Lost My Boxer to Liver Cancer

by Stephen
(Columbus, OH)

I lost my 8 year old Boxer (Madison) on July 8, 2010.

In January this year, I found out that my dog's brother had died of liver cancer so I had been watching for signs.

In April the first thing I noticed was that Madison was gaining weight so I took her to the vet and found her liver count was very high. I kept watching her and she lost weight over the next month which I had expected. She had developed a constant thirst and therefore excessive urination.

I took her back to the vet the first week of June and her liver counts were more than double what they were on her last visit. Given the history of her brother I knew what I was facing. She had become lethargic and was beginning to lose muscle mass in her back legs to the point that she couldn't get into the car by herself. Her thirst had become insatiable and she would drink as much water as I would give her. She also had begun to sleep on the cool, hard ceramic tile in the foyer rather than on carpet in my bedroom as she had always done. I knew the end was near.

Finally, last Monday she wouldn't eat and for the first time in months didn't drink all the water I put out for her. It was obvious the time had come and I called the vet. The vet agreed that she was in pain and ready to be put down.

It was the hardest decision I've ever made yet it was the most unselfish because I was doing what was best for her. I called my kids and it was heartbreaking to watch them tell her goodbye for the last time. We were all crying and hugging her and then we got her treats out and decided to have her do her tricks one last time. She did them all and we spoiled her as much as we could. She ran out of energy and that confirmed for me that I was doing the right thing. I could even see it in her eyes.

The vet came in the next morning on her day off to put Madison down and I sat there and held her and cried like a baby. Then I brought her home and buried her in the yard where she loved to run.

This house is so cold and empty now and I still expect to see her when I walk in the door... I know how all of you feel who have gone through this with your dog. It's a horrible thing to go through but she is much better off now.

God bless you all.