Pugsley: aka, the Sausage.
Lori: Loves Pugs. Writing. Food and Fashion.
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When I woke up and looked at Pugsley’s sweet face all I could see was a big red patch streaming down the left side of his neck. It was all bloody. I rushed him up to the vet and we gathered he somehow in the middle of the night scratched or dug open one of his tumors. It must really have been bothering him. Poor Sausage. I didn't know. He hides these things from me. In an attempt to be brave, I think.
I had to leave him there for an emergency surgery because it was wide open and the histamine in the mast cell tumors spread like wild fire from the slightest touch causing the cancer to spread to surrounding tissues which causes additional tumors. That’s how these new tumors formed, after the last round were removed they all started bubbling up. It’s a vicious cycle we are in now.
We were resigned to no more surgeries as a treatment for the cancer due to the later staging of it already traveling to the lymph nodes. But now we find ourselves back in surgery just to maintain a quality of life. I hated to do it but there was no other choice to make. Everything else is currently great with his life quality. Shit it’s better than mine.
While he was under they also removed a rapidly growing tumor from his right ear before it ends up blocking his hearing and it’s only a matter of time before he starts digging away at that one because it bothers him. ****sigh****
The thing that kills me is he is such a cool dog. He takes it all in stride. That Sausage is amazingly strong and he just keeps bouncing back every time I count him down. His will to press on (and to eat) still seems stronger than the cancer. He is like the Lance Armstrong of Pugs. He is my hero.
Though it does scare me how fast things seem to be recurring and they usually multiply after any sort of disturbance. If I’m being honest, it feels like we are on borrowed time.
Now if you will please excuse me while I go bust out into a Bette Middler song…
greg commented April 3, 2008 12:36 AM
Lori,
I was thinking of you and the pug today as I am in your hood. I am glad to hear you talk about what is going on with him so honestly. It broke my heart to see the pics of him with the marks of his recent surgeries. I know now that you will always do what is best for him. He is a superstar to me. I wish I could scratch his fuzzy head. He is such a good dog. (He can't help it he just is)
I do not know exactly where you live but I do know that I will be close by tomorrow. I will be traveling though New Hampshire tomorrow on my way to Manchester. I am on business in Montreal today. I will be sending out all the positive karma I can to you and the sausage tomorrow.
I guess you could say I am drunk blog reading right now.
Greg
marni commented April 3, 2008 07:18 AM
Sweet boy. I just want to give him hugs and kisses. Hugs to you, too, Lori. Hang in there hon.
Amanda commented April 3, 2008 09:04 AM
Such an incredible strong boy you have. We are always thinking of you guys and always hoping for great days.
Big Kisses from Meimei and Miko
Leah commented April 3, 2008 09:06 AM
So sorry to hear about Sausage's new problems. Kisses and hugs for him!
Tammy commented April 3, 2008 09:12 AM
We love you Sausage!
Jules commented April 3, 2008 09:22 AM
Kiss that sausage for me!!
He is such a good boy.
love you
kim commented April 3, 2008 09:25 AM
He is my hero! Such love in that face. Hang in there Lori. All my best wishes to both of you.
SL commented April 3, 2008 10:24 AM
SL, Please know I'm thinking of you and Romeo. (Big bro is too) As always, prayers and love are being sent your way. You know where to find me if you need me. If you think it will do Romeo any good to have the human lollipop around just say the word. :) Love You Both To Pieces, YFSL
coffeypot commented April 3, 2008 12:13 PM
I know you are on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Just keep on keeping on and things will work out the way they are supposed too.
sandy commented April 3, 2008 11:48 PM
Oh, Lori, I am so sorry Pugsley Sausage is not doing well. You sure are good to him and have done so much to keep him going. I know you two have a special relationship. My heart goes out to you because I know you are doing all you can and worrying is so constant right now. He sure loves you and you sure love him! You and Sausage are in my thoughts and prayers.
Punchbugpug commented April 4, 2008 09:35 AM
Pug Kisses from everyone at our house to you and the Sausage.
Aimee commented April 4, 2008 03:02 PM
I'm thinking about you and Pugsley every day and sending all my good wishes.
Priscilla commented April 7, 2008 07:45 AM
This is so tough. We've traveled this road before, years ago. As miserable as I think my dog was, we humans were much worse off.
I'm keeping you in my heart and prayers.
lauren commented April 11, 2008 12:42 PM
Oh poor pugsley! Many hugs to you both. He's such a strong boy and obviously a happy one too. I know it feels like borrowed time but just enjoy each other as you have been.