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Maggie
Female
Labrador Retriever
80 lbs.
Pensacola, FL
Other
November 27, 1996
13 years 3 months
December 19, 2009
13 years 3 months
Yes
0-1 month
0 days
December 27, 2009
Maggie's story

Maggie was 13 years old. She had severe hip dysplasia and got a total hip replacement at 1 year of age. She had severe allergies and arthritis all her life. She never complained. She'd groan a little sometimes when she got up to follow me whereever I went. She always had a smile and a wag for me no matter what.
A few days before Chrstmas, we went out for a ride in the car. Maggie started having trouble breathing, like she was gasping for air. I rushed her to the vet where they did some tests and xrays. The doctor came in the room and said, "I'm afraid I've got bad news, she's got cancer". She hung the xrays up on the lightboard and all you could see were masses. They were pressing on her heart and airway. I knew I couldn't put her through anymore. She'd hurt all her life. I couldn't put her through surgery or chemo. She'd always been there for me, it was time for me to be there for her. I made the hardest decision in the world. She layed there so calm and reassuring me that it was time. I held her head in my arms as she passed so peacefully. I love and miss her so much.

Cancer fighting tip from Maggie's owner Michele G.

Maggie never gave me any signs that there was anything wrong. I didn't know before how common cancer was in dogs. We have to stop this.

Maggie's treatment
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Natural > Diet >

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  • Sunriver8-30-02_014_small
    Ginger's owner I am so sorry... Your Maggie looks a lot like my Ginger. What a sweetheart. How sad to lose both so close together. I understand what you mean about their stoic nature. Labs are not complainers. Please remember to take care of yourself. There is always something to learn from our dear fuzzy friends.
    about 1 month ago on Maggie's wall
  • Scan0269_small
    Maggie's owner 4 weeks after I lost my Maggie, her little sister Mollie went to be with her. Mollie was originally my roommates dog and the two were so close, that I kept them together with me. Mollie went into a deep depression when Mag passed and 4 weeks later her body shut down. I lost both my babies in a month.
    about 1 month ago on Maggie's wall
    • Cody_the_miracle_dog_thumbnail
      Cody's owner Oh Maggie, I am so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine. I will keep you in my thoughts as I know how difficult this time is.
      about 1 month ago
  • Beauty_small
    Rena's owner You were shocked to your core. It's like having a spouse run over by a truck, God forbid. And about doing the right thing, of course you did. Anything you did was out of love and was the right thing, and the best you could have done for her at that moment. You can't go back and judge with facts that come up later...you didn't have the benefit of hindsight. I know you probably scrutinized her very closely to see if you could get any sign from hef to know how to proceed. They do their best, but they can't talk to us. There is no going back, so there is no point in any regrets. Try to think of the good times and the great memories you will always have. Remember...she had a good life with you. I am sure she would agree. Did she have HSA? Ask the HSA dog owners how they found out and 99% will tell you that one day their dog collapsed and needed emergency surgery to live. And then you have to choose between surgery and maybe another month or two? We most likely do it to have a little more time with our dogs, and it helps to get over the initial shock a little before you have to say goodbye. We're really not going to get over it anytime soon and that's normal. We do need to know more and do better with this! But how? My next dog is going to get the benefit of everything I have learned about this disease, and I am going to get dog insurance!!!
    2 months ago on Maggie's wall
    • Scan0269_thumbnail
      Maggie's owner Thanks. I'm learning so much about this already. I'm astounded how many people I have talked to these past 2 weeks have had dogs that passed from cancer. I've still got another dog at home, Mollie, a min pin, she's 11 yr. old, diabetic and blind. She's obviously depressed since her "sister" didn't come home. She acted differently from the second I came in the door, I'm sure she knew. I'm considering rescueing another "sister" for Mollie, but I don't know. She's been attached to me and doesn't want me to leave. I'm thinking a companion might help get her moving again. She perks up when she gets around my mom's dog. Part of me also says it's too soon. I agree with you about the pet insurance, I've heard lots of good things about it.
      2 months ago
  • Beauty_small
    Rena's owner I am sorry for Maggie's passing. She was a trouper. You did right by her. My Rena left me on the 14th. I know what you are feeling and I think only time will help. Best thing is when my mind wanders to thoughts of her and I get the involuntary smile .
    2 months ago on Maggie's wall
    • Scan0269_thumbnail
      Maggie's owner Thank you so much Laura. I know, my head says I did the right thing for her, but my heart aches. It was so sudden, I'll always wonder if I missed signs and I could've helped her. I'm so sorry about your Rena, she's beautiful. I am finding myself more often thinking about her without crying. Thank you again for your thoughts. God bless our babies.
      2 months ago
    • Dana_andscully_at_the_beach_028_thumbnail
      Dana's owner Sorry to hear you lost your Maggie. Of course you have done the right thing for her. With Dana, we thought she had slowed down with a sore shoulder, so she was having acupuncture and physio for that. never for a moment did we imagine it was caused by HSA on her heart. If only they could somehow let us know :-( Dana went to the bridge only 10 days after her dx. Some days I think I'm still in shock.
      2 months ago
    • Scan0269_thumbnail
      Maggie's owner Thank you, and I'm so sorry for your loss of Dana. I wish I could say someday it won't hurt anymore, but I had a dog pass 13 years ago, and it still hurts sometimes. But I think that just shows how much we loved them while they were here...which is still not as much as they loved us. I love the saying, "My goal in life is to be the kind of person my dog already thinks I am."
      2 months ago
  • Sunriver8-30-02_014_small
    Ginger's owner I'm so sorry for your recent loss. Maggie looks like a sweet, gentle soul. We also had a yellow lab, Ginger. Her story is posted on this site if you'd like to read it.
    2 months ago on Maggie's wall