But you agree with everything - you're just a nice guy.

 

I disagree!

 

Just got off the phone with the vet who told us the sad news that Mr. Jingles has cancer of the spine and prostate. We are to meet with her tomorrow to decide on the proper course of treatment to go from here. Thankfully, he is still fairly active and does not seem to be in pain. We started noticing about a month or so ago that he had trouble standing up and could no longer climb the stairs, so his regular vet had us take him to a specialist, who examined him today and took x-rays which she then consulted with a radiologist who confirmed the diagnosis. We have gotten so attached to this little guy in the 16 months we've had him, it will be tough when we have to make the final decision.

 

That's a damn shame. I know its hard to make those decisions. But its also hard to learn the lesson my wife did when she OK a $2000 surgery on a cat which then died 3 weeks later. Given that diagnosis I would guess his maneuvering will continue to go downhill.

 

Gene, I am so sorry about Mr Jingles. I was also surprised that you have had him for sixteen months. We had to say goodbye to our Great Dane last October and we just cannot face replacing him and going through a loss again. I hope Mr. Jingles continues to be pain free.

 

Thank you, Catherine. Mr. Jingles was a senior dog we got through Maryland Westie Rescue, when he was 12+ years old. We decided that the least we could do was to make his final years as good as possible, since he was blind in his right eye, had ear problems, and his previous owners did not want to care for him anymore. We knew that our time with him would be limited, but he sure has been a blessing to us and is a very brave, sweet boy. I am sorry for your loss last year and I know how you feel about losing a friend once again. Hopefully we will have a few more months with him, but we will not prolong things if he becomes uncomfortable.

 

Thanks, Dave. We have no intentions of spending money on operations etc. that will only prolong things and we will not allow him to suffer.

 

Mr. Jingles from last November:

 

Gene my heart goes out to you.
It takes someone special to take in an older dog. Your time with them is so short.
I know I couldn't do it. It just hurts to much to say goodbye.

 

Thanks, Jerry. Don't know if we'll do it again, but if the need is there, we will probably take in an older dog. We're just too soft-hearted when it comes to Westies. I really hope you find a Mastiff that is right for you and your situation.