Henry

[mickthecactus]

My son and his partner had to have their Staffy put down at the weekend.

He was a rescue dog that they got about 18 mnths ago and was so thin and weak that we doubted he would last the month.

They fed him, exercised him, loved him and got him into proper shape. He was a good character, a bit of a Victor Meldrew, hated other dogs.

3 months ago he devloped mouth cancer and could only lick food off the floor and began going into dark rooms for some reason and not wanting to come out so they took the decision - which was the only one they could take.

[debbiem]

I'm so sorry to hear that, Mick. But they gave him a nice life during the time he lived with them and did the right thing by him in the end.
He must have known he was loved.

[emseypop]

sounds like they did the right thing, from start to finish Mick

[madonplants]

That's sad news, Mick. To go through all that, to lose him so early, what a shame. At least he knew he was loved. Do you know how old he was? Are they going to get another one?

Keith

[roan]

That is a sad tale Mick, to have been rescued, loved and to die so soon of cancer. Still, they did give him a period of love and comfort and thought of his best interests at the end.

[Sweetleaf]

Its very sad indeed but without your son and his partner, 18 months of happiness and security would not have been his, its such a shame thats all he got, but they did the right thing for him. I hope it doesnt put them off from rescuing another dog, there are so many needy animals in shelters who could be faithful friends given the chance.

[cheerypeabrain]

mickthecactus said:

My son and his partner had to have their Staffy put down at the weekend.

He was a rescue dog that they got about 18 mnths ago and was so thin and weak that we doubted he would last the month.

They fed him, exercised him, loved him and got him into proper shape. He was a good character, a bit of a Victor Meldrew, hated other dogs.

3 months ago he devloped mouth cancer and could only lick food off the floor and began going into dark rooms for some reason and not wanting to come out so they took the decision - which was the only one they could take.

My Kipperdog Slobberdoggabitch had that too... One day right as rain...the next off her food and slumped in the corner, she still wagged her tail when we talked to her, even when OH took her to the vets to have an exploratory op....the vet rang and told us it was inoperable and we agreed to her being put to sleep. We were heartbroken and both sobbed for days...I still really miss her....she was a wonderful friend. We built a little memorial garden where she used to like to laze in the sun....

oh I'm all sad now...

[4pygmies]

Oh, how upsetting for them - the poor dog. As everyone has said, at least they gave him the best they could for as long as possible. More than lots of those dogs get...

[maggyd]

At least they made his last days happy Mick and dogs do know when they are loved but its very hard to make that unselfish decision and know when its time after a short time they will probably grow to love another little dog there is lots of little ones out there that need people like your Son.

[chickadeedeedee]

Ohhhhh! Mr. C.

I'm so sorry to hear Henry developed cancer of the mouth. Of all the cancers that pets may get, the mouth cancer seems the most aggressive. I don't know what it is like on your side of the ocean but here it is usually Squamous Cell Carcinoma and there is little to be done other than control the pain and then .... The ultimate act of love and courage.... Deciding what was best for Henry.

One of our cats developed that type of cancer and he was gone 32 days after the 1mm diameter bump was first detected in his mouth.

May you and yours take comfort in knowing that during the all too short time Henry had a home, he was well cared for and loved to the very end.

[mickthecactus]

Thank you all. It's very kind of you. I will pass all your comments on if I may.