THE LOOK ..the eyes say it all...

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Last night Brutus gave me the look that he is winding down..

these eyes say it all....

There is no spunk in his eyes like he did 10 days ago at the Mid Florida Fun Show .....PLEASE PICS BELOW

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Osteosarcoma Sucks Part 3 Progression

3 MONTHS 19 DAYS POST DIAGNOSIS .. I have been very saddened and angry that he is having to going through this. WHY HIM ?? Why is it moving so quickly? We have known now for almost 4 months that he has Osteosarcoma but I wonder how long he had it prior to diagnosis . I look back now and remember at the beginning of the year that he when I took him for a walk he would go but didn't want to walk for too long and always uncharacteristically pulled to go back home ( Brutus has always been an easy walker on the lease). I always thought it was because he was obsessive about his "room" and his toys and just wanted to get home. But maybe it was because his hips and leg was hurting him....In the true Pit Bull form, he never complained.

Below are some updated pictures of the progression of the tumor. I truly hope that this will help other owners to know what to expect when their dog has been diagnosed with this horrible bone eating cancer.

May 12Left lower leg

                                                    May 12, 2007  left lowe leg

                                                              Taken 08/20/11


                                                   This picture was taken on 08/20/11

                                                   Taken on 08/20/2011

                                 Taken 08/30/11 now measuring 10" and 6" in length ...




Today 08/30/11 it is measuring at 10" circ and 6" in length.. this has grown considerably since the first measurements .The skin is tight, rock solid hard and other the inside it is red and hot to touch. His foot is swelling up , my geuss would be that the tumor is cutting off the circulation to the foot area. He has not put his leg down in quite a few days . He Still goes out side to his business but spends less time outside. He is still wanting to eat. He is still eating his meatballs with his meds in (meds have increased to 150 mg of Rimadyl. He now has taken a liking to PUBLIX CHEESE AND BEEF wet dog (which hasnt cause his allergies to flair up too much ) and every other day I make him 2 slices of fresh liver.

BOOYAH THERES MY NOSE

BAM THERE IT IS !!!!



YOU know you want to kiss it ...so many have .....come and get yourself some ..Free Nose Nuzzles
Love Brutus

The many names of Brutus

Brutus has numerous names .. his Registered call name is Marcus Junius Brutus.
Please see my second and third blogs which tells how and why the name BRUTUS was given to him. (hint hint, history buffs.. does Julius Ceasar ring any bells?)

Over the years he has been given many endearing nick names such as :

Daddy calls him Bubba

Momma calls him Bru ..Lickey Lou Bru, Boo, Boo-Boo, boobers, boots , Boot in boots, Bruboy,
Momma's Handsomes, Bruts

his boy Markie calls him Saint Bru and Bru Buddy

The granchildren call him Boo-Boos due to his skin allergies and now his big leg boo boo.

Lately I have been calling him Momma's Brave Boy

Brutus' four legged family Part 2 Sleepy time

Shaft, Ninnie and Brutus

Brutus and Ninnie

SHAFT AND BRUTUS Sharing "their Boy Brian's Bed" Brutus and Shaft in the hallway ( at one time they were inseparable
Hey look at our noses ... time for Bedtime kisses

Brutus' four legged family part one

Brutus and Shaft ..chilling in the yard.
Look how handsome and healthy Bru was and what the heck is up with Shafties Crazy ears!

BRUTUS AND NINNIE NOSES ...
THE BOYS CHILLING IN THE HOUSE ON A HOT SUMMER DAY

BRU AND NINNIE GETTING THEIR "PLAY ON "

EEEKS!! BRUTUS HAS BEEN TETHERED!!

OMG!!
CALL OUT THE ANIMAL RIGHT NUTS, THEIR FACTORY WORKERS AND THEIR LOCAL HATE MONGERING GOSSIP COLUMN (FACEBOOK) ...AS THE JIG IS UP!! THEY NOW HAVE THE PROOF THEY ARE LOOKING FOR ......

MY POOR DOGS ARE VICTIMS OF THE TETHER AND I AM AN AWFUL TETHERER!!!

This was taken in 2003..when people still had rights to do what ever they wanted with their dogs without fear that some crazy animal rights nuts would turn you into the local government.


My poor lonely dogs , Miss TaTonka, Shaft and Baby Brutus where tethered to the tree .. all three of them together...OH NO ..NOT THREE LARGE BREED DOGS , 2 BEING PIT BULLS.. DANGEROUSLY TETHERED TO A TREE..which by some peoples views can make them aggressive and thus will maul a child walking by... (middle finger to the Animal Rights Nutters currently invading our county)

At least they had a water bowl and it has water in it ..if this picture had panned to the side you would have seen me and my son washing our cars and we wanted to let the dogs get some sun and air. We did not have a fence as of yet so we responsibly tethered them to the tree . Can you image the uproar from my community if all three were loose and possibly running the streets?

I do not tether my dogs ..they are house dogs . However I do not feel that I was put on this earth to judge others who do. My dogs have taught me not to judge a book by its cover. Same goes with outside dogs.. not all out door tethered dogs are unloved and neglected.

I am only writting about this on my Beloved Brutus' site because he has brought so much to my life. He brought so many different people to me.some awesome..some not so great.. but these are the lessons he is here to teach me....

My stance on all this craziness in our county is simple:

1. Don't ban tethering as you are messing with my rights to do what I want with MY dogs on MY property.

2. Strengthen the laws that are currently on the books so that the Animal Control Officers can go on to the property to access each situation and if need be educate the owner on responsible ownership. Many owners are just clueless and an ounce of education might help.

3. If there is neglect and clear evidence of animal cruelty give the authority to the ACO's to remove the animal in order to protect and or save the animal from any further harm or death.

4. To all the Animal Rights Activist that are raking in all kinds of donations to their organization- why don't you use that money to educate the public instead of using it for your own agenda?. Not Once have you actually worked in our community, to try and do any kind of outreach program. Instead you just want to come in, conquer and then move on to your next unsuspecting county and thus raking in more $$$. I have challenged these people to come do the hard work, to go out into the community and educate on their cause, yet they have chosen not to..so to the AR nutters...YOU DO NOT AND WILL NOT EVER HAVE MY RESPECT, MY VOTE OR ANY OF MY $$$

.

what to do

Dr Abadia and staff

Brutus has been going to BIG BEND ANIMAL HOSPITAL for as long as I can remember.

They never looked down on him or us when we would rush Brutus in for emergency care due to his numerous and infamous house fights with Shaft or Ninnie. They understood the bred completely. They offered "options" yet never scolded or forced anything on us. Never once did they tell me that he needed to be put down because "he was unstable and a danger to society" per another vet in our area.

Dr Abadia has always been very gentle with all three of my dogs. He is more familiar with Brutus due to all the allergy issues he has had.

The day that Brutus was diagnosised with this cancer, Dr Abadia professionally yet compassionately advised me of all the options, even spending more time than he actually had as he had a family member waiting to be picked up.

3 MONTHS 15 DAYS POST DIAGNOSIS

Pictures taken 8/27/11

Well, deep breath and sigh.... it is the end of August and Brutus is now 3 months 15 days post diagnosis.
2 months longer than I thought that he would be here.

(please hit the blue icon words to link to my previous blogs on these topics)

He has slowed down sooo much and the deteration is showing physically. His attitude is still strong yet not as strong as it was 3 weeks ago. He still gets up when some one is at the door but not with the same gusto as before. He lets himself be known to whom ever is there and then he goes to lay down once the all clear has been given. He still goes to the garage for our GARAGE TIME and will catch the ball maybe once or twice. He then will take the ball and go to his blanket in the living room where I will play "sit catch" with him a few more times until he has had enough. I let him go out side in the front yard with out a leash. I preach leash safety but at this point who cares ? He only stays for a few mintues before wanting to go back inside (to be fair ... it is hot outside though, 93 degrees today ). This past Monday, the Grandchilren came over and he was all excited and couldnt get or give enough kisses and it didnt bother him in the least that they were using him as thier personal pillow and tail tugging toy. ("Thump, Thump. Thump" said the Happy Tail )


An old Friend Mark Lucas came by and visited. Mark is one of the victims of Brutus' killer tail when Brutus was in his prime. Mark always enjoyed the tail whippings and commented that he was sad to see that his tail thumps weren't as strong as they used to be but was glad to see it still moving . He gave his "Buddy" a good rubbing and sweet moments of love.


The tumor is HUGE , taking up almost his whole mid leg front and back. The skin is so tight, I fear it will split open soon. If this should happen before we get "the dreaded look", Danny and I have decided that it will be the day we have to say good bye. At that point, I am sure the pain will be too much and asking him to stay any longer would be out of our pure selfishness and not what is best for him.

At this point in the game , He is not showing us any clear signs of pain .. he is only resting/sleeping more. He is not licking or biting the area, no heavy breathing or panting , doesnt seem to be restless when he rests .. which are indicators of pain. I know in my heart he is in pain but just how much , I can't determine...

Right now it is a waiting game. I fear he will not give us "THE SIGN" and we will have to make the call for him or the cancer injuries will make the call sooner than later .. I am clinging to the IF HE IS HAVING MORE BETTER DAYS THAN WORSE mantra . Yet I am trying to ready myself for what will be coming within the next week or two if not sooner.

I am thankful to have had this extra time with him and I am making sure he knows how much we love him and how precious he is to our family.

Brutus Mid Month update

These pictures were taken Early to mid August.

On August 11th I took Brutus for his vet check and lab work . His lab work showed at the time that the Liver, kidneys and ect are doing fine. His tumor has grown bigger and the vet spoke to me about making sure he was on his medicine and not to miss a dosage for pain management purpose. He agreed that Brutus still had a lot of spunk in him. He spent a long time with us and gave Brutus a lot of love and attention. It felt like he wasnt ready to see Brutus go either and he wanted to spend more time with him. Since Brutus was a puppy this is the only vets office that has ever treated him. Thus this is sad for them as well.

At this time in mid August he still has spunk. He went to the MFAPBTA monthly fun show ..and he showed just how much spunk he still had as he "FIRED" off at dogs he felt were challenging him. No hesitation .. jumped up and fired off!! Normally I would correct him but at this point in his life I felt like ..WHAT THE HECK?? FIRE OFF OLD BOY FIRE OFF.

Random Pictures

Professional Photo Shoot

Quality of Life scale- Today was a good day!

FACEBOOK:

MY FACEBOOK COMMENT:

Brutus had an awesome day yesterday. He spent time with people who love and accept him as the wonderful "game dog" that he is.. HE GOT TO GET HIS GROWL AND HIS HUNT ON.. He got to show his true spirit!! What a wonderous PITTIE-FULL day
Belinda Diaz -Sweetest dog ever!!
Rhonda Gibson- yee haw for Brutus and ya'll over there !

people who indicate like / showing their support !
Tracy Sanderson.Diane Jones.John Appoloney.Eric Emminger.Elizabeth Williamson.Becky Hudson Moyer.

Josephine Talamage.

COMMENTS FROM BELINDA'S FACEBOOK COMMENTS Belinda Diaz
I am so lucky to have finally met brutus today. I love you chica!!!! Give him a big hug for me.
Debbie Malott likes this..
Debbie Malott --Brutus is da man!!!
Renae Biggs - brutus has you at hello. what a lover he is ..
Belinda Diaz He sure does renae. Such a sweet soul. ♥
Cris Jimenez -Thank you guys for loving on him and taking a lot of pics.. I am so happy he had the chance to meet you guys and had a chance to get his "growl on" ..amoung people who understand 6 hours ago · LikeUnlike...

Why dogs don't live as long as people

Brutus winking as to say "you figured out our secret"


Tis little tidbit was sent to me by a dear friend Ellie Strom who is the proud owner of Pit bull mix Luna

Why dogs don't live as long as people
By Robin Dowing, DVM
From all-creatures.org


Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owner, his wife, and their little boy were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, the owners told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old boy to observe the procedure. They felt he could learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. The little boy seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.

Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.

We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

The little boy, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybody and being nice, right?" The four-year- old continued, "Well, animals already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Stories Table of Contents

Quality of Life Scale

WOW .. this has helped me tremendously .. as I have been struggling with this the last few days. The feelings of quilt and sadness have become emotionally exhausting and I have lost my sense of objectivity... But since we are living with the " "taking it day by day" mantra , we will try to use this scale to help us with judging Brutus' quality of life.

Quality of Life Scale
Oncology Outlook for VPN June 25, 2004 By Dr. Alice Villalobos

“HHHHHMM” Quality of Life Scale helps decision-making.
There is a real need for assessing various levels of quality of life for aging, ailing and terminally ill pets. Most geriatric animals have one or more abnormal conditions that appeared in their senior years and these conditions generally worsen with time. One third of them are obese. Additionally, half of our nation’s companion animals, over the age of ten, become burdened with cancer and its related treatment issues. Veterinarians are frequently asked, “When is the right time to euthanize my beloved pet? How will I know?” A quality of life scale may help everyone, especially those in denial, to look at issues that are difficult to face. Caretakers can use this itemized scale to ask themselves if they are able to provide enough help to maintain an ailing pet in the proper fashion.

Every animal has certain desires that should be recognized and respected. If we can meet these basic desires at a satisfactory level for our ailing companion animals, then we are justified in preserving the life of the ill pet during its steady decline toward death. The goal in setting up the Quality of Life Scale is to provide a guideline so that pet owners can maintain a rewarding relationship that nurtures the human animal bond. This scale will relieve guilt feelings and engender the support of the veterinary team to actively help in the care and decision making for end of life, “pawspice” patients.

The basic desires that are innate to the quality of life for sick pets should not and cannot in good consciousness be ignored. It is up to the veterinary profession and to the pet’s individual caretaker to design an end of life program (Pawspice) or pet hospice that encounters each factor and deals with it openly and honestly with an achievement of quality of life scale from one to ten. Ten is the best. Below is a proposed list of the basic desires that need both healer and caretaker’s attention. I have christened this scale with the name “HHHHHMM,” so it is easy to remember the desires we want to satisfy: Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility and More good days than bad days. A score above 5 on most of these Quality Issues is
acceptable in maintaining a pet hospice, pawspice or end of life program. Each pet’s situation needs individualization and a kind, supportive approach.

The HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale

Hurt—0-10No hurt: adequate pain control is first and foremost on the scale. This includes the pet’s ability to breath properly. Most people do not realize that not being able to breath is ranked at the top of the pain scale so attention to the pet’s ability to breath is a top priority. Some families are willing to provide oxygen therapy at home for their ailing pets and the veterinarian can prescribe it through a medical supply house. Pain control may include oral, transdermal and injectable medications.


Hunger—0-10
Hunger-No hunger: if adequate nutrition is not being taken in by the pet willingly or by hand or force feeding, then placement of a feeding tube needs to be considered. Cats do very well with esophageal feeding tubes. Malnutrition develops quickly in sick animals when the caretaker is not educated. Instruct owners to use a blender or liquid diets to help their best friend maintain proper nutritional and caloric intake.

Hydration—-0-10
No hydration problems. SQ fluids are a wonderful way to supplement the fluid intake of ailing pets. It may take a few sessions for a pet owner to get the hang of this helpful procedure. It makes end of life care a very special event.

Hygiene—0-10
Can the pet be kept brushed and cleaned? Is the coat matted? Is the pet situated properly so that it won’t have to lie in its own soil after eliminations? Pets, especially cats with oral cancer can’t keep themselves clean, so they get demoralized quickly. The odor associated with necrotic, oral tumors can be offensive and cause social rejection by family members. Instruct the owner to use antibiotics to help reduce foul smelling infections. Using a sponge (dampened with a very dilute solution of lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide) the gentle stroking action of a “mother tongue” on the face, paws and legs helps to soothe and clean the
of cats. Dogs love this type of grooming too!

Happiness—-0-10
Is the pet able to experience any joy or mental stimulation? It is easy to see that our pets communicate with their eyes. They know what is going on via their senses and mental telepathy. Is the ailing pet willing to interact with the family and be responsive to things going on around him? Is the aging cat able to purr and enjoy being on the bed or in one’s lap? Is there a response to a bit of catnip? Can the cat bat at toys or look and follow a laser light? Can the ailing pet enjoy the upbeat greetings and petting of loving family members? Can the pet’s bed be moved close to the family’s activities and not left in an isolated or neglected area? Is the pet depressed, lonely, anxious, bored or afraid?

Mobility—-0-10.
Ask, is the pet able to move around enough on its own or with help in order to satisfy its desires? Does the pet feel like going out for a walk? Is the pet showing CNS signs, seizures or stumbling? Can the pet be taken outdoors or helped into the litter box to eliminate with assistance? Will a harness or a sling or a cart be helpful? Is medication helping?

The answer to the mobility question has viable and variable scenarios and the scale score is acceptable anywhere from 0-10. I have met some utilitarian pet owners who are way too rigid in the mobility area. For instance, they are regretfully but willing to sacrifice their pet’s life rather than elect amputation of a limb. Some pet owners have the honest yet teleological feeling that amputation is mutilation and not fair to the pet. Instead, they allow the pet bear a painful limb for months before euthanasia. Then there are cases like 12 year-old, male, 90 pound, Golden Retriever, Krash Pancino of Orange County. Krash’s mobility was already borderline when he entered our pawspice program with osteosarcoma of his left distal radius. His history precluded amputation because of severe DJD, degenerative myelitis, and severe arthritis of both knees and hip dysplasia. Krash wears a splint to offset a pathological fracture
In my opinion, the mobility scale can be variable from 0 to 10. The need for mobility seems dependant on the species and breed. Cats and small lap dogs can and do enjoy life with much less need for mobility ability than large and giant breed dogs. If the pet is compromised and is only able to lie in bed, is there a schedule to change the position of the pet and rotate the body at least as often as every two hours? Can the pet’s bed be moved around the house to keep the pet entertained and in the family’s company? Atelectasis and decubital ulcers must be avoided. The nursing care of large immobile dogs is very demanding. Is the bedding material soft enough? Can an egg crate mattress be used and set up properly to avoid decubital ulcers? Is there a role for a pet mobility cart or an Evans standing cart? These items really make a difference in the Quality of Life for the pet that has limited mobility yet is still alert and responsive.

More Good Days Than Bad Days. 0-10
Ask if there are more good days than bad days. When there are too many bad days in a row, (or if the pet seems to be “turned off” to life), the quality of life is too compromised. Bad days are filled with undesirable experiences such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, frustration, seizures, etc. Bad days could be from the profound weakness from anemia, or from the discomfort caused by an obstruction or a large, inoperable tumor in the abdomen This was the situation with my own dear Australian Shepard, Alfie, (VPN, Dec., 2004) who had a huge, undifferentiated mass rapidly overtake his liver. If the two-way exchange needed to communicate and maintain a healthy human-animal bond is just not there, the pet owner must be gently told that the end may be near. It is very difficult for families to make the final decision to end a beloved pet’s life with euthanasia.

This is especially avoided when euthanasia is against the pet owner’s religious beliefs. Sometimes they are not sure about the very last quality of life issues. It can be made more clear to them if the standard scale for Quality of Life is set ahead of time and re-evaluated every couple of weeks or every few days as the situation requires. If the pet is slowly passing on with a peaceful tranquility, then that may be a satisfactory situation. People often do want their pet to pass on naturally at home in their arms or in their own bed. That is Okay as long as the pet is just weakening steadily and not suffering to death. Home euthanasia with a kindly house call vet may be elected. Hopefully, the concept of a Scale for Quality of Life will facilitate the heart wrenching decision that euthanasia truly is. Hopefully our professional guidance can help relieve the angst and regret about a beloved pet’s death that often haunts rest of a pet owner’s life.

Oncology Outlook for VPN June 25, 2004 By Dr. Alice Villalobos

How do I say good bye?

Life is about changing.
Nothing ever stays the same.

Signs of Good bye? Maybe ..Maybe Not

Daddy and Brutus time was always spent on the couch sleeping together .. arm in arm , his head on my husbands arm and shoulder where they were practically nose to nose. Face on face

I used to be so jealous that even though Brutus slept in my bed with me everynight he would never snuggle with me like that ..in my arms. He slept on top of me , beside me pushing me off the bed, on my legs yet he never would sleep in my arms or place his face on mine.

Last night he did.... all night .. he wouldnt let me let him go. He placed his neck in the crease of my elbow every time I moved and I woke up to his nose smushed up against mine. I was afraid I suffocated him. Even though I only got three hours of sleep , I enjoyed and dreaded each minute. I fear that he is trying to tell me something ....I think he readying himself to say good-bye.

How do I say good bye?.. it is tearing me up as I know that Brutus needs to go , that I am keeping him here for my own selfish reasons ..as I am too afraid to let him go.. I am too afraid of my own pain and not thinking of his. I am putting off the enevitable because of fear.. I know all to well that DEAD IS DEAD and there isnt any coming back once he is gone.

I know it's suppose to be a blessing to let him be relieved of his suffering. I have said this to many people and have told myself this when I helped a shelter dog pass over. BUT THIS IS MY BRUTUS...THIS ISNT RIGHT..HE IS SOO YOUNG...

I am afraid of the changes that will happen after he leaves.. THe loneliness even though I still have 2 other dogs who need me too. I fear that my passion for the breed will disappear as he was my driving force behind it. That I wont have the fight in me any more to care about that community and all the drama that comes with it .

I am afraid of the change of not having him in my life. How do I say good bye? I am afraid for him .. I am afriad to end his life. I need to some how find the strength to say good bye in the very near future.....

SILLY GOOFY BOY ..another lesson

He still smiles... ok.. Bru .. I am taking the lesson from you.

Smile though your heart is aching,
smile even though you know its breaking
smile through your fears and sorrow.. smile and maybe tomorrow ,
your'll find that life is still worth while ..
if you just smile ...

Day by Day ..and I am afraid

Day by Day ..
Our family is living in the state of "DAY BY DAY". I am living in the state of "Day by Day" as it is too painful to think or dwell on what tomorrow might bring.

Every night before I go to bed I love on Brutus and selfishly pray that he will still be with us in the morning. I know he is declining. The tumor is getting larger and heavier and I know it is getting harder for him to lift his leg up to carry it when he walks. Yet he still jumps up to "go to the garage" , "go see the babies- grandchildren) " or "lets get the mail or go bye bye in the car". He gives it his all.

He cant tell me what his level of pain he is in. Since his kidneys, liver and ect are still good this means that most likely the pain will become so bad and quality of life will give out before his spirit  actually will..which also means that he will most likely not die in his sleep (as I pray) but that we will have to make the hardest decision of our lives to when to say "IT"S TIME TO LET GO".. Everybody says that the the dog will tell you when it's time , but I am afraid that Brutus wont as he is so devoted to us. Sometimes I think I see something that might be telling me .. but my mind wont let me go there ....and then he jumps up and shows me he still has the will to live.

It is so hard .. and I am afraid .. I am not sure that praying for him to be with us the next morning or for just one more day is the right thing. I know I am prolonging the inevitable as he will not get better. He is going to die and there is nothing I can do about it . I am afraid to let go .. I AM SO ANGRY , I am afraid of my actions. I am afraid of what our lives are going to be without him as he has brought so much into our lives. I am afraid to live with out MY BOY ..MY BRUTUS ... but I look at him and he is so brave.... maybe I need to learn this lesson from him.. to stop being afraid and be brave for him......

*** NOTE - NOT EVEN 5 MINTUES AFTER I POSTED THIS .. I FOUND THIS ON FACEBOOK, WHICH WASNT THERE EARLIER THIS MORNING.. wow .. i really needed this .. How do you know when it’s time to release your animal friends from their bodies