Jude has been diagnosed with cancer.

[DawnCt1]

Dawn,
Been there, done this. Our vets drug of choice was the peroxicam for our Keeshond...compounded by a local pharmacy (in beef flavor no less). Frodo had been through lots of tough stuff by the time he was diagnosed with the bladder cancer...rocky mountain spotted fever, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, diabetes and cataracts. We really thought that the diagnosis was the beginning of the end, but he held on nearly another two years, and it was a stroke, not the cancer that finally took him from us at the age of 12.
Our vet was wonderful. She researched every option, and this was the one she thought would do best for him, with the fewest side effects. I also think that the dogs personality has something to do with how they do...Frodo was a really laid back and happy dog, and he just took each obstacle as it came. Even the blindness from the cataracts didn't phase him for very long. We just had to make sure that he knew where he was, and not change things around too much.
In short, I guess I'm saying that although the diagnosis isn't what you wanted to hear don't think that you don't have wonderful times left with Jude. You will just know in the back of your mind that these moments are the ones to treasure even a little more than those that have come before.
I wish for you the time that we got to have with our "best boy".

Thank you. Your post is so inspiring. He is a happy boy, he doesn't know he has cancer and we are going to make sure he enjoys every day he has left. Peroxicam it is! I will call his vet tomorrow and tell him I am switching to it.

 

[minnie56]

I LOVE the positive thoughts in the post above!! I pray that Jude does just as well!!! Hugs...

 

[Pigeon]

I'm very sorry.

 

[phragmipedium]

So sorry to hear about Jude (and Tipper). It's so hard to lose a pet, a family member. Treasure your time with him and keep making memories.

 

[DawnCt1]

I called his groomer who is a very sweet young woman. She is going to groom him tomorrow, he really needs it. I will have her cut his "pony tail" and give him just a regular poodle top. That way it will be less bother for him. He likes to go to the groomer and he loves sitting on the table.

 

[DawnCt1]

This is a link to Jude's life before I knew him. He "retired" at our house, which is how I came to get him. I can never say that I "rescued" him because he was very much loved and it was with love that his original owner let him come to our house. She will be coming to visit.

http://www.tivinpoodles.com/jude.htm

 

[jobhunter]

I hate to hear this, Dawn. He is a very lucky dog to be so loved and to have someone who is willing and able to fight for him in whatever way is best for him. I hope you get a quick and long remission for Jude.

 

[jackemail]

Holding good thoughts for Jude---and you!

 

[minkydog]

Oh, I'm so sorry Dawn. I was hoping it would be better news. I hope Jude tolerates his new meds without too much upset. God be with you and with Jude.

 

[Keli]

Dawn, I really sorry to hear this and you have my best wishes for a remission.

 

[ZachnElli]

I'm so sorry! I was hoping for better news! I hope he has beats it!

 

[robinb]

Oh Dawn, I'm so sorry to read this . I have always felt a certain fondness for Jude, being one of the other standard poodles on the DIS. I remember you sharing poodle stories with me when we brought home our Darci dog when she was just a puppy. Jude had a full life before he met you ... but not as full as when he became YOUR dog when he could "let his hair down". He is a beautiful dog. I know that you will make the most out of the time left to you. and I hope that he can beat the cancer and give you many more years .

 

[Jockaroo]

So sorry to hear about Jude (and Tipper). It's so hard to lose a pet, a family member. Treasure your time with him and keep making memories.

Thank you--my Tipper was a very special little girl. She broke my heart. As hard as it is to talk about her illness, I feel I need to caution people about this medication. It hurts and I don't ever want anyone to go through this pain. I know the medication can help many, it is just critical to know what to look for "if" it causes problems.

Dawn, Jude's breeder seems to be passionate for this breed. I'm sure you will get the best emotional and professional counseling for his care and treatment. This support will help you through this.

 

[quasar4legs]

Ohh, so sad to hear about Jude.

Sending you all some big koala cuddles

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Dawn Jude is fortunate to be so loved...

 

[Disney-Kim]

I just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear this.
I lost a fur baby to liver cancer. Just make his life the best you can for him !!!
Enjoy your time together and I wish for a remission !!

 

[npmommie]

So sorry to hear this Dawn. I unfortunately have been in your shoes twice.
I have to say both Tufts and Angell are wonderful places with great oncologists if you want another opinion.
our vets consulted by phone and we also took our dogs both times to tufts and once to angell, i highly recommend them both.

 

[MerMom60_94]

Dawn, I am sorry to hear this about your beloved Jude. I hope he responds well to the medications.

 

[mousey]

Hoping the medication does the trick! Best of Luck!

 

[Darsa]

Adding my hopes for a remission for that beautiful boy! And lots of from me and my furbaby Cupcake!