Millie has cancer.

I thought you'd be feeling it today . And you will next Tuesday as well. But it will ease over the passing weeks and months. You have to work your way through the pain and the tears because they are healing. My dog has gone in for her op today; she knew something was happening [whippets look worried at the best of times but this morning she was uberworried]. Now waiting for them to phone to say she's ok and then hope that the wound heals [it's only a cyst but it wasn't going away and I didn't want her to have it operated on when she was a few years older;she's 7 now]. The vets adore her so she's in safe hands. Having her teeth cleaned at the same time, but I've told them that if they're at all concerned to forget the teeth and bring her round. Whippets are difficult to operate on because of their low body fat but my vets are very aware of that. Need to decide whether to continue with my insurance after this as I know the monthly payments will start to increase dramatically now she's older.

Well. it's a week now since our beloved Millie was put to sleep. We are beginning to accept what happened to her and are trying to get on with our lives. Trouble is it is SO quiet, not that she was noisy, but we miss not having her presence around the house, and of course the little things, like her night time wee, morning cuddle followed by two (always two!) Markies, and a dozen other odds and ends. But, hey ho, on we go, and hopefully it will get easier with the passing of time.

nellie it's only natural you'll be having a few weeps. They do come on suddenly, don't they? I remember hoovering the sitting room a week or so after our dear Jake, a long-haired German Shepherd, had died. I was ok, but then I moved the sofa and there was his favourite ball. That was me finished for the morning.

The cause of grief is less important than how it is dealt with and, often, how much support we feel we have. I hope that your continuing memories of Millie will give you comfort as you get through these first few days nellie.

Feeling a bit better today - trouble is, little things set us off, but as you've all said, saving Millie pain and distress was our priority, and, with the help of our fabulous vet we were able to do that. Yes, I love Kipling too! Hope all is well with you all and your pets.

I know Kipling went very much out off fashion but I love his poetry.

niggly {{{hugs}}}

Sympathy nigglynellie we have had to do the same last kindness for several of our dogs and always wept and missed them terribly, but were glad to save them pain and distress.

I think I was about 7 when I first read the Kipling poem Bellasnana and I have wept buckets over it over the years. The other Kipling one is Thy Servant a Dog which I really can't read at all. I know it finishes "Lord look down on thy servant and grant him a quick release" which is what we have to do - but it is very hard.

I have read this poem before and goodness how true it is, yet we do it again, and again and again, each time swearing we never will again! I suppose it is the joy that we get in those years, that makes us give our hearts one more time - to be broken. Thank you Bellsnana, this too will be copied for Millie.

Love Rudyard Kipling. He says it perfectly.

Nigglynellie,glad the poem is of help to you,taking that decision is the last act of kindness we can do for them,even if it doesn't feel like it at the time. for you x

take care...

The Power of the Dog

THERE is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie--
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.
When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find--it's your own affair--
But...you've given your heart for a dog to tear.
When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!);
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart for the dog to tear.
We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long--
So why in Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
Rudyard Kipling

I echo that yogagran, the poem is beautiful and I have copied it to type up in a diary I was keeping during Millie's illness, so thank you from me too Scooter58. Today has been a bit up and down, this afternoon we went out as the sun finally broke through and it was nice to get away from the house for an hour or two. Oh has just said that he feel totally battered, and I think that probably describes both of us!

Yogagran,brings a lump to my throat every time I read it,thinking of pets who have gone and who have all had different ways of passing to Rainbow Bridge,although its a sad time for everyone our lives are richer for having had our pets in them.

for you nellie
Such a sad time but you gave her a wonderful life and your memories are there forever

scooter your poem brought a lump to my throat, I'm sure that all of us who have had to make these awful decisions must feel the same, but thank you for posting it

Just got in .... been thinking of you today Nellie.
I'm glad for you that it's done and she's at peace.

I'm sure you have so many happy memories of your time together. Hugs xxx

You've allowed her to go, nellie and you did absolutely the right thing out of love for her. It does take gumption to be able to put our beloved companions first at times like this. Be kind to yourself now you've taken care of your Millie

This has brought back memories of our experience a little while ago. I hope you find comfort in the days to come and send much love and sympathy.

Last year my beloved collie Missy, aged 12yrs was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour under her tongue, after I'd taken her to the vet thinking she'd got a bad tooth. It was inoperable (unless she had most of her tongue taken away). She was 12 and loved to bits by the whole family.

I had to make an on the spot decision at the vets whether to let her carry on in pain, or be put to sleep straight away. I don't regret my decision to let her go to sleep, it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do on my own.

The point of writing this now is just to say that cancerous growths in pets mouths can so easily be missed, and I'd advise owners to check out the backs of jaws and under the tongue for any tell tale symptoms. nigglynellie I hope Millie and you enjoy the rest of your time together.

Millie is at rest now,pain free,I have been through this a few times and always looked to this poem for comfort.

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain could keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this last battle can't be won

You will be sad I understand
Don't let grief stay your hand
For this day more than all the rest
Your love and friendship stands the test

We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears
Would you want me to suffer? No
So when the time comes please let me go

Take me where my needs they'll tend
And stay with me until the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see

I know in time that you will see
It is a kindness that you do for me
Although my tail it's last has waved
From pain and suffering I have been saved

Do not grieve it should be you
Who must decide this thing to do
We've been so close,we two these years
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Take comfort in knowing you gave her a happy life and were with her till the end.Thinking of you and yours today x

I've just got in and checked this thread straight away. So glad it all went well and that you have been reassured that it was the best thing to do. We all know when it's the best thing to do but actually doing it is the hard bit.

There is now a special place in your garden

I agree with all that has been said. So pleased that Millie had a better morning. It was a brave but the correct thing to do. She is at peace now. We are all still with you, many of us having been there.

Lovely that she had a happy last day. You would have regretted leaving it too long and it would have been horrible for her.