Hi Everyone. Jude's original owner/breeder was going to come and visit him today but because of the snow that the southern part of the state was hit with, she was unable to. Instead Jude and I took a ride to Southern Ct to visit his old home. The home he had for 8 years before we were lucky enough to have him come live with us. He walked right up to the door, felt very comfortable walking in, and I could tell it was so familiar to him. His original "Mom" and "Dad" were so happy to see him. They had tears in their eyes, as did I. He walked in with the original toy that he left their home with. I have to admit that I was afraid he wouldn't want to come home with me and if he didn't, I could have accepted that. He gave "C" a lot of kisses, and then he turned to me to give me kisses too. Ever the diplomat, not wanting to hurt anyone's feelings. Dianna, one of the dogs that he grew up with was let out. They got re-aquainted and Jude immediately grabbed his toy. He wasn't going to let Dianna near it. He sat on the couch between "C" and I. "C", who is a veterinarian, has consulted with the oncologist who feels that any chemotherapy,once the cancer has metastasized is futile. Jude would loose his hair, which is never good for a poodle; their hair protects their skin. He feels that Jude has less than a month based on the spread. "C" drew some blood for a CBC, electrolytes and a kidney profile. He saw the syringe in her hand and walked away. He remembered. I have a syringe that I give him carafate with and he doesn't walk away so he remembered that "C" draws blood and I don't. Still, he sat on the couch quietly while she drew his blood. She gave me several 8 X10 pictures of his show days, she gave him three more toys, some deli roast beef and opened a can of dog food. He was quite excited when she went through the door where the food is stored. Dogs always have a better appetite when there are other dogs around to compete for the food. He wanted to eat. He only took two bites. We stayed for about 90 minutes or so and then it was time to go. I wondered what he would do and if he would want to leave. I picked up my purse and he immediately picked up his toy and began walking in circles. He clearly was anxious and concerned that I would leave him behind. He didn't even want to sit for a picture that she wanted to take. She took a nice one of him looking up at me. The plan is to take him off of the peroxicam put him on Deramaxx and hope that his stomach can tolerate that and he will eat. She didn't have Deramaxx at her home so I stopped at our vet who are truly wonderful people. They filled the Duramaxx, I bought more EN dog food and his doctor and all of the techs came out to say HI to Jude, even though they were so busy and he didn't have an appointment. I explained to his doctor, who originally ordered the Deramaxx, that I felt I needed to be respectful of his original owner. He more than understood. We are home now. It was a long day and a sad day, but I am reconcile to the fact that there is little we can do to prolong his life and my goal is, that he is happy. I think he is for now.
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