Here's the info on the photos.
We took Zero to the vet on Tuesday, thinking he had an acral granuloma. It isn't that serious, but it can be difficult to treat.
That isn't what the bump was. The vet immediately announced that it was a tumor and that he needed to remove it right away and send it out for a biopsy. M and I just stood there in shock. We both stayed pretty composed. It wasn't until after we left Zero there and were walking back to the apartment that I just lost it. I cried, not caring who saw me. I mean, I cannot imagine life without our Zero. He has brought so much joy to our lives for the past 3 1/2 years. I see him EVERY day. He sleeps with us for crying out loud! I know some people out there think we are crazy; thinking we shouldn't care so much about a dog. I mean, he is just a DOG, right? Those people have no idea what it means to have a relationship with an animal other than a human.
Cricket, a Boston terrier mix, was the first dog in my life. She was with me for 13 years--from age 3 to 16. Those years were the most important in my life. When I was upset or troubled, who listened to me and licked away the tears? I am tearing up just thinking about her. Her death affected me as much as any other death in my life. She greeted me every day for 13 years. When she died, I could not remember life without her. Her death was completely devastating and has affected the rest of my life.
Humans have the tendency of thinking that we are the superior species. I don't buy it. Look, we (all living beings) are in this together. As most of you know, I am agnostic. Maybe that is why I feel this way about animals. No, I am not vegetarian. I just believe in the "circle of life". Wow, that sounds really corny. But, that is how I feel.
Anyway, back to the Zero story. Sorry if I am making no sense. I have had a couple glasses of wine.
So, we are waiting for the results of the biopsy on this tumor. I am trying to stay positive. He is still young. Boston terriers have a predisposition for tumors. We knew this going in, but I just never expected it so soon.
Enough for now. Will keep you updated.
2 comments:
i'm sorry to hear that zero had to have surgery to remove a tumor. you're right, bostons do have a predisposition for these mass cell tumors. if this is his very first, you probably won't need to worry. I'm sure the test results will be fine.
D had an average of one surgery a year to remove a mass cell tumor. She was with us for 6.5 years (I'm guessing that she probably had her first tumor before she came into our lives, and that if it had been removed she may have not had to go through those other surgeries). She bounced back from each and every one. The only thing to watch for -- as I'm sure your vet has mentioned -- is recurring tumors. Exterior ones should be removed as quickly as possible.
We still have not gotten over D's loss, to be honest. So no one thinks you're crazy. In her case, it finally went internal -- and even after tests, ultrasounds, and a surgery + blood transfusion, we ultimately lost her.
I'm not saying any of this to freak you out or add more worry. If this is zero's first, it could very well be his only. Steph's sister has 2 dogs and one got a mass cell over 2 years ago. His only one. Once it was removed he's not a problem since, and she takes him to the vet every 2 months.
Zero should be back to himself within a couple of days. With D, it always broke my heart to see her after surgery....but within a day or two she was back to her old self. You'll know -- and zero will "tell" you -- if it's something more.
No matter what anyone else may think, there's nothing in the world comparable to the unconditional love a dog provides. Period.
Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and Zero. When you feel up to it, update your blog and let us know how he's doing. I definitely understand how you feel. There is something to the consistency and devotion of a dog, and just that constant companionship. Take care of your Zero, and I'll send good thoughts that way.
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