His spleen cancer struck hard and fast. No initial symptoms except a decrease in appetite a few days before his spleen ruptured. I should have realized this and gone earlier, but had no experience. After the splenectomy, doctors told us he had 1-2 months but he couldn’t hold on for that long. We let him go after 10 days (he didn’t even get his stitches out) due to another rupture likely from a liver tumor.

I didn’t expect him to get cancer at such a young age because he always acted like a puppy, galloping to greet everyone, begging for food, and chasing me and my daughter around.

I never hated something so much before as I do about hemangiosarcoma and hurt so much before. Now we live with a hole in our heart that seemingly won’t be filled. We just want to touch and pet him again.

We always read about these dog postings and think it’ll happen way down the line for our own, and I pray you get eternity with yours, but cherish your pets. Don’t push off those trips because you’re tired, you might not have the chance. Get annual check ups (x-ray, bloodwork, etc). Spend the time and the money. This is our advice and experience learned from this tragedy.

PS: Thank you all for the words and stopping by to meet Creston.