As the owner of a three-legged pup we know how tough it can be seeing your four-legged friend turn into a tripod. Balancing on three legs can be transitionally tough for newly amputated dogs, but we can't begin to imagine how hard it is when you weigh in at 180 lbs.
Gibson, a seven-year-old Harlequin Great Dane and five year Guinness World Record holder for tallest dog (he stands 7-feet tall on his hind legs) was diagnosed earlier this year with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that affects between 6,000 and 8,000 dogs annually. Seven weeks post-surgery he's doing great, though he's still adjusting to balancing on just one front leg. We wish Gibson many more years defending his record title!
Gibson, a seven-year-old Harlequin Great Dane and five year Guinness World Record holder for tallest dog (he stands 7-feet tall on his hind legs) was diagnosed earlier this year with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that affects between 6,000 and 8,000 dogs annually. Seven weeks post-surgery he's doing great, though he's still adjusting to balancing on just one front leg. We wish Gibson many more years defending his record title!
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My rottie had the same disease. His leg was almost broken. The vet recommended amputation. I thought about it. It would have only saved him about 6 months. I loved him too much to do that to him. If I kept him alive it would only have been for my comfort. Rest in peace, pretty dane. If it ever happens to me I would prefer to go down. God Bless the Critters.
You did the right thing. I also had to make that choice when cancer attacked my beautiful lab's heart. I could have kept her alive for a few more weeks just for my comfort but when I saw her in the hospital, not able to catch her breath, the light had left her beautiful eyes and I knew what I had to do. Letting them go is the hardest thing to do but giving them comfort and taking away their pain is the biggest gift of love that you can give them. After all they have loved us all unconditionally.
Isn't it a shame, those people that like animals more than other people?
I think that people like their animals more than other people because animals are typically always good, nice, and love you no matter what; whereas people can turn on you and go out of their way to hurt you. I think it's actually pretty reasonable for people to like their animals more than other people, to a certain point.
Why is it when someone feels for an animal, they are automatically put down as caring for animals more than people? So what? We are all the same - all animals - all living on an earth that people have basically overpopulated, polluted, ravaged and destroyed.
Whoever said humans have dominion over animals? God did? Who said God said that? It was humans, after all, who made the rules, wrote the rules and now command that we all obey the frickin rules of all those dogmatic, stupid and oppressive religions.
Good luck to the dog. The cancer is probably one caused by vaccinations for animals - put into the legs b/c it's a good place as the doctors know that's where the cancer will appear from the vaccination - and they know ahead of time it's easier to amputate.
and I wonder why?!
Nope. Animals are far loyaler than people, and they are infinitely more loving than people. Give me a dog any day.
That's usually for a reason.For instance maybe the people that they have to deal with are arrogant, and self centered.Know anyone like that?
Maybe if the world wasn't filled with ignorant, hateful, backstabbing people I would like them more. But until people in this world can stop hating each other and accept everyone for who he/she is, then I'm going to love my dog more than people.
you are a foolish person.
Why is that a shame??? We have brought these animals from their natural habitats to do work and spend their lives with us for our tasks. We should show them this love, compassion, and feelings as we are all they have now to show this too as well. Domesticated animals only have us to rely on, where people can communicate and efficiently express their feelings and thoughts, these hopeless animals cannot.
Maybe if people acted with the same kind of unconditional love animals have we would like animals more than people. Dogs don't see in color they love you no matter what and aren't judging you. You are someone who has no love for animals at all. So I ask what is wrong with you? We can learn a lot from animals. I have seen Gibson and I hope he will adjust to his leg and be around for a long time. There is nothing wrong with liking animals more than people. As a song goes I heard a few years ago. The more people I meet the more I like my dog. Amen!
I like people OK, but dogs are faithful, loyal, adoring animals. They do not bite the hand that feeds them. They do not have wars. They do not murder each other. Sorry, animals get my vote.
I don't think it's selfish to save a dog like this. He doesn't seem to be wanting for anything. He looks pretty happ and would do much better after fully adjusting. If he could be saved and live happily, I would do anything for my pooch. If it would be prolonging the inevitable, I would love him for as long as I could, but never let him go through a lot of pain or anything else that would traumatize his last bit of time.
Tom isn't it a shame that your love is so exclusive to exclude animals. Not only do I love my pets and all other animals I also love my fellow humans and don't treat any of them with malice and cruelty. All earth's creatures are precious and deserve to be treated the way you yourself want to be treated. And my charity dollars not only go to the ASPCA but St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in equal amounts.
Maybe you should try it and not be so judgmental of those who more freely give love and affection without species limitations. It just might make you a more agreeable person.
Jerri:
It is the animal that brings dirt, etc. into one's house. Yicky, dirty things. You have yickiness, hair, etc. on your clothes, bed, near and in your food, etc. (Unsanitary for some, me included.)
Enjoy your animals, I enjoy (my) people. To each his own.
I could see birds, turtles, and fish, but my Lord, how could one rightfully keep a caged bird? For wasn't it meant to fly - torture, inhuman?
All, love your animals, but most of the time you are turning your back and shunning another person. If one says he/she gets unconditional love from an animal, I reply, love a person from the get-go, and you will get that respect back. I have worked with the abused, and I saw in that context how God put us above the animals. We are the masters of this planet.
Tom, I am completely confused by your comment. So, just because I love my dog, I am shunning some random stranger? I'm sorry, but your logic is just a wee bit flawed. Maybe you had a bad experience with an animal when you were younger? My dog is wonderful and has actually brought more people into my life than before I had her. We meet people on walks and at dog parks that otherwise would have been unknown to us. And as far as being clean, I have to tell you, I have seen many more dirty people in my life!!
I'd rather get bit by a dog than Tom Cole. I know a dogs bite is far cleaner than Tom's
Jerri, I couldnt agree with you more!! Tom you my friend are more dilusional than most! You have never known love till you have the unconditional love of an animal! As far as your statement "If one says he/she gets unconditional love from an animal, I reply, love a person from the get-go, and you will get that respect back." I beg to differ I loved my ex-husband with all that i was and that "person" tried to kill me. Ive never had an animal try to kill me! Ive never been bitten, chased or harmed by an animal! I have rescued people who turned out to be sooo ungrateful. I have yet to have an animal crap on my feelings or stab me in the back when i have resuced them.....We are all gods creatures Great and Small remember that the next time you say animals are Yickey!
I also had a harly, She was 12 when she passed, also of bone cancer. By the time we found it it was to late to save her. I would rather have her with me now with 3 legs then not at all. Danes are wonderful dogs,people really misjudge them. They are the sweetest, lovingness thing. They are really big babies. I am so happy that your baby made it. Love him & pamper him. God Bless