Bindo

I have an 8 year old mini schnauzer, Lucy, who has been in the wars recently, battling a mast cell tumour of her paw. Full story here: Lucy's story I had been thinking about fostering even before her illness, so as both my son and I have a bit more time this year, we decided to offer through the wonderful Schnauzer of Schnauzer Rescue NSW. We also thought it might be good for Lucy to have some company from time to time. Missy, a six year old female arrived 10 days ago. She (and her brother) were surrendered as the owners had to move to a unit and couldn't take them. Although never having one previously, within a day she had worked out what a bed was: As you can see, she fitted in very well from the beginning: Next thing was the clip to find out what was under all that hair! A beautiful dog, in both looks and nature emerged, and wriggled (with a tail that never stops wagging) into our hearts. By the end of the first week, Lucy, son and I were hooked, just had to convince the +1. We took her away for the weekend (travels like a dream) and it was as though she knew she had to be on her best behaviour! By Sunday he agreed. We took both girls to the dog beach to celebrate: We don't know what the future holds for Lucy, but following some setbacks, she is happy and healthy at the moment and enjoying her new friend, so I think we made the right decision. :)

*cough* foster failure *cough* :laugh: Yes, have to admit, it's official now! Will post details and photos when I have more time, but she is just gorgeous so couldn't let her go! Lucy was always first priority, but I think Missy's presence has really helped her and they are getting closer every day. Lucy had a check up today at the vet and all good. She has recovered well from the pancreatitis. The vet and I both agreed on a 'watch and wait' approach, as she did get some chemo in before she got sick. As I said all along, if the treatment made her really unwell or not happy then I would not continue. I just want quality of life for her for whatever time she has left.

Poor Boof, hope it all goes well for him and that Monte is feeling better soon. Must admit, had to laugh at the thought of a sausage pug! :laugh: My first mini schnauzer was a bit porky as a pup and a friend used to call him a potato gem with legs!

Happy Birthday to Fergus! I always enjoy reading about him and Lucy. He seems like such a sweet soul. :)

Love to hear Emma's updates, so pleased that she is doing well, even though terrifying you! She looks so relaxed and happy in the photo. :)

So glad to hear Struppie is going well and enjoying life and his chicken dinners!

Quick update: Bit of a roller coaster this last week, as Lucy started vomiting last Wednesday morning and was diagnosed with pancreatitis by the afternoon. Luckily, she recovered very quickly and was back home again by the Friday, after IV fluids and support. However, vets think that Palladia was an issue, so she is off all medication at the moment and we go back next week to discuss next options. Good news was that when they did the ultrasound, there is no sign of any systemic disease in abdominal organs. She had a lovely cool weekend in the mountains, just resting and I can see her improving every day. I must admit she seems happier within herself off chemo, so at this stage I am not too keen on putting her back on another regime, especially considering a schnauzer's tendency for biliary problems. I would rather her enjoy whatever time she has left feeling good, than prolong her life (for me) while feeling lousy. But will consider all of this once we see the vet again on Wednesday. In the meantime, she has a lovely friend to keep her company as we are fostering another little MS girl for Schnauzer Rescue and they are enjoying each others company. The new girl is just a delight, very happy and not pushy at all, and respects Lucy's (and the cat's!) position in the household. You would think she had been here for years! :laugh:

Hi Kavik, you can get it from Pet Barn at West Ryde - or at least I found it there a few weeks ago when I wanted to ensure that Lucy was covered during chemotherapy. :)

Just saw this, fantastic news!! I know the feeling, huge relief. :)

Sometimes I swear Lucy has undescended testicles, so Bart would probably have suited her quite well! :laugh:

So sorry to hear about Monte - it's worse when you don't really know what's wrong. Glad to hear Boof is feeling better after the second op. Lucy ended up with three operations on her paw, and used to look at me after each one with that 'why do I have to go through this again' question on her face, but bounced back pretty quickly after each one. Really hope they are both on the mend very soon. :)

I can't begin to imagine what you are going through, so sorry this happened to your beautiful Buddy.

Hi Shepherds, I am using a Vets All Natural supplement with her evening meal and she is on a special diet as prescribed by the oncology vet. But I am going to discuss other options as suggested in here with the vets this week and see what they say. :)

Great to have that link, ie with the heritage. I wanted to call Lucy 'Bartie' as 'bart' means 'beard' in German but my kids wouldn't have it.

Quick Lucy update, might help others in similar journey: She has her last IV Vinblastin injection next week (has had one a week for six weeks) and then we stay on Palladia/three tablets a week for 2-3 months, with just monthly check ups, unless there are any problems. Overall she has coped quite well, but was a bit flat for the first time this week. However, we had been in the bush for a week and she had been doing a lot more than usual (on rabbit patrol) and it was hot during the day, so that probably took its toll. Her bloods were all good this week. I can now see the effects of the prednisone more, ie muscle wasting, pot belly, panting, snoring +++, and loss of power, but it has to be part of the protocol and she is not on a high dose. I need to check this week how long she needs to stay on it. However, a benefit has been that her paws are much better, no itching or inflammation at all. Many thanks to everyone in other threads here for all the information regarding supportive treatments and contacts. I plan to discuss these options with the vet this week and see if it is an option for Lucy. Not looking forward to the high heat forecast for Tuesday, as we don't have AC, but at least someone will be home and can keep an eye on her (and give her a hose play) if needed. :)

Love the photo too and the names! Where did you get them from? Always a challenge to find interesting and new names for our dogs. So pleased to hear that Both Struppie and Kobe are feeling better this week. I will put a Lucy update in her thread so as not to hijack here and provide information for others on the same/similar journey. :)

So sorry to hear about Oi, she sounded like a real individual!

Good luck for the results, hope the margins are clear and he recovers well from the surgery.

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts, much appreciated, and shepherds words of wisdom - so true! We have just come back from 6 days in the bush, and although Lucy was not up to her usual walks, I let her chase rabbits to her heart's content and 'pretend' to chase the kangaroos. We even snuck in a raw bone and I could tell by the look on her face and her enthusiasm, it was the highlight of her Christmas. She had a lovely time just wandering around with me and supervising all the usual maintenance work at this time of year. I really hope there's good news for Struppie this week.

Merry Christmas from Lucy to all in here with their own battles. A few months ago, I didn't think she would be here for Christmas so every day and week is a bonus/ Just a disclaimer, I did not buy this outfit, it was a gift from a friend! I'm not even going to look at the camera: A bit OTT, even for a schnauzer:

Emma looks like she had a lovely Christmas! :)

Good to hear Struppie is going well at the moment and things seem under control. Hope he enjoyed his Christmas dinner! :)

Gorgeous photos everyone, love the Delta dogs spreading their good cheer! Lucy was spoilt this week by a friend who is a buyer for pet products - she got lots of freebie toys (now under the tree) and this outfit which, as you can see, she is not very impressed with: "Do I really have to wear this on Christmas Day?" "It's a bit OTT, even for a schnauzer"

So sorry to hear about Grumpy, especially at this time of year. Sounds like he had a wonderful life with you.

Happy Birthday Emma! Bet that cake didn't last long after the candle came off! :)