After being with my family for 17 years, Marley’s time to leave us finally came. In April, we found out Marley had melanoma, a skin cancer, after finding a small bump in his mouth. We acted quickly and found a vet dental clinic to surgically remove the melanoma from his gums. Sad we had to remove one side of his gums, but fortunately, he was still able to eat normally and was still a happy puppy. Then after the surgery, also gave him the melanoma vaccine to help get rid of any cancer cells that potentially spread to his body. However, the oncologist shared that the vaccine has not worked for all dogs, and there are still tests being done to improve it. But I still decided to give him the vaccine since that’s currently the only treatment for melanoma in dogs to give him his best chance.
Since the surgery, Marley was still happy, although a little weaker and older, but he was still as happy as ever. But then this month found out some dreadful news. On Aug 2, took him to the emergency since he had been experiencing a lot of coughing for the past couple of days. During that visit they took X-rays, and found out that the cancer had unfortunately spread to his lungs. That was the dreadful day the vet told me that the vaccine did not work, and Marley only had 1 month left to live and there was nothing we could do.
I was devastated, but still did not want to give up. So the week after we went to the oncologist, and she shared we could try giving Marley oral chemo which could potentially extend a dog’s life between 2-24 months. Luckily the oral chemo was not too expensive, and also oral chemo for dogs is a lower dose than what is given to humans. So we decided to try it and also started medication to help with the coughing. So thankful to Peter for handling all of Marley’s medications since he’s a pharmacist. He managed about 6-7 new medications, and made sure to give them all at the proper times, and also made sure to give specific medications separately since some were not good to take together.
For the past 2 weeks, seemed like Marley was getting better and his cough was finally under control. But then suddenly things took a turn this past Thurs 8/15 when he wasn’t going pee. That morning he did actually pee, poop, and eat, but then that afternoon, suddenly he didn’t want to anymore. Then finally at night when it got close to 12 hours that he didn’t pee, also threw up twice, and was looking weaker and was not walking properly, we decided to take him to the emergency and deep down we knew it was his time.
He could have started more medication, and they told us he would probably need to be hospitalized, and that’s when we realized it was time to let go. We didn’t want to see him suffer anymore, and we’re so thankful he held on for as long as he did and gave us many years of memories and happiness. Peter, King, and I were with him and glad to share that he was still a happy puppy up until he passed, and I will always remember him and the happiness he brought to us every single day.
Thank you to friends and family who have reached out to support us during this hard time. Marley was a big part of our family and so thankful he lived for as long as he did and for all of the happiness he gave. More things to share, but will end this for now. Thank you to everyone who has met him and spent time with him. I know he loved everyone he met, both pets and humans.
Miss you and love you forever my baby puppy ❤️
-Carolyn 💜
Carolyn Grace 