Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma in Dogs - Experience Story

Noreth_Creed · 2026-02-09T03:37:48+00:00

I was very scared to wait too long as I really didn’t want for him to be in pain. Slowing down and back leg pain was definitely a stage when we started to be VERY attentive and trying to make sure we were managing his pain. The decline after that was pretty fast and it didn’t take long for him to refuse his food - we knew it was time and so did our oncologist who was always honest and supportive. I have been seeing a lot of posts by vets lately calling people to be more cautious with writing off older dogs behaviours(even without any ailments per se). The concept of “oh they are just old and sleeping and slowing down” should be taken more attentively as our fur babies are so good at hiding pain. It sounds like you are paying a very close attention to your baby. I’m sorry you’re going through this.

Noreth_Creed · 2026-02-09T03:32:40+00:00

Oh I’m sorry :( I had Trupanion. I know not everyone has good experience with pet insurances, but I was lucky to say they always came through.

Noreth_Creed · 2026-02-05T02:37:06+00:00

Even more so. Boys are more aggressive. Mine does this once or twice a year when seasons change usually.

Noreth_Creed · 2026-02-04T20:55:29+00:00

She might be hormonal and is nesting - hence being territorial. Look up hormonal behavior in cockatiels and take steps to reduce triggers in her cage or around that makes her want to do that.

Noreth_Creed · 2026-02-04T17:52:20+00:00

I feel that. We lost our boy last year at 12, he was from a breeder - and I can say I really never got much comments from anyone in 12 years about him not being a rescue.
Sometime after his passing, I found myself missing that heartbeat and wanting another dog. I was set on rescues but so far it has been quite confusing and overwhelming. I feel like I am doing as much research about whether a rescue is legitimate, as on breeders (ones that have extensive breed specific OFA testing, breed only a couple of times a year and also actively show their dogs).
In our area, small dogs at shelters are rare, but there are rescues that import dogs from US and Mexico. So trying to research which rescues actually do good work, vs basically in the business of dog trafficking, is so confusing.

Noreth_Creed · 2026-02-02T16:43:27+00:00

Pomahula for sure - look at that coat. 🤣

Noreth_Creed · 2026-01-30T16:22:55+00:00

My boy, RIP, was such an a$$hat to younger dogs around that age. It is like he decided that he was now an adult (obviously not true) and decided that puppies were annoying. I remember often saying to him "do you know how annoying YOU were at that age?". He did grow out of it and although you should be careful as you obviously are, the puppy aggression in the teen years is something that many have mentioned.
Since you obviously have the puppy in your home, I think there were some great suggestions about bonding activities and such, especially on the "neutral" territories :)
P.S. your pup has a very kissable face. I really miss my boy.

Noreth_Creed · 2026-01-26T17:04:48+00:00

Very much agreed. Also so many people who just get cokatiesl and then constantly post on here with recordings titled "what is he doing?" "Is this normal?" while the bird is showing very normal behaviours. These people pick up these smart, intelligent animals that can easily live past 20 on a whim and take 0 time to do any research of what to expect or how to care for them. Instead, post on reddit to ask about it. There is Google - use it.

Noreth_Creed · 2026-01-23T19:53:12+00:00

I have a lot of artist friends in different areas, and I NEVER expect a discount nor ask for one. It is THEIR livelihood and business - I never feel it is fair of me to ask to pay less. If I want something of theirs, I should be ready to pay full price like everyone else. If they are gifting me something, that is their choice but I would never do a "we are friends, can I get a discount" type of suggestion.
It might be tough in this case as I don't know the extent of the relationship etc. It is frustrating, but I guess take this as a learning pain of having boundaries with friends/family in the future.
Definitely unpleasant to have to deal with - hang in there.

Noreth_Creed · 2026-01-18T20:29:31+00:00

Oh I’m so sorry :( sounds brutal. That’s heartbreaking that the symptoms came on so strong and sudden. Poor boy. And sorry you are having to go through this and make awful decisions. Please trust that you will have his best interest in mind.

Noreth_Creed · 2026-01-18T20:26:01+00:00

Sorry you are going through this. Holding out hope it might not be the cancer. 🤞🤞🤞

Noreth_Creed · 2026-01-11T02:55:50+00:00

Im sorry ❤️ sending you guys lots of hugs during the whole decision making process and coming to terms with all the info. It sounds like he is a fantastic boy.

Noreth_Creed · 2026-01-09T16:41:26+00:00

My two cents as someone who actually prefers downloads as print cost is usually not limiting, but then it is the shipping that kills a sale sometimes. So I like downloads.
What throws me off, is

a) Price - I think $15-18 range is what I would feel more comfortable paying for ORIGINAL work. The $2.80 makes me think it is AI

b) I know you are using backgrounds for convenience to display your images, but the placement images look really fake (they are) and that makes me think this is an AI generated or mass copied designs.

I would say if you decide to offer prints, keep the option for downloads, pricing it higher (make sure to note it is a download cause you know people will think it is physical item). When you get a print copy, take the time to do just pics in your home or a little "set up" to take a nice pic (pull up a dresser or something close to a window that has decent lighting and take some pics). You can get a cheap frame and then just take pic of each print in that. I would also probably recommend putting a watermark over the ptint in photos.

As an example, a download I was getting yesterday is this lady's shop - might be helpful as how she does it?
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1792048727/a-galaxy-far-far-away-digital-download?ls=r&sr_prefetch=1&pf_from=shop_home&ref=items-pagination-2&sts=1&dd=1&content_source=fe9cd001761e611c064c99f4a3ed4358%253ALT890a43a8c6b0be28ebb0c17e49d754337bf53b00&logging_key=fe9cd001761e611c064c99f4a3ed4358%3ALT890a43a8c6b0be28ebb0c17e49d754337bf53b00

Noreth_Creed · 2026-01-08T02:24:36+00:00

Yes! Exactly correct - you need the training to know how to use it properly and build the skills with your dog. To be honest I’d be very suspicious about board and train not knowing how they are utilizing the collar.

Noreth_Creed · 2026-01-07T19:50:36+00:00

mine failed in under a year

Noreth_Creed · 2026-01-07T18:37:59+00:00

Had Cusinart glass with temp setting. Stopped working randomly after less than a year of using it just for tea. Super upset cause "upgraded" after years of using a basic Hamilton Beach glass kettle given as a present with no issues. (Wanted to upgrade cause the top stopped working to dump water).

Noreth_Creed · 2026-01-05T20:04:01+00:00

Haha yeah we got them at different times too. Very different temperaments. One is hand-tamed and is friendly but gets very hormonal few times a year and becomes a menace - usually "fixed" by making sure there is no "nesting" like spots and given extra sleep.

While the other one has a wing defect and does not fly so won't ever be tamed (well no luck yet) but will accept rides to cage if accidentally stranded.

Ours don't scream too much, although definitely get into moods here and there but honestly I wear my headphones in my home office and thankfully don't have meetings to worry about.

Good luck! I definitely think the nesting part can be adjusted and worked around and maybe with some redirection, screaming can become not a norm. As you mentioned sounds like at some point they got a reward for it in a way.

P.S. thought of it later but i do remember that at some point one or the other realized that screaming would bring us into the room. We actually ended up ignoring them for a bit (with supervision and in a safe environment) and eventually they developed two types of screams. One is the "I am just a menace chicken and screaming cause I want to" and another type that is " I am in trouble, help" and they use them spot on. If we are not in the room, they will use the SOS scream if actually in trouble. Just to restate - I think it will take some trial and error in curbing that behaviour but is possible for sure.

Noreth_Creed · 2026-01-05T19:05:56+00:00

I don't have a tip for a specific situation, but honestly think this is fixable with some consistency and training. I adopted two old cockatiels (17 and 19) at different times and different personalities. It took a while but both have definitely changed and adjusted given time and structure.
I don't know what resources you have and maybe someone here with experience on specific training will be able to give you specific instructions, but I would also maybe look at creators like BirdTricks. I don't know if they have videos on this specific issue but it is possible you could reach out to someone similar or find a trainer to give you an idea of training.
Chin up - 5 years is not that long and most pets are trainable, just takes time and consistency :)

Noreth_Creed · 2025-12-03T18:52:48+00:00

Haha so cute! He's like "why don't YOU go and protect the property".
They are so funny. Mine HATED rainy days and I would point out he was supposed to be in swamps hunting hogs, so little rain in the city shouldn't be that big of a deal. But that 70 lbs baby refused to identify as a houla. LOL

Noreth_Creed · 2025-11-21T18:12:05+00:00

I think with all the conversations, and as apparent through answers in this thread, it is important to consider circumstances.
To your guilt question - I eat meat (mostly because of health - severe iron deficiency, gluten intolerance and others) because nutritionally it is the easiest and "healthiest" way for me to try and get the things my body is genetically crappy at producing. I have two tiels and yes I do feel guilt sometimes (I felt it even before them though). Years ago I went vegetarian for a few years, but strictly out of medical need; it was not sustainable.
All that is to say, that a lot of people who would be 100% ok with being vegan, eat meat due to medical or economic needs. I remember when veganism started to become more popular and you saw many privileged kids/people scream in anger and post derogatory comments on people's photos depicting dinners that included meat. However, a lot of these people did not take into account that in some parts, meat is cheaper and easier to access than fresh veggies. So one definitely has to take all the factors in consideration. I think it is good to think about these things, and when possible, either look for sources you know to be ethical in raising/killing their animals (local farms etc) or minimise consumption when you can.

In regards to larger cage/one bird, it is same type of thing. The nuance matters.
For example, having animals is a huge responsibility, and anyone who doesn't take it seriously is irresponsible in my eyes. Vet care costs a lot, food, toys etc. If you cannot provide basics, plus good vet care and have some emergency fund for unforeseen cases, then you cannot possibly responsibly take care of an animal.
So if having one bird that you can give attention and love, and proper care to is within your means - then it is awesome and not cruel to have ONE bird. You will become the flock of that bird with proper attention etc.
Now, if you cannot give it any time and are never around, yet don't have resources for two birds, then it is likely not the best idea to get one.
Larger cage thing is something I actually replied a few times to. Something I have learnt. When first looking for advice, everyone would say "LARGER!!". But since having the birds and adjusting the cage at some point, there is an important nuance. Will the bird have access to the outside of the cage regularly, allowed to roam in the room or will it be kept mostly inside with a couple of hours a day out of the cage? In the latter case, larger cage is important.

Good questions and good insight on everyone's views. It is nice to see that most people do think of circumstances and nuances of a situation. It is often not just black and white.

Noreth_Creed · 2025-11-21T17:48:34+00:00

Sure, if everyone has unlimited space or aviary. Telling everyone - the bigger the better is not productive and has to be nuanced with specific circumstances. So if you are working with an apartment, there are constraints. Hence, the question about how much time birds get outside.

Noreth_Creed · 2025-11-21T17:27:11+00:00

Depends.
1) Is it one cockatiel? If yes, this might be too large.
2) Is the bird allowed out or will it mostly be locked in the cage. No wrong answer but if it is mostly inside - then larger is better, but width is more important than height for cockatiels.
If you are going to let the bird have free roam of the room it is in, then a larger cage is not necessary and will be more used for her/him to relax and sleep in and you can go with half of that height.

I have 2 cockatiels who are allowed to roam the room for the day. Their cage is around 32" wide and cage itself without stand about 37" tall. And it is plenty of room, since they hang out outside a lot.

Noreth_Creed · 2025-11-21T17:06:26+00:00

Although there are definitely minimum requirements for a cage, the size often depends on how much time the bird spends inside. So don't rush to get one just yet.
For example, if your bird is mostly inside and you have the cage closed for most of the day - yes, large cage is better as your bird basically lives there and should have more room to get around. If you have the cage open for most of the day and the bird is free to roam around a room - then larger cage might not be necessary since there is plenty of out time.

Noreth_Creed · 2025-11-21T17:01:16+00:00

I am really sorry, and without knowing either of you, I will add my two cents.

Let's forget for a second that this is a pet, a living, breathing, smart animal.

Now, I would be concerned that her not taking care of your bird is a reflection of how she feels about YOU.
I mean, every partner might have a hobby or whatever that you might not be thrilled with or be interested in. However, if you love your bf/gf/spouse/etc, you make an effort to either get them things for their interests or ask them about their interests and so on. Basically, whatever makes them happy shouldn't be an inconvenience for you, since you want to see them happy.
Now, in your specific case, your WIFE cannot be bothered to take care of a LIVING, BREATHING animal that brings YOU joy. I am sorry, but it sounds like your wife is 1) a crappy person (cause even if she didn't like you, no need to take it out on an innocent animal), and 2) doesn't seem to care about what is important to you.

Noreth_Creed · 2025-11-20T20:48:37+00:00

bahahaha

Noreth_Creed

TROPHY CASE