A couple of months ago we were dealt the devastating news that our  pug has cancer. She is 12 years old. We noticed that she has a lump on her side and took her to our vet. The vet took a sample of the lump and the result came back that she has an aggressive cancer in her lungs. The tumor is attached to her ribs making surgery challenging due to her age. We had the choice of further investigation of the type of cancer she has and also the option of chemo. We have chosen to keep Suz comfortable for the remainder of her life without putting her through any tests or chemo.

Suzie in Balboa Park

We have been proactive in keeping her as comfortable as possible. We changed her diet to raw food instead of kibble. She has not complained about the change! We have a cooling pad for her to lie on as she gets short of breath easily. We have a stroller so we can take her out for some fresh air and a change of scenery, and she still loves going for a car ride when it isn’t too hot.

Our commitment to Suzie has been to love her until the end. It’s a part of the deal of having a dog. We have decided that Suzie will cross the rainbow bridge at home in her favorite spot, eating a bowl of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

We took Suz for a check up last week. She is still eating, drinking, walking and her gums are still pink so we are not there yet. So, a day at a time we will love her and care for her until the time comes. Like I said, it a part of the deal of having and loving a dog.