I would like to chronicle the story of Jackson, whom we acquired from Four Paws only 6 weeks ago. It is, at the present, a sad story that may have a happier outcome – only time will tell.
Having lost a Labrador in March due to a very sudden onset of arthritis in his lower spine and being both nearer 70 than 60 we were looking for an older dog and Jack came into our lives. His story was sad but not bad, his previous owners split up and they could no longer give the Jack the attention he needs and deserves. Luckily for him Four Paws were on hand to give him second chance. They were most careful to stress his needs were their top priority and, as we had had Labradors for over 15 years we had a head start. Even then we had to go through the checks they consider essential, especially as we had another Labrador and two settled-in-their-ways ageing cats. Having met Jack with his carer I have to admit to some nervousness that we might be turned down.
Jack’s personality and training saw him through all tests with flying colours (not us - it seemed like he was the one who wanted to please all) and some six weeks ago he arrived; within days he became a member of the family in every sense. He won over everyone in the “dog community” here and with his energy and “joie de vivre” (even though nearly 7 he is like a puppy) he was simply a pleasure. He is our 4th Labrador and embodies all that we consider best in “Labrador characteristics”. He checked out as fit as flea with the Four Paws (and my) vet; his previous owners also obviously really cared, he was well trained (even bi-lingual) and they hadn’t succumbed to his doleful pleading eyes when food was around so he was superbly fit!
Nothing to be sad at all and everything couldn’t be better. It seemed to be too good to be true - and sadly it was. Jack had shown a slight almost fleeting lameness occasionally in his front left leg that both the carer (and us) put down to muscle strain or a sprain as he was suddenly being given three vigorous walks a day. It went away as quickly as it came but then recurred a couple of times, so we took him to the vet where a regime of anti-inflammatory medication and painkillers was prescribed. At the end of the 10 days the lameness re-appeared whilst he was in the house and with no obvious reason.
Back to the vet and devastating news Jack very probably had a bone cancer. We were both dumbfounded, and when a second opinion confirmed the terrible news, it was time to assess the situation. Jack appeared exactly the same ebullient, full of life dog, but choices had to be made. Bone cancer is apparently very aggressive and the only way to relieve pain, and have any possibility of preventing spread, was amputation – devastating to humans but something apparently dogs can usually cope with. Drastic but without it Jack would probably not have more than 2 to 3 months to live. Due to the aggressive nature of the condition it was decided two days after the diagnosis, in conjunction with Four Paws and the vet to operate as soon as possible. Internet research confirmed that, short of leaving Jack to his fate, losing the leg was the only way forward.
There was a further complication as we were due to go on holiday next Tuesday but we felt that Jack deserved the best shot at beating the cancer so we cancelled. Sunday came and Jack is a “water dog” so we gave him his last treat on four legs and took him to Rest Bay where he was in his element. In many ways it was terribly sad to think this would be the last time he would be able to play normally with our other dog like he was doing but we can only do our best for him – he certainly deserves it. Looking at the trust in his eyes makes things so difficult and it is impossible for us to tell him either what is coming or that it is for the best.
Sadly that is not to be and life will change for Jack forever. The decision to amputate wasn’t easy in terms of what it will do to him especially not knowing how he will react, or cope. It was easy in that it gives him the best chance of a long life, or even a short one free of pain. The fact that he is well capable of undergoing the operation and coping with life on three legs is very much due to his previous owners caring for him as they did.
There isn’t a good long-term forecast either, although there is a chance that the cancer hasn’t spread. If it hasn’t then he will live to an old age but if it has the future is not good. We won’t know this for some time, as only X-Rays will tell. Both of us looked at the situation and all we can do is commit to giving Jack our every attention and all the assistance we can. There are three on this journey and we will try to give Jack confidence and help him to have as full a life as is possible.
We have been extremely lucky that we have had the pleasure of Jack’s company even for such a short time. It is amazing that Jack has had the effect on us that he has and it is a tribute to him that such a bond has developed in less than two months. It is Jack that has been desperately unlucky (less than 1 dog in a thousand gets bone cancer but then again he is a one-in-a-million dog) but he seems to have the heart of a lion and I’m sure he will fight to the end.
The dreaded day has come and the second chapter of Jack’s life begins from now. It was extremely upsetting to take him for his op. and the enthusiasm and pleasure he showed jumping into the car only made things worse. I feel stupid that I am so emotional and will have over the next few days make sure that he gets lots of TLC and support (probably literally) to help him adapt to his new life. I hope Four Paws will let me tell his story as it unfolds – Jack deserves no less.
Four Paws do a tremendous service to animals who want nothing more than a loving home and give so much. Jack’s misfortune should not deter anyone from adopting a dog – genuinely wanting to adopt is the critical step, as it maps you out as a person who loves animals. Short though our time together has been Jack has more than repaid our commitment to him now it’s our turn and I just hope we don’t let him down.
Having lost a Labrador in March due to a very sudden onset of arthritis in his lower spine and being both nearer 70 than 60 we were looking for an older dog and Jack came into our lives. His story was sad but not bad, his previous owners split up and they could no longer give the Jack the attention he needs and deserves. Luckily for him Four Paws were on hand to give him second chance. They were most careful to stress his needs were their top priority and, as we had had Labradors for over 15 years we had a head start. Even then we had to go through the checks they consider essential, especially as we had another Labrador and two settled-in-their-ways ageing cats. Having met Jack with his carer I have to admit to some nervousness that we might be turned down.
Jack’s personality and training saw him through all tests with flying colours (not us - it seemed like he was the one who wanted to please all) and some six weeks ago he arrived; within days he became a member of the family in every sense. He won over everyone in the “dog community” here and with his energy and “joie de vivre” (even though nearly 7 he is like a puppy) he was simply a pleasure. He is our 4th Labrador and embodies all that we consider best in “Labrador characteristics”. He checked out as fit as flea with the Four Paws (and my) vet; his previous owners also obviously really cared, he was well trained (even bi-lingual) and they hadn’t succumbed to his doleful pleading eyes when food was around so he was superbly fit!
Nothing to be sad at all and everything couldn’t be better. It seemed to be too good to be true - and sadly it was. Jack had shown a slight almost fleeting lameness occasionally in his front left leg that both the carer (and us) put down to muscle strain or a sprain as he was suddenly being given three vigorous walks a day. It went away as quickly as it came but then recurred a couple of times, so we took him to the vet where a regime of anti-inflammatory medication and painkillers was prescribed. At the end of the 10 days the lameness re-appeared whilst he was in the house and with no obvious reason.
Back to the vet and devastating news Jack very probably had a bone cancer. We were both dumbfounded, and when a second opinion confirmed the terrible news, it was time to assess the situation. Jack appeared exactly the same ebullient, full of life dog, but choices had to be made. Bone cancer is apparently very aggressive and the only way to relieve pain, and have any possibility of preventing spread, was amputation – devastating to humans but something apparently dogs can usually cope with. Drastic but without it Jack would probably not have more than 2 to 3 months to live. Due to the aggressive nature of the condition it was decided two days after the diagnosis, in conjunction with Four Paws and the vet to operate as soon as possible. Internet research confirmed that, short of leaving Jack to his fate, losing the leg was the only way forward.
There was a further complication as we were due to go on holiday next Tuesday but we felt that Jack deserved the best shot at beating the cancer so we cancelled. Sunday came and Jack is a “water dog” so we gave him his last treat on four legs and took him to Rest Bay where he was in his element. In many ways it was terribly sad to think this would be the last time he would be able to play normally with our other dog like he was doing but we can only do our best for him – he certainly deserves it. Looking at the trust in his eyes makes things so difficult and it is impossible for us to tell him either what is coming or that it is for the best.
Sadly that is not to be and life will change for Jack forever. The decision to amputate wasn’t easy in terms of what it will do to him especially not knowing how he will react, or cope. It was easy in that it gives him the best chance of a long life, or even a short one free of pain. The fact that he is well capable of undergoing the operation and coping with life on three legs is very much due to his previous owners caring for him as they did.
There isn’t a good long-term forecast either, although there is a chance that the cancer hasn’t spread. If it hasn’t then he will live to an old age but if it has the future is not good. We won’t know this for some time, as only X-Rays will tell. Both of us looked at the situation and all we can do is commit to giving Jack our every attention and all the assistance we can. There are three on this journey and we will try to give Jack confidence and help him to have as full a life as is possible.
We have been extremely lucky that we have had the pleasure of Jack’s company even for such a short time. It is amazing that Jack has had the effect on us that he has and it is a tribute to him that such a bond has developed in less than two months. It is Jack that has been desperately unlucky (less than 1 dog in a thousand gets bone cancer but then again he is a one-in-a-million dog) but he seems to have the heart of a lion and I’m sure he will fight to the end.
The dreaded day has come and the second chapter of Jack’s life begins from now. It was extremely upsetting to take him for his op. and the enthusiasm and pleasure he showed jumping into the car only made things worse. I feel stupid that I am so emotional and will have over the next few days make sure that he gets lots of TLC and support (probably literally) to help him adapt to his new life. I hope Four Paws will let me tell his story as it unfolds – Jack deserves no less.
Four Paws do a tremendous service to animals who want nothing more than a loving home and give so much. Jack’s misfortune should not deter anyone from adopting a dog – genuinely wanting to adopt is the critical step, as it maps you out as a person who loves animals. Short though our time together has been Jack has more than repaid our commitment to him now it’s our turn and I just hope we don’t let him down.
Peter and Daphne
I read that with tears in my eyes, the love you feel for Jack and your determination to support him through the op and the next chapter of his life shines through
ReplyDeleteit also took me a while to read this and as i was reading it aloud to kaz i had to stop a few times as my voice was breaking and tears were rolling down my face not just because of what jack is going to go through but because of the love you all feel for him.
ReplyDeleteJack is a very lucky lad to have found such loving parents and we wish jack all the love in the world and we hope all goes well for him. xxxxxxx