Update on Major

A Well-Earned Rest

Many of you have followed Major’s story over the years, so I wanted to share what’s been happening lately. It’s been a tough few weeks, but I think he’s earned his retirement.

The plan had been to retire him on his tenth birthday, 12 December. That felt like a good and neat ending retirement for a dog who’s worked hard and deserved a good rest.

He’s been my guide since 2017. I’ve no idea where the time’s gone. Over the years his health has been remarkably steady. Apart from a short spell with an infection a few years ago, he’s been strong and always ready to work. So I’d expected a long, happy retirement for him.

Then, a few weeks ago, I began to notice slight changes. Nothing dramatic at first, just that he wasn’t quite as eager to work as usual. That can happen with older dogs, so I didn’t think too much of it.

But gradually he became less keen to go out. Some days he’d start out for work his usual twinkle paws and then slow down halfway through. Lately, he’s been hanging back altogether.

Then there were signs of sudden weakness in his back legs. This is the same dog we’ve always called Twinkle Toes because he could jump straight into the back of a car from a standing start. Lately he’s been hesitating, sometimes needing a helping hand. Plus, the occasional scraping sound from both of his back paws while out for a walk, many dog owners will recognise this.

After that came the lumps though. Not the usual soft ones older dogs get, but hard and fixed to the muscle, they have now appeared all over his body. He also began to lose weight and muscle tone quite quickly.

He’s not easy to read, he’s stoical, doesn’t complain, and just gets on with it. We had a series of visits to the vet. Blood tests came back inconclusive, apart from showing anaemia. The vet was clearly concerned, and cancer became the main worry.

After talking through all of his symptoms, they do point to an aggresive Sarcoma, we decided not to put him through lots of invasive investigations which would require general anaesthetic. because really, Even if we knew exactly what was wrong, I’m not sure it would change the outcome much. And if it isn’t cancer, we’d have put him through all that stress for nothing. In an older dog, they dont do well under anesthetic, and could make them weaker.

Dogs can live quite a while with cancer if it’s not aggressive, and we’re quietly hopeful. Not optimistic, just realistic.

Next Tuesday, the Guide Dog Association will visit to complete my final application for a new dog. When that happens, I’ll retire Major officially on the same day, about a month earlier than planned. But let’s be honest, another few weeks won’t make much difference.

He’s earned his rest. Time to put his paws up by the fire and enjoy Countdown with the other pensioners.

If you’ve had a dog, you’ll understand how hard these moments are. Feel free to share your own stories or thoughts below. I’d like to think Major would enjoy hearing them too, even if he pretends not to be listening!

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