Wednesday 21 October 2009

My Gorgeous Boy Jake




Hello friends,

Many of you will know by now that my gorgeous boy Jake is very poorly. He was diagnosed with cancer last week after he having problems with his front leg. We thought he`d just pulled something or maybe a touch of arthritis, alas it wasn`t to be. Our lovely vet Stella did a needle biopsy on one of his lymph glands as they were swollen and unfortunately it was the worst possible diagnosis.

The cells found were secondaries and even now we are not 100% sure where the primary tumour is. Most likely it is buried deep inside his armpit, out of sight and spreading its poison around his body. He had been doing a lot of things slower of late but then in dog years he is middle-aged and of course it seemed a natural progression.

The limp started just a couple of weeks ago on a Saturday. Come the Monday Jim was at the vets. The only thing that DID worry us was a couple of times while he was sleeping he let out a scream, not a yelp, but a blood-curdling scream of pain. Perhaps we knew it was serious but then you never want to think the worst with a beloved pet.

Jake has been given just 3-6 mths, such a short time left to spend with our boy but my goodness are we going to enjoy every minute of it. he`s on an excellent painkiller which has completely changed his day to day life. He has boundless energy now he is free from pain again and he`s eating really well again. The only thing is I`m making sure he doesn`t overdo things. I won`t let him lie on the grass in case he gets cold, the vet warned me about that. I have to watch out for any changes at all in his health. Last evening he coughed for the first time, just a soft, slight cough but still a sign that the tiny tumours in his lungs maybe growing. I knew they were there because I saw his chest x-ray but I had hoped they wouldn`t trouble him just yet.

After the initial shock and more than a few tears I decided not to get too upset yet, they`ll be time enough for that later. I will stay upbeat for Jake`s sake, if he sees me upset, (which he has done in the past) it`ll will upset him and there`s no need for that. I did get upset this afternoon at the park, watching him running around. How can such a healthy looking dog be so ill? Is the diagnosis wrong? Was it mixed up with some other poor dog? Somehow if he looked ill I could accept it easier, but he doesn`t. His coat is as shiny as ever and his eyes as bright. His labrador exuberance knows no bounds. Oh dear, what will I do without him?

Now I AM crying...........

Thanks especially to Jeannette and Frances, my dear friends. Jeannette for your support when we talked on the phone, you`ve been there and understand completely.
My thanks to Guido for putting an entry on Call for Support, many friends have rallied round because of it.
Thanks also to all of you who have offered up prayers and kind words of support for Jake. You are all so kind, bless you all.

For any who would say, all that for a dog. I say...absolutely!


I will keep you all updated as to Jake`s condition. next time I`ll most likely write about what`s been going on in my life.

Bye Bye for now


30 comments:

  1. Yes, Sandra, all that for a dog and much more. They are part of our families, as dear as any family member and that goes for those that have cats as well. I am glad that you managed to write about him and put on the pictures, love the signature. His coat is just beautiful. I was happy to be there for you, you know that and so many have been touched by the news. That is the very best of the internet, people caring and sharing.

    I know you will keep us informed. In the meantime we will be praying for Jake and sending out loving thoughts to you all. I wish it could have been different.

    Big hugs xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dear Sandra I am Heartbroken for you ~ I know how much you love Jake as we have all come to Love him ~ will keep him in my prayers and I know you will keep us informed on his progress ~ Ally x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, that's so sad. After going through Sadie's brief illness and recovery last week, I know exactly how you feel. I'm sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh my gosh, Sandra, such a lovely post. It shows just how much a part of your family Jake is. I AM heartily sobbing, too. Crying for your pain, and for Jake, too. And for Roman, who will surely miss Jake as much as you will.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am glad that you gave us an update on Jake. It made me so sad and broke my heart to find out about this yesterday. He has always seemed like a special dog to us bloggers because you have treated him like part of your family. He is beautiful. May God ease his pain when it comes and ease your and Jim's hearts at the same time. May he be healed from this disease. Hugs, Helen

    ReplyDelete
  6. Having lost one of my Golden Retrievers to cancer a few years ago I know just how traumatic this can be. I think with dogs it is there unconditional love that makes any loss so much harder. However I hope things work out better than anticipated.
    Thank you for your comments in my journal, they are very much appreciated.
    Andy

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh Sandra, that's such sad news. I never realised before I had my Spud, how much a part of us our pets can become. Thinking of you all.

    Sara xxx

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dear Sandra ,You are so much in my thoughts and prayers just now ,with love Jan xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. Our darling pets, how they become such a huge part of our lives. We always know that they will likely pass before we do but it doesn't make it any easier. I look at our Sally, who is 16 now and I know she can't go on forever. She runs around like a pup, chases leaves, pounces on shadows, barks at pigeons, rolls on worm casts -nothing sedate about her! Then again, she's deaf as a post, cataracts on both eyes and lately she's drinking a lot of water and trips over her own paws sometimes. Her poor body is just wearing out, as it must at her age.

    But she is happy and content I'm sure of that. And when her time comes she will have had the best home she could have had. I'm sure of that too, though I dread that day.

    Your Jake has always had the best too; the love and respect of a doting family whom he adores and who adore him. I know how hard it is to smile when your heart's breaking and I'm proud of you for holding together for his sake.
    love always, Angie, xx

    ReplyDelete
  10. So sorry, Sandra. It is so terrible to go through something like this with a lovely dog like yours! I really hope you can enjoy him till the end without him suffering too much.
    Hope the rest of the family s fine. I'm sure lovely Sophie is thriving! I've been having problems with my Internet connection, that's why I'm on and off and I don't comment much. But you are in my thoughts. Be strong!
    Ciao. Antonella

    ReplyDelete
  11. I feel so bad for you and Jake. I remember how much you loved Hannah, and I just love the picture of her on your blog. It seems that many of us here are blogging about the poor health of our doggies or cats. I hope Jake is comfy. I know he is happy.

    ReplyDelete
  12. So sorry to hear about your dog. We had a much loved yellow lab. Jake looks lovely in his photo and i'm sure he couldn't be looked after better.
    Jenny <><

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh Sandra, this is just so sad. I know how you all love Jake so much and Jake is the second beautiful Labrador you're going to lose. I'm praying that he won't suffer too much, I'm glad you have such a good vet who is helping Jake live the rest of his life with good pain control. Jeannette xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  14. I hope you'll have a good few months with Jake, and with him in reasonable health. I wish you strength for what lies beyond that point.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh, now I'm crying again. I held it together until I got to the bottom with his picture. He looks so much like Pickles without the white, and yes, young and healthy. I have no doubt you and Jim have given him the best years he could hope for and will continue to do so till the end. Yes, all that and more for a dog that is so much a part of your family. (Hugs)Indigo

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sandra, came here by way of Jeanettes Blog. I am so sad for you and Jake! We just lost our black lab Kirby not too long ago, to, yes, Cancer. It was in his foot, and well, I wont go on, but it was a shock, and I am still grieving for him.
    I'm sending you a big hug!
    Take care
    Maire

    ReplyDelete
  17. My heart just breaks, reading this...Sandra. We all love our pets so much. They are such people and such a part of our lives. Big hugs to you all, including Jake. Bless his heart. In heaven, our pets won't die and we'll get to see all of them! I just know we will. God has to be a pet lover b/c he certainly knew they provide joy on earth. So don't forget that!

    ReplyDelete
  18. You are so smart to start enjoying what time you have left with Jake!!! It's heartbreaking news tho....

    TO: Jake...at-a-boy (scratching your ears) You be a good fellow, have some fun with the family!!! They really enjoy having you in their lives...
    xoxoxoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  19. I am so sorry to hear this Sandra. Having just lost Gabi a few months ago I totally understand what you're going thru. I pray for you, Jim and Jake to have many happy memories in the next months. And also that with the vets help you can make Jake comfortable. {{{hugs}}} Linda in Washington state

    ReplyDelete
  20. I'm so sorry Sandra. Jake is a part of your family. And he knows you love him. Let that somehow be a comfort to you, that you will love him till the end. Beyond that I don't know what to say, perhaps it will be enough...

    ReplyDelete
  21. So sorry to hear your sad news I know exactly what it is like. Love Joan

    ReplyDelete
  22. i am coming up on the 2nd year anniversary of Buddy's death and not a day goes by that someone in my home talks about him as if he is still here. I will never as long as i live get over his death, never. He was the light and love of my entire world. I am praying for you, Jim and Jake daily now...i am so very sorry for what you are going thru....if there is anything i can do for you please let me know. I think of you often and miss hearing of your family. I hope the beautiful grandbabies are doing well. I am so glad you and Jim got to be Jake's mom and dad for the time you have had him. You are all blessed. Much love to you, lisa

    ReplyDelete
  23. My thoughts are with you. I know you will treasure each and every moment. You and Jim gave him your hearts and so much more. Hugs, Dona

    ReplyDelete
  24. Sandra ,such sad news about Jake ,my love and thoughts are with you .....Love Jeanxx

    ReplyDelete
  25. I have been away on holiday Sandra and on return I was reading up on blogs this morning (Saturday).I was so sad to learn of Jakes illness.I don't have a pet but I know just how you feel as my Son has just lost there dalmation and Rooster and I were close to him he was sixteen which apparently is a long life for this breed..It breaks your heart.Please try and keep your chin up. I know it's hard but the family will suffer more seeing you upset too.Prayers always even though it's a sad posting it was good to see one from you.I am reading the blogs still from time to time but not always commenting.Think of you lots.Take Care God Bless.Regards to all your family.Hugs to Roman Sophie and Jake.Kath xx

    ReplyDelete
  26. Poor Jake, poor you. Sending you extra hugs to get you all through this.

    ReplyDelete
  27. AWWW....SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR THIS....YOU WILL BE IN MY THOUGHTS....ALWAYS SO SAD TO LOSE A TREASURED FAMILY FRIEND LIKE YOUR JAKE...BLESS HIM.. XX

    ReplyDelete
  28. So sorry to hear about Jake. Thinking of you and I know you will make the most of the coming months. Much love Louise xx

    ReplyDelete
  29. Dear Sandra,
    Was good to hear from you this week. I can't get over the news about Jake. He is such a beautiful, faithful family member. I feel he's as much a friend as you. With my Jake still limping & whining from his injuries from July. I am sick with worry about him. He moves so slow. He cannot stand on his hind legs like he used to when he wanted a treat or to be loved. He is so slow to get up & often limps. I just hope he is slowly recovering, but I don't have a good feeling in my heart about it. I'm glad your Jake is able to be pain free & run & play. It would be sad if he were to not be himself. I will continue to remember you all in my prayers. Give him a good rub from me & my Jake. How is Roman doing in school? Are you and Sopie still on good terms? Hope Jim is completely covered from his fall last month. Our men. Whatever will they do next? What would we do without them. Just wanted to stop by and tell you I'm thinking of you & yours. Wish I was there-I can't do anything from all the way over here. Just know you're in our hearts and prayers. Talk to you soon.
    Luv n hugs, Barb

    ReplyDelete
  30. I am very sorry Sandra about Jake. It seems there are few thoughts I can relate as if it were my dog. So please keep me and Salty in mind that I am thinking of you and Jake. I have to go to pick up a prescription and then get back here and work on my home. It will near 70F today and be good weather for a week so late in the year after a 65 year record wet October of over 8 inches of rain. I may finish another smaller wall area and get it painted before it is too cold. Take care, mark/salty

    ReplyDelete

Have your say, your comments are always appreciated. :o)