Hyde Pod's Story

Day 12 – Hyde is done with his Rimadyl, so yesterday and today he has been on Tramadyl (1 pill -2x per day) glucosamine (1 pill-2x per day) and 1 fish oil pill each day. I’ve changed his diet from dog food to human food. Over the last several days I’ve been researching “The Cancer Diet,” and finding information about what foods he should eat to help him fight off and slow down cancer. There was nothing wrong with his dog food, he was eating Blue Buffalo Life Solutions Formula, which is great dog food, but I felt that he would be happier eating human food. Happy Hyde = Motivated Hyde = Stronger Hyde!

To say Hyde is spoiled is an understatement… but what I tell him is good dogs get good things and he’s simply the best. I bought a carpet to put under the couch so he wouldn’t slip jumping up or down. I was supposed to wait until the stitches come out (Wednesday), but as you can see Hyde tested out the new carpet and he’s happy as can be in his old spot.

I scheduled an appointment for this Friday at a Natural Vet. It’s called “Natural Pet Animal Hospital and Apawthecary” it’s Dr. Karen Becker’s practice in Bourbonnais, IL, we’ll be seeing one of her colleagues. I had a chance to talk with 2 vets today, one traditional and this one. Over the phone I asked questions about cost, typical treatments, and how open/closed minded they were to trying various therapies. I’ve been researching and finding different supplements, food diets, treatments that people have done to support their dogs, I wondered if I brought some information with me, how open they would be to discussing it/using it etc. The traditional vet immediately acted like I was crazy for thinking of doing anything but Chemo/Radiation. The Natural Vet said we want to work with you, talk things through and do whatever is best for Hyde. I understand everyone has their own path/beliefs. I just like the feeling of someone working with me, also not ruling out possibilities, and looking at Hyde, not the treatment.

Here’s my thoughts for now: From everything I’ve been told/read about Chemo/Radiation will “double” the amount of time I have left with Hyde. So if I have 2 months, I’ll get 4, 4 months I’ll get 8 etc. Some dogs are really effected by the treatment and others don’t skip a beat. Chemo/Radiation slow down the rate of cancer, but they don’t cure the dog. For now, the side effects seem to great of a risk for me. I don’t want to chance the time I have left with Hyde is spent dealing with side effects/illness. I want him to be happy and strong and I believe I can find the right protocol with natural remedies/supplements and supportive diet that will do that for him. I’m very excited to hear what this doctor will help me with- I will share all about it afterwards.