Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for Hester (shown here with her best bud, Kirby):
Her biopsy came back, and unfortunately the news could not be worse. She has a rare aggressive form of cancer. The vet said he could refer us to one of two specialists in the state for chemotherapy and probably amputation of her leg and shoulder. However, the survival rate for dogs that are treated is not much greater than for those that are not. Bill and I have decided that we cannot put her through that and will not treat it. We will keep her on her current level of pain meds and when those no longer work, will end her suffering. We are devastated. Hester is only 3 years old and truly the sweetest dog we have ever had. The good news is that so far she seems unaffected by it all. The biopsy site is healing nicely and she doesn’t seem to be in any pain at all. She’s eating well and still chasing Kirby around the house. It’s hard to take in that she’s even sick. We don’t know how much time we have left with her. It may be as much as a year or two – we don’t know. I just want to get past this overwhelming sadness so I can enjoy her while I can. Too sad to write more.
missouristar 
Oh, Dorothy. My heart aches for you and your family and dear, sweet Hester. I am so very, very sorry. I know that you want to enjoy the time you have left with her. Take lots of pictures, and lean on your friends here in blogland. That’s what we’re here for. We will pray that she doesn’t suffer. Yours is a heavy task ahead, but please know that I understand the pain you are feeling. May God bless you all, especially Hester.
So very sorry to hear this Dorothy. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Words fail me. I’m praying.
I am beyond sad to hear this devastating news! I do have a suggestion tho, have you considered allowing a canine oncologist to at least evaluate her? You might consider chemotherapy alone, which could if not cure, at least put the cancer into remission and give you more time without the life altering amputations. Chemotherapy for dogs is not like people chemo – no hairloss, minimal side effects. It might prolong her life without compromising her quality.
Aside from that, I will keep her (and your family) in my prayers! (((((sweet Hester)))))
Dorothy, I’m so sorry to hear about Hester. I hope she continues to thrive, enjoy life and be quite comfortable for months or years to come. She seems like she brings lots of joy to your life. I’m sorry to hear about her biopsy.
Hugs to you.
More hugs from Texas. Hester is so lucky to have such loving caretakers to help her and love her. Soon you’ll have your cuddly new granddaughter as well as the energetic Izzy who will fill your heart and help you cope with your sadness. Pets are such comfort; I have a feeling Hester will help you also.
Love, Margaret
Oh I am SO sorry to hear abt your pup. I had a cat that had chronic kidney disease and there wasnt much to do for him either so we enjoyed him as long as we could. He was the same way, didnt act sick until he really was. My heart feels for you…
I was informed of your situation from Mrs. Sue — I’m so sorry to hear about your little dog’s condition. Hester and your family are in my prayers. I hope that she is able to bring you continuous joy in the days ahead and that you are able to enjoy her company as much as possible. Pets always bring such special meaning to the world once we get attached to them. I hope that you get another two years with her.
I’m so sorry, Dorothy. Poor little girl. My cat died of cancer a few years ago and it was devastating. if it’s any comfort, I have to say I think you decided right about not treating her. I know it’s heartbreaking, knowing your pet is sick and you’re doing nothing to help, but with all of our good intentions, a year + of serguries and therapy left our poor Cathey sick and week. I don’t know if we did the right thing, I have to say.
now her daughter Cleo is developing small tumors and she’s going to undergo a second sergury this week to remove them, with the hope that we’re catching them while they’re still small and not attached to any organs. it’s a difficult thought, but it seems like we’re catching it much earlier than we did with her mom and maybe there’s a chance.
I’m so sorry about Hester, I hope you find the strength to hold on for her. you’re in my thoughts,
Michal
Poor puppy! and Poor you! There are just no words to express how sorry I am to hear that news. I’ll pray for you and hope that your time with her is sweet.
I’m so sorry about your puppy. For what it’s worth, least she’s comfortable right now, and you guys have some time to share together. She’s lucky to have such loving humans in her life.
Dorothy, I am so sorry, and we’ll keep you and Hester in our prayers. I hope you have lots of quality time together and I admire your strength and grace.
Sweet dear Hester. I’m so sorry, Dorothy. Not much we can say to make it less sad right now. Our pets are such good people, aren’t they?
I’m terribly, terribly sorry to hear this, Dorothy. I’ll be praying that there’ll be as less pain as possible for Hester and for you.
Oh no. That’s all I can muster right now. Thinking of you,
Li
That is so sad–I’m sorry to hear the news.
I came here via Susie’s blog. I just wanted to add my sympathies. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet so young in years. You and yours will be in my thoughts.
Also here via Susie’s blog…
My heart goes out to your family and Hester…we have a sweet, sweet Corgi, Princess, who lives up to her name – one of four precious dogs who are the only kids I have – unless you count DH! Pets are part of the family. I will pray a long life and as you said – God cares about the sparrows and He cares about dogs too – I will pray for healing somehow.
Oh Dorothy. I just read this today. I know that no words can make this any better. I am so sorry. All of you and your precious Hester are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear. Enjoy all the time with her you can.
I also came over from Susie’s blog – Just had to send you my thoughts and prayers. Pets add such joy to our lives. Having 3 cats and 2 dogs myself, I can’t imagine losing one of them. Good luck in the coming days and weeks.
I also came over from Susie’s blog – Just had to send you my thoughts and prayers. Pets add such joy to our lives. Having 3 cats and 2 dogs myself, I can’t imagine losing one of them. Good luck in the coming days and weeks.
Dear Dorothy,
I am so sorry to hear about Hester. So very sorry! Words are useless right now. My heart cries for what you must be going thru. They truly are our best friends. Will be thinking of you…
k
Hi Dorothy~This is my first post to you. Found you via Sue. I was her secret pal this past summer. I am sorry about Hester. No one, not man or beast, is promised tomorrow. Hold this day as a cherished memory.