I think we can all agree that senior pups deserve all the love in the world. Even though they may not have the energy they once did, they still fill our days with love and happiness. That’s why we must do all we can to ensure they have the best life possible. Unfortunately, many senior dogs don’t receive this love and care, as not everyone is willing to open their homes to older dogs. Unfortunately, many of them are left to spend their last days in shelters. Serenity, a 12-year-old Pitbull mix, was one such dog at a shelter in Arizona, awaiting a bleak fate.
It’s Never Too Late
Serenity was 12 years old when she was diagnosed with a mammary mass. With no one willing to adopt her, the shelter was forced to place her on the euthanasia list. Fortunately, when a rescue organization from Scottsdale called Love Them All Sanctuary + Rescue learned of her predicament, they immediately took her in, ready to provide her with the medical treatment and nurturing home she desperately needed.
The Scottsdale rescue quickly arranged for surgery to remove the mammary mass, which was identified as a bleeding melanoma tumor. Thanks to generous donations from caring individuals, the rescue covered all of Serenity’s medical costs and placed her in a loving foster home.
One Day At A Time
After a week in her foster home, Serenity received some difficult news at her doctor’s appointment: her tumor had returned as malignant. While the vets are uncertain about the future, every person involved is dedicated to ensuring her days are filled with joy, delicious food, and warm naps.
This situation serves as a reminder to educate ourselves about mammary tumors, which are quite common in dogs, especially unspayed females. It’s important to remember that while 50% of these tumors are cancerous, the other half are not. Not every lump indicates cancer; only malignant tumors are associated with mammary cancer. Surgical intervention is the recommended treatment, but, as seen with Serenity, tumors can sometimes recur post-surgery. Thankfully, additional surgeries can often restore your pup’s health and happiness. If you notice any unusual lumps, don’t panic—just make an appointment with your vet!
