osteosarcoma

Question
Hello,
    Our 4 year old chocolate lab was diagnosed with osteosarcoma when he was just 2 yrs old.  We had the limb removed (front left) and was told that was not a cure.  We just wanted him pain free in the remaining time we had left with Kona.  We were told we probably didn't have 9 months left with Kona because he was so  young and the cancer would spread more quickly to his other organs.  He is now 4 yrs old and it has showed up in his lungs.  We thought maybe we had beaten the odds.  He started caughing and after 2 rounds of antibiotics we x-rayed his lungs which showed the leisions on his lungs.  He is now coughing up blood.  We don't want him to suffer and know that the right thing to do is not be selfish and let him go.  He doesn't seem to be in any  pain...but the blood is worrying us that he might be.  He is still eating and drinking.  Just not sure what signs we should be looking for that will let us know when the right time is going to be to let him go.  Anything advice or suggestions at all would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Stephanie-

I am so very sorry to hear about Kona. I know this is a horrible time for you, and I know that he is so happy and appreciative to have gotten to live out these last years with you, when you have helped him beat the odds.

No one can really tell you when it is time to let go... that is a family decision and no one knows Kona like you do.

I can tell you that most of us in rescue look for "giving up".. obvious pain, exhaustion, refusal to eat, dull eyes, hesitation to do even favorite activities. On the other hand, I have seen the x-rays of dogs in similar shape as Koda (when they start looking like a bowl of popcorn was thrown into the lungs) and said to myself "The quality of life here is going to sink so fast" and gently let them cross the bridge. Some families like the idea of their dog going before the real suffering starts in terminal cases, so that they remember their beloved pet happy, and not in the final stages, and their beloved pet does not have to go through the pain and agony associated with lung cancer.

Whatever you decide, remember that Kona had much more time then he was originally allotted, because of you. 4 years of happiness, love, and kindness is nothing to shy away from. You have done a wonderful job.

I will keep you and Kona in my prayers- and send healing thoughts from my pack to yours.