Hospice for dogs or all pets

[Deirdre]

In this past week I've been asking myself this question; Why isn't there Hospice for pets?  When i was taking care of my Auntie Hospice was by my side until the end, I knew exactly what she was going through they helped so much in so many ways.

I need this now with Gus' brother Bear a.k.a pooper-boy (he has bladder cancer) and I was told he wouldn't make it to last March. Started home cooking, EPO and EVO and he's been doing great!  Last week I got the news that Luka was mine!  Oh I was so excited!  Got all the needed things to make sure Luka would make the 2 day drive home with Gus and I (4 days for Gus).  The first leg of the trip was to go to our cabin, Bears happiest place. Spend Fri. and Sat. Gus and I leave for Montana on Sun. and my daughter and Bear head back home on Mon.  Gus and I meet and get Luka on Tues. and get back home on Thurs.  Fri. thoughout the night I was up with Bear wanting out Sat. morning Bear was dribbling blood.  I called the shelter and let them know I couldn't come and get Luka I had to take care of Bear, I was crying so hard for both of them.  Thoughout the process with this shelter I have to say they were wonderful!  They knew who I was when I called daily about Luka, always cheerful on the phone and caring.  Poor Bear he didn't swim all day as normal for him just wanted to be in the cabin, moaned and groaned all the way home.  He only would eat 1/2 his food Mon. and Tues.night he just laid there even when Gus was chucking balls on his head.  Wednesday I called the vet and got more pain killers for him and went to the pet mortuary to make arrangements.  Wednesday night Bear woke up started playing ate 2 bowls of food and was trying his hardest to hump Gus!  He's been doing great again except for his weight loss.  Needless to say my life has been a roller coaster! 

Where's Hospice for pets?????????????      

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Funny that you mention this because I had just seen an article on this during the last week. If you google hospice for pets there are several things out there. The problem with this as I see it is that unlike the majority of people who are on hospice, most pets don't have insurance. Medicare and private insurance companies pay for hospice care in the majority of cases. So while there are some companies out there providing pet hospice care, I'm guessing it is out of pocket (and probably not cheap).

All of that said, my thoughts and prayers are with you and bear. I know how hard a time like this is when you just really don't know what to expect and don't really have a lot of guidance. I'm glad to know that he is feeling a little better! Hang in there!

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

How wonderful the news that Luka is yours. Strange how life brings us both highs and lows almost within minutes of one another. The Whitefield pack is sending lots of virtual hugs and positive healing thoughts your way.

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[Deirdre]

Thank you for your kind thoughts but, I had to cancel getting Luka it would have been a 4-5 day trip and I couldn't leave Bear for that long. They did say they had a lot of good homes for him but it was still sad.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Oh Deirdre, I am so sorry to hear about Luka. But there will be another doodle for you when you are ready.

[Dr. Judith P. LaVorgna]

Hi Deidre...there is a Pawspice for our companion animals. It has grown out of the work of Dr. Alice Villalobos, DVM, an oncologist, researcher, speaker, writer, and teacher of Veterinarians. You can read about her and her work in The Doodle Messenger. http://doodlemessenger.webs.com This site belongs to all of us who own Doodles and there is a wealth of information on the site if you scroll around. Dr. Villalobos writes a monthly column on the Messenger and there are links at her column to Pawspice and her Quality of Life scale. I'm thinking of you at this time, I hope you will visit Dr. Villalobos' information for ideas and support at this sad time.

[Deirdre]

Thank you so much this is very helpful.

[Suzanne & Jack]

I understand what you are going through. When our old Jack had cancer we were told that it in November that he wouldn't make it through Christmas. He lasted until Feb. 7th. His last month was not the memory that I want of him, but I don't think he was in pain. Our dog Max spent the last two years of his life in what I term hospice care. He really didn't show that he was in pain, but he couldn't stand to eat. I often thought that it would have been nice to have had geriatric daycare or some hospice care to help. When our loved ones are in that state we sometimes need boarding or a short break (very difficult to find) that will give them the care that we do. Maybe senior doggie daycare will be the next business boom.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so sorry for you and Bear. I wish you sunshine for his last days.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm glad Bear is doing better, and wishing the best for him. He knows how much you love him.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Sorry I am just seeing this. Poor Bear - we will be thinking of you. I lost my family pet last summer - that is the first dog that I officially became attached too - he had mouth cancer and was only around 2 months after diagnosis. I hated watching my mom go through the ups and downs of good days vs. bad ones. It was hard enough on me and Mr. Jake didn't even live with me for 3/4 of his life.

Anyway, our thoughts are with you! I am glad you have sweet Gus - and you will find another doodle when the time is right.