just got the dreaded call for news on ben..its cancer...

vet said they dont know how long he has , could be a week, 6months
who knows...
they could pro long him by cutting it all out , kemo etc
but ive been thru that with my best freind 6 years ago, bass player for my band
not fun, plus dementia with my mum...
crapp, vet is very happy how I've looked after him for 8 years after being his previous owners didnt look after him.. at least i gave him my full heart, house and love...

dam dammmmmm

Hi Milo, so sorry to read about Ben's condition; how will his pain be managed?
His quality of life is no different to our's, the only difference that I see is that we have to suffer longer because our society demands it, whilst euthanasia for animals is an option denied humans.
You have certainly given him love and affection and returned no doubt in spades.
We wish you both all the best, and a peaceful time for Ben when the sad time arrives.

I am so sorry Milo.  Will be thinking of you both.

Sheba.

Sorry to hear this milo, you will be going through a very sad time. Thinking of you, have been through the same last year.

Sorry to hear the news Milo, we will be thinking of you and Ben.  As I said in an earlier reply I have been there so I know how you feel and what you are going through, hang in there pal.

-- Edited by JRH on Monday 13th of September 2010 05:51:29 PM

Hey Milo, Sorry to hear the news mate, know how ya feelin, lost my Dad the same way last Oct.....Dad, Dog both start with "D". We all know you will do what you feel is right for both of you and we will all be thinking of you both. Hoo Roo grumps

So sorry to hear this news Milo. He looks like a fantastic dog, and you've given him the best years of his life. Very best wishes to you and Ben

so sorry to hear the news, dogs are wonderful friends. They are faithful and love unconditionally. They are not really dogs but members of the family. Thank God he got a good buddy like you to look after him. xx

 So very sorry to hear that news, as you can see from my photo, i am i doggie man thru and thru, and have been in your situation many many times,

just like you and Ben, most of my dogs i have taken in from bad envoiroments,
and i have always taken, solace that once in my care they all had a very full, happy,
and active life. and were loved as a family member, we gave them lots, but they gave us heaps more !!!

I know you will make the right decision at the right time, and i know how tough that decision will be, however you will make that decision, because you love your dog and you are the only one who knows Ben's habits, and ways, you are the only one
that knows when ben's comfort and quality of life is over, !!

I personally would not consider major surgery, as it is very rarely effective long term, and often creates more pain and discomfort, in the balance of his life,
However as i said, BEN IS YOUR DOG, AND I KNOW YOU WILL DO WHAT IS BEST FOR HIM
My thoughts are with you and Ben. so the very best of luck to you both,  dazren

Hi Milo You will know when the time is right, tough call to make. My old dog is 18 YO, blind, deaf as a post, heart murmur and rattly lungs. That was at her last check 2 years ago when 16, my hope is she goes peacfully one night. Feel your pain cheers blaze

Ah Milo, what a bugger! To be honest I really do not know what else to say, but our thoughts are with you and Ben.

Gday Mate.. I think most has been said by your other friends here,but my best wishes too.I hope it's as easy as it can be Cheers

Milo
Our thoughts are with you and Ben.
Went through the same thing some 30 years ago and often recall wonderful memories of our beloved Irish Setter even though a little Pug has recently come into our lives.

Came across this poem sometime ago, http://www.milwinkennel.com/poems/time.html

So sorry to hear the bad news Milo......it's times like this that you need all the support you can get.......and judging from all the responses you have received from the kind members of this forum...........there is a lot of support here for you.

Take Care

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.........
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10 On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
~Take a moment today to thank G-D for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.
Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.
~Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!

Thank you for these, Dunmowin.

thanks Dunmowin talked more with my vet today, they said he probably wont last the end of the year... in our 8 years ive never once hit him, i may have yelled at him at times but we always moved on.. he's taught me a lot, and this weekhe has been so good. i dont know how i can take him to his last vet visit..., just freaking breaking my heart, even though i have too, i dont want him to go.. i know it will be soon but ******* i just dont want to.. every thing else in my life and other crap going on just seams so freaking trivial.. I just wish he'd go to sleep on his bed in my room and not wake up.. life SUCKS!!!

G'day Milo & Ben, The poem below was sent to me when we had to have our beloved dog put out of his misery, it helped a little so I hope you get something out of it also Milo.

WAITING

I got to the gates of heaven yesterday,
After we said goodbye.
I began to miss you terribly,
Because I heard you cry.
Suddenly there was an angel and she asked me
To enter heaven's gate.
I asked if I could stay outside
For someone who'd be late.
I wouldn't make much noise you see,
I wouldn't bark or howl,
I'd only wait here patiently
And play with my tennis ball.
The angel said I could wait right here
And wait for you to come-
Because heaven just wouldn't be heaven
If I went in alone.
So I'll wait here, you take your time,
But keep me in your heart,
Because heaven just wouldn't be heaven
Without you to warm my heart.

Author Unknown

Just one word:    BEAUTIFUL

what a lovely poem .... JRH  and Ron ahd Shirley

MILO it a hard time for you and Ben he be feeling your sadness... but be proud that he has you as his mate and carer and you two have had some wonderful and happy time over the last 6 year,s and will do for the time that Ben is here with you .. from his picture he look like a very loved and happy dog



-- Edited by lilly on Wednesday 15th of September 2010 07:10:40 PM

-- Edited by lilly on Wednesday 15th of September 2010 07:11:45 PM

-- Edited by lilly on Wednesday 15th of September 2010 07:12:52 PM

Am sitting with tears rolling down my face. My heart goes out to you Milo. I too know what you are going through, but don't mourn now, enjoy Ben while you can. Laugh.play and enjoy each others company . Make the most of your time together.

Not alone there pricey, hard not to get all choked up reading this..... Hoo Roo Grumps

Rotten news Milo - can truly sympathise having recently lost my little pal after 14 years. At least we have those special memories.

thanks again for all your support, its great to have

So sorry to read of the the sad news for you both. I stayed with my soulmate Sheltie when she had to go to that great paddock in the sky. It was hard and teary, but I would not leave her alone. Ben will let you know when it is time. You will always have his love in your heart. Those poems are beautiful. Just goes to show how many of us love our doggy friends and companions. Take care of yourselves.....

It is nice to see that so many of us can relate to Milo and Bens situation, it just goes to show the quality and compassion of the people on this forum, I learnt many years ago, if people in general like Dogs [ or any animal ] the are mostly very nice people to know, and if they do not like animals, then in most cases they seem to be very unhappy types, with the wieght of the world on their shoulders !! I had a boss a while ago, who could not understand, when i took one day off for a family funeral, then later took 3 days off, when i lost one of my dogs. I told him tough thats the way it is !!! if he wants to understand, then he will have to get a dog, and experience the Love, Loyalty, and Devotion, they unconditionally give. Rgs dazren

Ben's given you 8 years of his life, stay strong for your best mate. We'll all be thinking of you milo

Milo so sorry about Ben.I see death frequently as an aged care nurse and you accept the inevitable, but with our pets it's a different story. I have been in your position and felt as you do but we do what is best for the pets we love.Be strong and remember all the good times. My thoughts are with you Barb

Hi Milo. really very sorry to read your sad news. It seems that all has been said already, Ben trusts you to do the right thing by him, when the time comes, as you have always done. Hope its not for a while yet. Johnw

talked with my vet again, will make the day soon.. and i dont have to try and struggle to take ben there he'll come to bens home... i think thats the best way for my best friend? I thought it was tough loosing mum , but this is just as hard... sorry for all this guys, but i do appreciate all your kind words.. I wish you all could have met ben.. the best friend ever! check my site for a couple of videos, i wish i had more....