is so hard when the pet you love is having severe problems. You feel so helpless. Hoping the medications will help Oliver a lot!

robyn

11-11-2010, 04:49 PM

You are all just the very, very best and I feel privileged to 'know' you through our site. Your comments and understanding have really uplifted me.

I've just got out of bed and tried Oliver with some breakfast. He is still refusing to eat, but he has only just started on the meds, so we will see what the day brings.............

Catherine

11-11-2010, 04:58 PM

It might take a little while for the medication to kick in. Hoping for the best for him.

Magnolia57

11-11-2010, 09:09 PM

Robyn, I understand what you must be going through right now. I hope and pray the meds work for Oliver and that you will have him a bit longer. Hugs to you both.

Traci

11-11-2010, 10:14 PM

Checking in, Robyn....tell Oliver that my fur babies are barking toward the moon for him....we call that the "evening bark"....and it is all for him tonight. smilie-love029

robyn

11-11-2010, 10:20 PM

Thanks Traci.

He still doesn't want to eat. I managed to hand feed him about half a cup of cooked mince meat for breakfast. Not nearly enough of course. He's a big dog; he weighs 80 lbs.

Traci

11-11-2010, 10:24 PM

Robyn...will he even look at egg? Mine seem to prefer that when they are under the weather....

Andrea

11-11-2010, 10:24 PM

He still doesn't want to eat. I managed to hand feed him about half a cup of cooked mince meat for breakfast. Not nearly enough of course. He's a big dog; he weighs 80 lbs.

Have faith and patience... it will take a bit of time for the meds to start working.....Sending you much love and hugs!!!!

Digidonna

11-12-2010, 10:54 AM

Sending you and Oliver big hugs, Robyn!

Traci

11-12-2010, 10:02 PM

Checking up on you and Oliver....how is he going today?

Muriel

11-12-2010, 10:11 PM

My thoughts are with you Robyn...I know this is a hard time. Hope Oliver is doing better.

robyn

11-12-2010, 10:26 PM

Well he's decided that he may eat a LITTLE of roast lamb!!!.........if you please.

He had a small amount this morning for breakfast, so I am encouraged by that. He doesn't seem too bad in himself today and I'm hopeful that whatever is going on with him that the meds are maybe working............fingers crossed!

Traci

11-12-2010, 10:31 PM

Oh, Robyn! My fingers are crossed, too! Roast lamb, yet! Oh, my! (giggling and shrugging my shoulders....)

robyn

11-12-2010, 10:33 PM

Yes, I was roasting lamb at 7.30 this morning..........still in my dressing gown!! But I would swing from the chandeliers if it will help my dear old Oliver.

robyn

11-12-2010, 10:37 PM

........I forgot to mention, but the vet's bill for the past few weeks has already reached $500. The pain killers he is on works out to $50 for 2 week's supply. But I don't mind, as long as it brings results. I would never be at peace with myself if I didn't give him every chance. I am very conscious though that a lot of people, especially those with young families etc., wouldn't be able to afford treatment for their pet.

Karen

11-12-2010, 10:37 PM

I'd offer to swing from the chandelier with you but I'm afraid my weight would be toooo much. Please to hear Oliver is eating something today and if he wants Roast lamb - roast lamb it is [grinning]

Karen

robyn

11-12-2010, 10:38 PM

Too funny Karen......I think with the two of us, we may well bring the whole ceiling down! :rofl2: :rofl2:

............I think Oliver must have been watching that Tom Cruise commercial!!! :D

Traci

11-12-2010, 10:42 PM

Oh, dear....what a giggle! I have a vision of two very dignified ladies (well, perhaps dignified isn't quite the right word) swinging from the chandelier while Sir Oliver dines on roast lamb from a table laid with white linen and sterling....in his best bib and tucker....

I think I've been online too much today! :eek:

robyn

11-12-2010, 10:44 PM

You've made my day with that vision Traci!!! :rofl2: :rofl2: :rofl2:

coppercurls

11-12-2010, 10:47 PM

Oh Robyn! Tough place to be in. I'm so glad he is eating today and maybe tomorrow he'll even feel better.

Tailz61

11-12-2010, 10:57 PM

OOh Robyn that's terrible, poor Oliver I do hope that you can find what wrong with him and get him sorted. The worse part of having pets is when they're sick but I for one can't live without mine...thought about it but I've had an animal of sorts from fish to horses since I can remember and they are the best...sometimes better than humans...they love unconditionally...as long as you feed em :) keep us posted as to his recovery progress please

Traci

11-12-2010, 11:11 PM

...sometimes better than humans...they love unconditionally...

Make that.....ALWAYS better than humans....smilie-love029

Grace

11-12-2010, 11:50 PM

Robyn, that's encouraging news that Oliver had a little roast lamb today. I'm sure the aroma of the lamb roasting stirred up Oliver's appetite.

I can picture you and Karen swinging from the chandelier while Oliver is having roast lamb!:)

What's on the menu for tomorrow?

robyn

11-12-2010, 11:51 PM

More roast lamb I reckon Grace!!

Trina

11-13-2010, 08:22 AM

Make that.....ALWAYS better than humans....smilie-love029
I second that one!smilie-love029

Roast lamb wow.. ole Olivers eating pretty good.. Hoping those pills kick in soon!
Gus is going to get a dose of pumpkin here pretty soon... been up most of the night with him...he has a nasty habit of eathing things he shouldnt.. and am praying things will pass... but pumpkin helps their tummy's when they dont feel so good.

athena

11-13-2010, 06:08 PM

At least he has good taste even when he is feeling under the weather. Hugs,you and Olive will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Andrea

11-13-2010, 08:01 PM

Great news Robyn that Oliver is eating roast lamb.... Do hope the meds are starting to kick in and that he will get better as each day passes... I hear ya about the cost of keeping our fur babies well.....

Great vision of you and Karen..... just a swingin' :rofl2: :rofl2:

Please keep us posted!

robyn

11-19-2010, 05:54 PM

Just an update on Oliver.

He was eating almost nothing, so we now have him on tablets to stimulate his appetite.

Good news is.......... he has now started to eat, only small amounts, but enough to keep him going.

Bad news is............. because I've been tempting him with goodies, dog food is no longer on the menu.........roast lamb and grilled steak seem to be the only acceptable offerings at the moment!! :D

But I'm grateful for whatever he will have. The other 'bad news' is that if he has to stay on the pain killers AND the appetite stimulates we are looking at about $200 per month, but if it gives his twilight time some quality we are more than happy to pay it. I think I need to buy shares in those drug companies!! :)

MsKaty

11-19-2010, 08:04 PM

I had been wondering about Oliver! I got her slowly expecting very bad news. It's good to hear that some improvement has been made. Our pets quickly become part of the family and we spare no expense.

My youngest, childless daughter recently had her 2 year old lab's hip replaced. It cost a few thousand and we will put off our trip to Greece until 2012 so their funds can recoup. As Cathy said, dogs are cheaper than children... really? :D but we love them as much!

Karen

11-19-2010, 08:14 PM

Pleased about the good news Robyn.

Karen

Trina

11-19-2010, 08:28 PM

I am glad to hear the good news.. I have wondered how he was doing.. Hope he keeps getting better..

robyn

11-19-2010, 08:40 PM

I am realistic about Oliver. Common sense tells me that he is in his twilight time. We just want to make sure that we're doing everything we can for him right now. He's had a wonderful life with us and he has given us so much. All our friends say if there is such a thing as reincarnation, they want to come back as a dog in our house! :D

Miss Pepper

11-19-2010, 10:03 PM

Robyn, being in your position many times with a beloved pet is hard, but we also did what we could to make their end comfortable, and able to be with them as long as possible. My DD that has the Critter Sitter business, that supplies me with many beautiful photos of her clients pets, every Christmas has a Pets with Santa photo shoot, with all proceeds going to an organization that helps people with pets afford to enjoy and keep their fur babies to the end. It's always a very busy day, but the results are worth it. We have a fun time helping, must remind DH as he climbs into a Santa Suit, and sits in the sleigh with dogs, cats, moms, dads and kids, on his knee, as to how much fun he had last year.lol Dogs tend to pee when forced to sit on Santas knee. Won't remind him of that. chuckle, chuckle.
It's for a wonderful cause, and we all love to help. :)

Karen

11-19-2010, 10:27 PM

Oh Robyn, I feel for you. We have had to make that decision a couple of times and it is never, ever easy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Oliver.

I would love to see some of the dogs and Santa photos Lella. It is such a great idea.

Karen

Grace

11-19-2010, 10:29 PM

Robyn, it's good to hear that Oliver has started to eat small amounts and that he is receiving the best of care. I'll continue to keep you and Oliver in my thoughts and prayers.

Traci

11-19-2010, 11:17 PM

Uh, Robyn? Can I come and be your furbaby? :D
I am so happy to hear that Sir Oliver is feeling more comfortable. And you know what? I'd kick in for all the tablets, too....they are so well worth any cost...as they say...I strive to be as good a person as my dog thinks I am. smilie-love029

robyn

11-21-2010, 10:34 PM

Does the fun never end!

It looks like my darling may have another problem.............a possible cancer around his rear end area (I don't think I can type in the actual name here, but you know where I mean). He has a rather nasty 'thing' that has doubled in size in the past week. I spoke to my vet on the phone this morning and we have an appointment to see him tomorrow night.

I'll keep you posted.............

Karen

11-22-2010, 02:03 AM

Oh Robyn, my heart goes out to you. Hopefully the thing on Oliver's .... will not be as bad as you expect.

Karen

Traci

11-22-2010, 12:22 PM

Oh, Robyn....another something to worry about. I am so sorry that Oliver has yet another hurdle. Bless him....

Ellen

11-22-2010, 01:46 PM

oh dear , I'm glad you can see the vet straightaway , not knowing how or what is the worst bit.

fingers crossed and hugs

Grace

11-22-2010, 02:29 PM

Robyn, I'm sorry that Oliver has another problem and that he has another appointment with the vet.

Digidonna

11-22-2010, 03:06 PM

So sorry, Robyn! Great that Oliver can see the vet quickly.

Magnolia57

11-22-2010, 08:38 PM

Oh, Robyn - I hope you get better news about Oliver than what you might be expecting. It's so hard when our furbabies get sick. Hugs to you both.

robyn

11-23-2010, 03:26 AM

I've just come back from our vet visit. The news is not so good. Be it benign or malignant, it has to come out immediately. We are taking him in tomorrow to have it surgically removed. There is a small risk that he may not come through the surgery, but Peter (our vet) is confident that he will be okay. Various tests will be done to see just exactly what it is. Regardless of the outcome he told me that he thinks his life is measured only in months if we are lucky. We already felt that anyway, so it didn't come as a surprise. For us now, it's all about Oliver's quality of life, so I guess we will just wait and see what happens.

Thank you all for caring and being so supportive. Words are not enough to tell you how very much I appreciate you all.

Karen

11-23-2010, 04:36 AM

[hugging you tightly] I don't know what to say Robyn, so I'll just give you this big hug.

Hugs,
Karen

Ellen

11-23-2010, 05:19 AM

poor chap and you.

we'll be there with you in spirit Robyn , virtual hugs

Andrea

11-23-2010, 10:22 AM

Sending huge hugs to both you and Oliver across the big pond....

Grace

11-23-2010, 11:08 AM

Robyn, loving hugs to you and Oliver.

coppercurls

11-23-2010, 06:01 PM

Hugs to you Robyn, what a wonderful friend he has been too you for so long.

MsKaty

11-23-2010, 06:13 PM

I'm thinking of you Robyn and also sending HUGS!!!

Traci

11-23-2010, 07:19 PM

Sweet hugs, Robyn...for you and for Oliver. I know that things will turn out as they are supposed to. Peter will take good care of our man for all of us.

ShortCake

11-23-2010, 09:23 PM

Big hugs to Oliver, hope it turns out well.

msbrad

11-23-2010, 10:26 PM

Oh Robyn- I do dread reading threads like this, because I know how they will hit me. I will never forget what we went thru with Marbles, and the decisions.
Hang in there and you both will know what is best.
hugs to you and Oliver.

robyn

11-24-2010, 05:05 AM

Tonight we have Oliver back home with us. Eight hours after the operation he is still pretty much out of it. Apparently it takes old dogs a lot longer to recover from the anaesthetic.

It would appear that he has a malignant cancer of the anal glands. The blood test came back with a high calcium level which is indicative of such a tumour. We could have X Rays, and the tumour Peter removed tested, but we don't see any point in pursuing that. If he was a young dog, it would be a different scenario. But even if such tests confirmed what we are pretty certain of anyway, we wouldn't be doing anything invasive at Oliver's age. We have agreed with the vet, that it is pretty much palliative care from now on. How long we will have him with us I don't know, but while we judge that he still has quality of life, we will continuing loving him and spoiling him.......just as we always have.

Ellen

11-24-2010, 06:18 AM

I'm glad he is back home where you can give him lots of T.L.C.
sad news and a difficult decision to make but i feel you're doing the right thing.
Putting him through another operation at his age would be very risky and invasive and then??? how far do you go ?
Making his life as easy as possible with lots of love is just what he needs and you can be rest assured that you could not have done more for him.
cuddles to him and you.

Catherine

11-24-2010, 08:00 AM

This is sad news about Oliver, but I'm glad that you have him at home with you.

Digidonna

11-24-2010, 08:19 AM

Robyn my heart goes out to you. What a difficult time this is for your family and Oliver. Our pets are such treasured friends and such a part of our families. We lost our little dog Tiny this year and it was so hard. She was 14 years old and had been through a lot. Our vet is super special like yours. He contributed to Kansas State School of Veterinary Medicine in honor of our Tiny.

KathyJ

11-24-2010, 09:00 AM

Such sad news Robyn. My heart goes out to you.

Traci

11-24-2010, 11:08 AM

I am so glad Oliver is back home and recovering from the anesthesia. If there is any good news in all this, it is that those glands are external and hopefully, the cancer was all there and no further beyond. And...the surgical pain will fade quickly...sort of like having hemorrhoids taken care of, if you will.

Do me a favor....spoil him a bit for me, too.....