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goldgirl_gw

Getting ready to say goodbye to Chammi

17 years ago

You were all so encouraging when Chammi had emergency surgery in January. She recovered and we've had a wonderful couple of months with our old Golden girl.

However, our remaining time together is short, as she was diagnosed yesterday with a brain tumor, via an MRI.

It's good to have a definitive answer and know that there's nothing more we could have done. She's home and comfortable with the help of steroids. The vet believes she'll have another month or two, but we don't want her to get to the point where she wakes up one day and can no longer walk, or has a seizure. It's so hard to know exactly when the right time is. I don't think the traditional "when the dog stops eating" standard would work here because she's such a chowhound and so stoic, that I'm pretty sure she'll eat even if she feels awful.

Our previous dogs all made the decision for us by going downhill rapidly after short illnesses. This is different because we have to choose.

I'm very sad, but also grateful - at almost 14-1/2, she's had an exceptionally long and healthy life. For some reason, I thought it would easier because of her age. But in reality, it's worse, because she's been part of our lives for so long.

Anyway, I hope we can do what's best for her and be at peace with that decision. Sorry to ramble, I know all the pet-owners here understand :)

Sue

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