A heart to heart from the author….

When we created FidoMingle, it was meant to have all of us, as pet lovers, share our journeys with our pets.
Whether it be long fun filled road trips, best places to go hiking, or favorite cookie recipe.  We always wanted to share the love.

So while we share fun trips, and big smiles we also wanted to share a few struggles of our own.

In March of 2019. Our very own dog Tyson, had a large spleenic mass.  We were lucky enough to catch it in time, and have the giant mass removed. He did really well after the spleenectomy, a remarkably quick recovery.
He was so strong!  His attitude always amazing, every day.  And it helps that he’s a good eater.

Good food is important, not just when you’re sick.  And my big boy is always looking forward to a good meal.

He bounced back and continued on with patrolling the neighborhood and his younger brother dog, just as he always did.
Not only back on the job, but he was back in the car for more travels, parks, and overnight stays with friends.

But now we are hit yet again, and with something so horrible.
He is now battling osteosarcoma.  This could most likely be the last fight.
This has been extremely hard, but a fight that we will continue as long as he wants us to.

How it all started…

In late September of this year he developed a slight limp that we thought was arthritis, with him being 15 years of age.
He was tough and continued to run, with an occasional very slight limp.
In October he started breathing heavily, the limp got worse.  We became very concerned.  Checking his leg,  we noticed one leg thicker than the other, we immediately took him in to see the vet.  It was a bone tumor (cancer).
The veterinarian said the heavy breathing, was pain.  He was trying to handle the pain,  when he would walk.
Something needed to be done immediately, as the pain was excruciating.

Immediate decisions to be made…

Being one of those dogs that does not hold back, even trying to jump up and start trouble with another dog at the vet. And wildly wagging his tail at another one coming in, he just didn’t yet seem like it was the end.
We were told he had only months to live if we removed the leg, the other option euthanasia.
If Tyson could understand the conversation, I truly believe he would have chosen to live.
We decided to rid him of the pain and have it removed.  Because Tyson has always taught us that even though life throws some cruel things at you sometimes, the trick is to always be healthy and strong enough to take it on, stay positive, and give it the good fight!
Of course he did just that, and has bounced back once again.
Devouring those good meals and patrolling on three legs.

A BIG thank you to Dr. Wypart, who we found in our desperate need, looking for help and guidance.
He is an amazing surgeon at SurgiPet in Carlsbad, who spent hours with Tyson.  His amazing staff, the home care instructions and pain management that was so carefully put together and spot on.  The after care and calls of support.  And most of all making room for him so he could be out of pain as soon as possible.

Tyson is doing really well, and while I cherish each day, it is impossible for me to block the veterinarian’s words from the first initial exam, out of my head.  I know as we near two months, that his journey could be getting closer to being over, and it’s just horrible to imagine.  But we don’t give up.

Did we make the right decision? Absolutely! Because his pain is gone.  And to be honest nobody really knows how long he may have.

After recovery, yes chemo was an option.  And this might be the right decision for some.  We however chose not to continue moving him to different vets for treatment, as he becomes aggressive when treated .  Especially if chances are not good.  That’s not how we want him to spend his last months. He is happiest at home.

We trust that we made the right decision for him.  Hopefully he has a few more years of patrolling the neighborhood, chasing squirrels, and hassling his brother.
He is family, and we love him.
And I know when that time comes, my heart will be forever broken.  So I share this with you now because I don’t know that I will have the strength to share it later.

He is the reason for FidoMingle, he is my inspiration, he will always be in my heart.
Tyson has taught me to live the fullest happiest life.

Please keep him in your thoughts, and wish us luck!

May you and your pets stay healthy, happy and active.
And always be strong enough to take on life’s challenges.

And always be quick to check those lumps, limps, aches, or pains.