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Dear Readers and faithful friends,

After a number of years of wonderful blogging, this blog has effectively become dormant - except for occasional updates regarding my book, MAXDOG. I have left this blog as a legacy to my dog and a place of sanctuary where we can reflect upon his life. Take your time, peruse the pages spanning Max's 18 months in cyberspace. Feel refreshed and uplifted because his story is an amazing one of..."LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX!"
My activities have now moved on to my new blog entitled "LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX". Please join me there where you can read about my family and canine companions. I also invite you to visit MAXDOG's FANPAGE on FACEBOOK. You can follow the specific links by clicking below:

* 'LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX: click HERE
*MAXDOG'S FACEBOOK FAN PAGE: click HERE
* MAXDOG, the book: click HERE

If you would like to follow me on a deeper, spiritual level, then I invite you to visit my more personal blog:

May God bless you and thank you for following me!
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

MAXDOG's CHRISTMAS TRIBUTE

Thursday, November 12, 2009

A FRUSTRATING DELAY...




Dear Friends

This is just a short, frustrated note to tell you that I was phoned by the Vet this morning, at 12 mid-day, to tell me that they have decided not to operate on Max today, but to refer him to a specialist. They explained that they have examined him from head to toe and have only found the one lump, but they are concerned about his excessive panting. They recommend further tests to be done prior to removing the tumour. We will most probably only be able to get an appointment with the specialist next week sometime.

I'm sorry I can't tell you more, but things seem to happen so slowly around here.

We would also like to say thank you - to you all - for the tidal wave of support and encouragement we are receiving from across the world. It's so incredibly humbling and quite overwhelming. Thank you so much.

With love

Max's mom in SOUTH AFRICA

75 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Caryl - understand your frustration, but I am sure all will work out for the best in the end. As Max is so Special, he needs the best care of a Specialist!

Lots of love, Margie & the Danes

Anonymous said...

Hi Caryl - understand your frustration, but I am sure all will work out for the best in the end. As Max is so Special, he needs the best care of a Specialist!

Lots of love, Margie & the Danes

Martha said...

We understand how hard this is - sometimes you need to hang on to the belief that all things happen for a reason.
More time to fuss over Max whilst he waits for his surgery.
xxxx

Dexter said...

A week is forever to wait. I hope Max is comfortable. You must be so worried. Our thoughts are with you.

Mango Momma

Cocorue said...

It's easy for me to say "it's ok" and I know it's not ok for you to have to wait again. Pls have faith as HE has a good reason for the delay........try not to get too upset as you'll get yourself sick.

Take care and I will check back later tonight to see how YOU are doing as I know Max is in good hands.

hugs to you both
Coco and lilian

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Oh, how frustrating this must be. But better to know all you can before having surgery. We will continue to keep Max and you in our prayers and thoughts - we know how hard this waiting must be.

Hugs, the OP Pack

Unknown said...

Just heard the news and came right over. I'm sure you're frustrated and want this matter resolved NOW, not a week from now. Sometimes I really think dogs are luckier than humans because they have no idea what's going on, they don't worry about a thing (other than, "how can I reach the treat jar when she's not looking?") and they just truly live in the moment.

In the meantime, know that we're all sending you positive thoughts and prayers—powerful stuff!

Your pals,

Jane, Petey and Mica

Angel Tucker, Daisy and Leo said...

Oh, that must be so frustrating. We always want to have our babies fixed now, not later. I hope you made it clear to the specialist that you will take any cancellation, fit in etc. Sometimes people need to be reminded it is a lot more important to you than to them.

In the meantime, we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and hope that all goes well.

Tucker, Daisy and mom Heidi

Ina in Alaska said...

Hang in there Max! We love you!!

Pam said...

Oh Caryl. I know the week is going to drag by but hopefully the vet knows what he is doing by delaying. All the best for the visit to the specialist. I'm sure you'll keep us all updated. Love Pam

KB said...

I can imagine that you're worried beyond words and just want them to do something - now. I hope that you can get an appointment soon. Our thoughts are with you.

Many pats to Mr. MaxDog.

Hamish Westie said...

Oh how very frustrating. I guess it's important to understand more about Max's overall condition before operating. But when there's a lump, you want rid of it RIGHT AWAY, naturally.
Let's hope the specialist understands that he or she is not the only very special one in the room when Max has his examination.
We're both thinking about you lots,
Hamish and Gail.

Heather and Kelly said...

In regards to the excessive panting--does Max like the vet? It might just be that he's nervous and dogs pant a lot heavier when they're nervous.
Too bad about all this trouble :(

Maxmom said...

Hi Heather & Ellie (and everyone out there!)
The panting has been around for sometime now. I haven't thought much of it, but have realised that he only keeps his tongue inside his mouth when he's lying down.
Max's breeder is being a pillar of strength at the moment and it seems that there may be some hereditory elements. We'll see....
Luv Max's mom

Barb said...

Hang in there Max, A week feels like a lifetime but I know you are in good hands and all will turn out fine. Our doggie, Becky, had a HUGE lump below her ear and she was just fine after the op.

Lots of hugs and pats.

the magic sleigh said...

Wooos to Max'a Mom. We understand your frustration, we have been through some of that ourselves. Please keep up your spirits, life is a mystery sometimes.
~Hugs and puppy kisses~
-Kira The BeaWootiful

Domi said...

My thoughts are with you. I definitely understand the fear and frustration having been through it. In some ways it really is harder on us humans than on our pets but I think also a burden we would rather take than for them. Not until the end did I think Domi ever actually feel sick and I'm very thankful for that.

I'll be sending "pawsitive" thoughts to you and sweet Max.

~Domi's Girl

Anna the GSD said...

Max I hope you feel better soon! Maybe waiting on the special-ist will be a good thing and they can get rid of that nasty thing on your armpit and you'll be good as new! Paws crossed and lots of licks and kisses to you!!!

Anna the GSD said...

Max I hope you feel better soon! Maybe waiting on the special-ist will be a good thing and they can get rid of that nasty thing on your armpit and you'll be good as new! Paws crossed and lots of licks and kisses to you!!!

Draco and his Mom said...

How distressing to have to wait, though better to know exactly what may be encountered during the surgery...I'm sure the Vet wants to know everything possible about Max's health before proceeding.
Hang in there...positive thoughts from us.
Debra

Ben said...

OH Max =
May you get a doc appointment as soon as possible. I am sure in your own way you are comforting your peeps as you all wait for the time to go by.
Me and the fellas have 15 paws crossed for you.
Be well.
Ben

Piappies World said...

Hi Max,

Be strong and we really hope you get better soon. We have you in our thoughts. A week may feel sooooo long in situations like these but hang in there. We have all our paws here crossed for you.

For Max's Mom, we will say a special prayer for your and Max. Do keep in mind that Max feels your love and it will surely help him to recover fast. Keep the faith.

-Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Scrappy & Bullet

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Tank woo fur the pupdate -

I've updated my blog with a link to this fur those that hadn't khaught up with it yet -

Lots of SibeVibes still heading towards all of woo!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Sheryl said...

My heart goes out to you, I think of Max every time I look at Jake or pet Maddie and feel the fatty tumor (vet told us it wasn't anything to worry about).

I'll keep you all in my prayers.

missbreezysbox said...

I came by because I listen to Khyra and do what she tells me to. Max is a handsome dog. I hope he gets all the medical help he needs and is well soon.
Patricia

Jake of Florida said...

We know a week can be a lifetime -- but the vet is smart to want more info -- and we'll have more time to get all paws ready to support you with the Power of the Paw!!!

Wirey woofs,


Jake and Just Harry

Arran, Arthur and Mum said...

Hello, we've heard about Max's upcoming op from some of our friends so came by to say we'll be thinking of you.
The delay is understandably frustrating but I guess better to be thoroughly prepared.
~Dee and Ludo

Golden Samantha said...

"Specialist" sounds good, but seven days to wait for him/her is a long time - we feel so badly for what MUST be incredible worry for you. Sometimes we have to be profoundly upfront with vets to let them know what we need as well as our beloved animals. I do understand that it is a good thing to thoroughly check out every aspect of a problem before surgery, but we are so sorry you have to wait in this distressing time. We LOVE you Max and think of you lots.
Big Hugs xo
Sammie and Ozzie, Miche and Bill

Stella said...

Dear Caryl and Max:

We can understand how frustrating the wait must be. Perhaps in some way, it will turn out to be for the best. We just never know.

Our thoughts and prayers stay right with you.

Kisses,
Stella and Jo

Paco,Milo, Maya and mommy Simona said...

Awwwwwwwwwwwww sweet Caryl and Max...
We undersyand how much hard this is....
The only thought we have is our furry babies will be in good healt always....
we can feel your scary...your frustration....your overwhelming...we would love to be close to you and hug you...
But we KNOW that Max...your MAx...our Max.....will run happy very very soon!!!!!!!
He needs the best care of a specialist!!!!!!
Believe that all things happen for a reason....
Take care of you and Max!!!
Our thoughts are with you!!!
WE LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!

Dog By Nature said...

Waiting is so hard. Stay strong and hugs to Max.

M, S & Kona

Molly the Airedale said...

Our thoughts go out to you! We know how hard the waiting part is!
Our paws remain crossed for Max!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Mochi and Bali said...

We know how frustrating this is. I'm keeping my paws crossed and sending lots of Sibe Vibes to you.

Mochi

YD, sometimes with ♥June and ♥Angel Samantha said...

Max's mom, please hang in there and we'll keep our paws crossed for Max.

Hugs,
Sam & June

Lacy said...

w00fs, waiting is terrrible, but mayb gives the "power of the paw" more time to work...still sending good healing vibes and mamas prayers..

b safe,
~rocky~

Valerie Cummings said...

Oh the waiting is so hard!! We are sending warm licks and hugs!!! Joey and Kealani

Elizabeth Bergesen said...

We are sending happy thoughts your way!

Elizabeth & Luna

The Army of Four said...

We can understand your frustration! We will continue to pray for Max.
Hang in there!
Tail wags,
Storms

Anonymous said...

Im so sorry about the delay but having a specialist look him over is probably for the best! Hugs!!

doyle and mollie said...

hang in there max we are rooting for you to get better soon!

Clive said...

Oh Max and Max's Mom - we were so sorry to read about your troubles. We were only away from reading our blogs for a day and couldn't believe when we checked in a few minutes ago.

We truly truly hope the news will be good for Max and that you don't have to wait too long to see the specialist. Waiting is never easy.

All our thoughts are with you ....

Paws crossed!

Clive, Murray and Fiona

White Dog Blog said...

Hi Maxx, Khyra told us of your struggles and we justed wanted you to know that we are sending powerful positive energy to you to fight your illness quickly and successfully. Please be strong and believe!

Moose said...

Very frustrating. THis is definitely not what we wanted to hear so sure you are beside yourself. I hope the appointment can be as soon as possible for everyone's sake. What is this about excessive panting though? Was it while he was at the vet? Maybe he is just nervous? Dogs sense our stress for sure and maybe that is all it is? Pleas hang in there and give MAX triple amounts of love!
Moose + Dana

Martine said...

Dear Max,
I am so sad that you are ill but I hope you will be better soon.
I have been visiting your blog every day for several months and I really find it wonderful. You and your familly leave in such a nice country. My familly (husband, daughter, dog and tortoise) and I live in Alsace (France) near the german border. It is very different from South Africa so it is very interesting for me to follow you when you are the tour guide.
You are in my thoughts and I hope to hear soon good news from you.
Kisses and hugs for you and your mom from France.

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

Dear Max and Max's Mama...Hang in there, we know that nothing can be said to make this any less stressful. Just know that we love you and are holding Max and you in our hearts and prayers!

Dory, Bilbo and the Mama

Amy & the house of cats said...

Hi Max and Max's Mom - we learned about you from Khyra and had to come over to share our support. Our kitty Floyd, who passed away a few weeks ago, had been diagnosed with cancer back in February. We went to see a specialist at that time and honestly I think it was the best decision we made because we got to spend a wonderful 8 more months with our baby. I hope you can get a good specialist who will be able to find out the issues with Max quickly. And I am also curious about the panting if it is only at the vet - even my kitties have been known to pant at the vet when they are scared, so that probably has a bit of an effect.

We are keeping you in our thoughts and sending lots of purrs and prayers over from all of us - we hope that you have a good answer soon and that everything ends up well with Max. We will be following and keeping you in mind every day!

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Hello Max and mum.. I came from Khyra's place to add my purrs and mums loving thoughts.. We are hoping so much that all goes well with the specialist.. You have the power of blog love behind you... HUgs GJ x

jamie said...

Oh gee. Waiting is a pain in itself! But better your vet decided a specialist was called for. He doesn't want to miss anything. After reading up on mast cell tumors, it seems as though the dreaded cancer word has been spoken, this one and it's size appears to have a good prognosis. But surely your vet can make sure it is no MORE than a weeks time. That is just such a long time to worry.
I'm glad the breeder is available to you. Very helpful in figuring out stuff.
All that said, we know you are beside yourself with worry. Everuyone that has mentioned it has it so right, if only we were like our dogs, living only in the moment and not having to worry.
We will keep holding you in our hearts, howling to heaven and praying for beautiful Max and his pack!
Big old Texas Hugs
The Texas Sundogs and Jamie

Deborah said...

Hi, It is much better to wait for a specialist. I have been thinking of Max all day and will continue to keep sending you and Max nothing but good thoughts and prayers. Please give Max a hug from us! Deborah

houndstooth said...

I hope this is the only bump in the road and that the specialist can do a great job for Max!

Gus, Louie and Callie said...

We just stopped by to send some Heeler Healing Vibes your way.. Hope they can figure out how to fix you..


Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie

Jans Funny Farm said...

We're sorry. This has to be very frustrating and upsetting. We hope Max will get some help soon.

Anonymous said...

Hold tight Max, all will be OK.

Asta said...

Deawest max
I'm so sowwy fow the delay,but I know they will do whatevew is the absolute best to make you totally well.
We awe all hewe fow you and cwossing paws non-stop fow you. ouw thoughts awe powewful fow healing so have stwength fwom that. We love you and have faith that this will have a good outcome
all my smoochie kisses
Asta and mommi

Anonymous said...

I say no news if good news! I agree with everyone, Max is a special guy and needs a specialist!

Hugs and Prayers to you all, Tessa

Sally Ann and Andy said...

Dear Max's Mommy,
This is the Sally Ann's Mommy. Before princess Sally Ann, my beloved angel Sylvie was the queen of this house. She has lots of bumps. She had one cancer scare, but she did survive. She had one fatty lump under her right leg, but it was under the skin;so, no fear of cancer. I'm so sorry Max is sick. Take in one at a time. That is the one thing I learned from Sylvie. If you try fix everything at once, it can make you feel like a chicken with it's head cut off.
Be Strong and comfort well,
Sally Ann's Mommy

Unknown said...

Oh dear - Max - what a shame! But I do think it is best to see a specialist so you know exactly what is wrong and you don't have any unnecessary treatments or surgeries. I know it must be very frustrating and worrying for your human but tell her to hang in there! We are all thinking of you from far away and I am sending lots of healing slobbers,

Honey the Great Dane

Eric said...

Max. Wagged over to wish you my very tenacious terrier well wishes. I'm sad for you and your leggeds over the sudden delay.My paws crossed for you all. Take good care.

Eric xx

Oskar said...

I'm just stopping by to say I'm praying for Max to feel better soon. I am sending good healing vibes from the US.

Oskar

Two French Bulldogs said...

Oh Max...rest buddy. You are in our thoughts and our paws are still crossed for you
Benny & Lily

SEDONA said...

Hi Max, I'm a buddy of Khyra's. She sent me your way, just want to say I have paws crossed extra-tight for you. Hang in there.
Your pal,
Sedona

Dughallmor Beagles said...

Oh no! We just read about Max's lump....we're so sorry and hope everything works out well.
We can totally understand your worry and frustration :o(
Hugs to you all, keep us posted and know that we all have paws and everything else crossed!

Many congratulations on your Awesome Blog Award....so very deserved, just wish we visited more often.
Slobbers xx

Tweedles -- that's me said...

We came right here as soon as mom got home from work.
You must be ready to pull your hair out by all the frustration.
We have not stopped sending good wishes and doggy prayers for Max and you too.
We know how hard this is for you.
The doctor is calling in specialist's - that is a good thing.
love and prayers
tweedles

Anonymous said...

Hey Caryl and Max,
We hope that you don't mind us stopping over. We think that you have visited our blog but perhaps we have not been as hospitable before today. However, times like these can change priorities and time allotment. Unfortunately we can say with certainty that we know what you are going through. We've been there and we've lost a few of the battles but we've also won a few. Both Homer. J. and Jubal are cancer survivors having had cancerous lumps removed. Believe us when we say that the lumps have proven to be better than the unrevealed interior cancerous organ growths. The uncertainty and worry are causing y'all considerable stress. The delay has just exaserbated that stress. We can't relieve the stress and won't pretend we can. We do however want you to know that we are howling and praying for your well being and have ou famous Bumpass Hounds good vibe machine turned up to maximum and have it ppointed towards South Africa. Please count us among those supporters that are gathered in your corner for this fight. You are not alone in your worry; we are all there with you. May GOD and the big DOG watch over you during your time of need and uncertainty. You are loved by many and the comments we've read about you tell us that you have made a difference in the world.
- Homer J., Jubal, J.E.B., Sophie, Shelby Belle, Jackson, Abby, Max, Shil,oh, Radar, Alex, Boru and Jenny = The Bumpass Hounds and Kitties (TBH&K)

Yas said...

Hello Max's mom,
Thank you for the update! We'll keep on sending good vibes your way!
Stay pawsitive and send our luv to Max!

Cheers,
Maxx & Mommy

Cloud the Wonder Dog said...

We luv you Max, and are thinking about you and your mom. You guys are so special to us. Maybe this delay is one of those things that happen for a reason...

Much love,
Cloud and his mom

Thor and Jack said...

Dear Caryl and Max,
We understand how hard this is. Sending tons of good vibes your way.
lots of love
Thor and Mom

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Max ... hoping to be everything okay. Giving you all my Golden Healing Thoughts, Woof! Sugar

Moondance Huskies said...

Dear Max & mom,
Sending healing husky vibes and pawsitive energy your way. We hope all goes well with your tests and surgery and that you are feeling better soon.

Warm wishes,
Skye, the Moondance Huskies,Kitties & mom Joan

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

Oh Max...

We HATE waiting!!!! We have many virtues but patience is not one of them 'specially when we're upset and nervous...

We are sending you boatloads of terrier zen and prayers that your waiting will be easier and that you can get an appointment soon...

Oh sweet Max...we love you dear boy...we will be thinking of you and will check in soonest to see how you are!!!

Love and kisses...
Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley!!!

The Animal Doctor said...

We will continue praying for you Max, please hang on okay?

You deserve the best care, so hope you can to go that specialist soon.

lovelots,
trudis, moy, jappy and the rest of the furry crew of the Animal Doctor.

Sierra Rose said...

Oh Max! So sorry we are checking in late! We hope you are ok, and will see the specialist soon. I am a big panter, and my 'sister' Golden Honey was a well. We just do it..but, sometimes it represents something deeper going on. We're thinking of you my friend.

Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
Sierra Rose

Ziggy Stardust said...

Max, I am thinking my very best thoughts for you (((Max))). My Mom is praying and I know you will be ok. The Power of the Paw!! I hope you have it fixed soon and tell your Mom we are thinking of her too.

licks and sniffs, Sasha

i said...

It certainly is frustrating to wait. Hope you'll take it easy now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

It is so very hard to wait at times like these. Remember that w are all with you and sending good vibes.