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How is Ace Doing? Making the Right Choices for Our Dogs

Many people have asked how my dog Ace is doing. Thank you for thinking of him.

Ace is doing OK.

He’s had an ongoing issue with a non-healing wound.

You can read some of the details here, but we are in the process of meeting with a second specialist and deciding whether to move forward with a CT scan and a second surgery.

I’m not looking for any advice but maybe just a little moral support. I also know I’m not the only one without answers to her dog’s medical issues. Many others are in the same situation only with different issues and I want them to know they are not alone.

Black Lab mix Ace

When I’m feeling this extreme stress about what decisions are best for my dog, one thing that helps is to take a step back and give myself the advice I give others when asked.

I’m a dog walker and dog blogger and you can imagine the questions I get when it comes to the health of our pets and end-of-life decisions for them too.

“Am I doing the right thing?” people ask. “What would you do?”

And what I say to them is this:

“There is no right or wrong. You’re doing the best you can.”

So that’s what I’ve been telling myself with Ace.

You do the best you can.

All I can do is go with my best instincts, listen to our vets, discuss with my husband and observe how Ace is doing. And consider financial limitations too.

Sometimes the right decisions are obvious.

Usually, they are not.

We’re comfortable with the decisions we’ve made so far, and I’m hoping to get some more answers soon. I’m hoping and praying (begging God, actually) that a second surgery will give Ace another year or two (or five!).

But I also want to be realistic about how much we want to put our almost 10-year-old dog through and how far we’re willing to go financially. There are no right answers here.

It’s heartbreaking.

Ace

What I could really use is your thoughts for Ace as we move forward with more appointments and decisions.

Ace’s issue does not seem to be life threatening at the moment (that we know of) but it is causing him some pain and discomfort. Our walks are slow and short and we spend a lot of time lounging around.

All your comments, emails and positive thoughts have meant a lot to me.

Thank you.

-Lindsay (and of course Ace!)

P.S. We still have fun! See:

Ace and me

Related posts:

Planning for the end of your pet’s life – difficult questions

How much should I spend on my pet’s vet bills?

My dog has a wound that won’t heal

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Nancy Pumphrey

Monday 22nd of February 2016

Dear Lindsay, Sending best wishes for you, Ace and his doctors. Our last Rhodesian lived to be 14 1/2. He had Addison's Disease and required lots of medicine We thought we had reached the end twice when a change in meds made him comfortable, increased his energy and increased his quality of life. I hope that Ace will perk up and give you more happy, healthy years. Savor and enjoy all the happy moments you share with Ace. Best of luck and health you you both.

Elaine

Sunday 21st of February 2016

Hey Lindsay, I just wanted to send you some good thoughts and vibes and I hope things get resolved with Ace soon and he gets back to feeling better and chasing those tennis balls with lots of gusto again. Hang in there. :)

Lindsay Stordahl

Sunday 21st of February 2016

Thank you!

Jana Rade

Saturday 20th of February 2016

Very few decisions are straightforward, unfortunately. How should one know what is the best thing to do? Since there is pain, I would go with the CT scan and go from there. I think you do need to know what is going on in there.

Lindsay Stordahl

Saturday 20th of February 2016

Thank you Jana

Jennifer

Friday 19th of February 2016

Such a tough time. I hope you can find peace in the decisions you make for your beloved Ace. It's so hard for so many reasons, as you've listed. But Ace knows he can trust you and loves you without reservation. I wish him speedy recovery and many more walks with you.

Lindsay Stordahl

Saturday 20th of February 2016

Thank you

Isaiah

Thursday 18th of February 2016

Walk your dog or pull him/her in a waggon every morning. Love and Pet him/her every time you walk by and when the end comes you will be devastated but you gave him/her ALL THE LOVE YOU HAD and that will comfort you....

Lindsay Stordahl

Thursday 18th of February 2016

Thank you