Sick Dog
 

A bit of an understatement. Our beagle actually was diagnosed with cancer after having two growths removed. The vet also found a spot on spleen and lung. Haven't been through this before.

Our only other dog to die was a greyhound that was a retired racer. He was 11 or 12 when we moved to Germany. We were persuaded to leave him with family rather than take him with us. Since we moved only 4 days after 9-11 it was a hard time and so we agreed. Wish we had not left him as I'm convinced that he died from a broken heart.

So the question I pose to you all is this: when do we tell our kids? Both in college and busy. So we don't want them to dwell on it or have it cause distraction. One of our kids has some new health issues so that is another consideration that we don't want too much on her plate.

The Vet is guessing but she may survive through the Holidays, or she may go sooner. Since she is a beagle he said she will be great right up to the point where she is not.

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I would tell them right away. Being that age, they will prob handle it better than you think.
If you wait...it could be way worse to tell them the news.
JMO

I am with Steve on this.

They will be fine. It may be a little different with my kids because they are farm kids and understand the circle of life better that most in their 20's, but they would be pissed if I did not tell them exactly what we knew about the pup and when we knew it.

See what they think. It may surprise you.

Edit: The picture is awesome!

We are split decision here at home. I'm all for telling and the old lady is in the 'don't tell them' camp.

Its sad, however, your children are adults. What are you protecting them from?

Tell them ASAP. Nothing worse than finding out after the fact,

I second this wisdom.

Good looking doggy!

So sorry to hear this Matt.:( I'm on the side of telling them. I thinks its better to be prepared for it.

Is it hemangiosarcoma? That's what we lost our Sydney to, 2 years ago.

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Yeah, I would tell them right away so they could spend some time with her. So sorry to hear this and wish you and you family peace.
Such a sweet girl, my heart goes out to you and your family.

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I would tell them. We just went through the opposite situation with our son. His dog suddenly got very sick. His organs were shutting down. He called us to let us know. Yes, grief ensued, but it was better knowing. He "faccetimed" a last walk in the park with his pup (almost 8 years old). It was bittersweet. The next day his dog crossed the bridge. I am glad we knew what was happening.

That is a good looking happy pup Matt. We have a lab/beagle mix. He is crazy but enormously loveable.

Very sorry to read this. I agree with telling the kids, pampering to the max, and then be prepared to "take a trip to the bridge" when the pup lets you know it's time.... and they will. That change could be very quick too.... very sad.

Best to you all...

So sorry about your pup. My current dog is a golden retriever and beagle mix with a bunch of other stuff thrown in but she has that same face. I have been through this many times unfortunately. Tell them now. They are grown ups and will not appreciate you keeping things from them.

I failed to mention how we got Bagel the beagle.

She came to us in 2017 after her first family lost the father. She had been very close with him. The mom and kids were moving and simply couldn't take her and were telling folks at their garage/house sale that she was up for adoption.

Our daughter immediately asked if we could take her. We brought her home to test drive with our terripoo, who at 20lbs is king of the world, or at least his street.

When we got her she weighed about 45lbs. Not a typo. She's gotten down to between 30 and 35. We estimate her age to be about 11 and don't have any real way of knowing. She's also had about 14 teeth removed 2 years ago, so its been a rough go of it for her.

She is the sweetest thing on earth and just wants a walk and love.

Tell the kids, NOW.

I don’t know about anyone else but as kids with the help of our parents, we buried dead things we happened to come across.

When our beloved pets died, we knew exactly what was up. Sadness but no drama.

Bit of an update:

Bagel the beagle is still alive and kicking. She's slowed a bit and sleeps what seems like a lot more but I hadn't really noticed her day sleeping before.

We still go on walks and she still pulls the leash like a freight train.

Doc gave her 4 months in September. We are in the 5th month now. Yipeee

Oh yeah, we told both kids not long after I posted this. Both took it well and much better than I expected. Thanks to you all

Fantastic news....thanks, Matthew. Please deploy appropriate belly rubs and skriches for us! :)

Keep Bagel the Beagle happy and comfortable and be there with her when it is time. If you can, when the time comes, have the Vet come to your home to help Bagel cross the bridge to be with all who came before her. When I had to say goodbye to my girl, 3/3/20, she was in my arms when she passed peacefully with the Vet's cooperation. The love of a dog is incredible and one of the best things in life.