Managing Dog Cancer: Updates, Care Tips, and Support

I suppose I should just say cancer sucks. Because it really does. Emmett’s cancer is top-of-mind right now because he has his second leg check today. We actually had him at the vet’s a little over a week ago because he had a bump forming in the scar, which we worried was the start of another tumor. The vet felt confident that it was simply scar tissue, so he’s going back today to have it re-checked. Luckily, over the past week or so, it doesn’t seem to have gotten any bigger, which is a very good sign. His lung x-ray follow up has also been scheduled for the 27th. That’s the one I’m really worried about, so for now we’re just holding our breath.

In other news: We’re watching our neighbor’s super adorable puppy this weekend. She’s been here for about 45 minutes and already Lucas can barely stand! He tries so hard to keep up with the youngsters even though, at 3, he gets tired way faster. So far the only pause in their running/wrestling has been when all three settled down with a toy.

This will be a very fun weekend for the boys with lots of puppy playtime. Lucas in particular loves nothing more than a pup willing to chase him around the backyard for hours, which Cady is more than happy to do!

Lastly, I’ve been meaning to update about the 30-day Challenge. Up front I have to admit: I haven’t hit 20 minutes every day. That being said, we’ve been working on “place” almost daily. Because of the weird shape of our living room, I decided that “place” had to be the tile surrounding the fireplace because it’s far enough away from the front door that Lucas couldn’t launch himself outside, but it’s still within eyeline. They’re doing pretty well on the concept, except Emmett keeps pushing Lucas off the place to get his treat. Need to work on it one at a time, I suppose! I have had a lot of opportunity to work on “enough” with Lucas. There’s a lot of construction going on next door, and he loves nothing more than to let those workmen know that they are not welcome in our yard… so that’s given me ample opportunity to practice “enough.” I think we’re making strides. Well, as long as I’m nearby. If Lucas is downstairs and I’m upstairs, the “enough” command isn’t enough. Not yet anyway. Time to double my efforts and really commit to the 20 minutes per day!