I think most of us would agree that senior dogs deserve all the love and comfort we can give them.
Even though they may not be as energetic as they once were, they continue to bring so much joy and affection into our lives.
That’s why it feels so important to give them the happy years they deserve. Sadly, many never get that chance.
Because older dogs are often overlooked by adopters, they sometimes spend their last days in shelters. Serenity, a 12-year-old Pitbull mix in Arizona, was almost one of them.
A New Start For Serenity
At 12 years old, Serenity had been diagnosed with a mammary mass. With her age working against her and few adopters showing interest, the Arizona shelter where she stayed placed her on the euthanasia list.
But her story didn’t end there. Love Them All Sanctuary + Rescue, a Scottsdale-based organization, quickly stepped in after learning about her situation.
They welcomed her into their care, making sure she received medical treatment and a safe, loving environment where she could feel secure again.
The rescue acted fast, scheduling surgery to remove the mass. What they found was a melanoma tumor hanging from her frail body.
Thankfully, thanks to the kindness of donors who supported her care, the rescue covered the expenses for her treatment.
Knowing that medical help was only part of her healing, the team also arranged for her to stay with a foster family that could shower her with affection and give her a soft place to rest.
Facing Difficult News
One week after arriving in her foster home, Serenity had already begun enjoying her days of love and comfort. Unfortunately, her follow-up veterinary visit brought difficult news.
Her tumor came back as malignant.
While the veterinary staff cannot predict exactly what lies ahead for Serenity, everyone surrounding her is focused on making every day count. She now enjoys tasty treats, plenty of cuddles, and moments filled with happiness.
It’s important to understand a little more about mammary tumors, since they are fairly common in dogs, especially unspayed females. In fact, this is one of the most frequent types of canine tumors.
If you notice a lump on your dog, keep in mind that only about half of these tumors are cancerous. The rest are benign, which means a lump doesn’t automatically point to cancer.
Surgery is the most effective treatment and is usually recommended first. But as with Serenity, tumors may sometimes return afterward. Repeat surgeries can be an option in many cases, giving dogs a chance at a healthier, longer life.
So if you ever spot an unusual lump, don’t panic right away. Instead, schedule a veterinary checkup to get clear answers and the right next steps.