Dear Barb:
Hi, my neighbor has a small black dog that has a huge growth of some kind on its stomach. It is so big it almost touches the ground. The poor dog walks awkwardly because of the weight of this thing. I have talked to her and she always says, “oh its fine, he is doing well.” My heart breaks for this dog. Why don’t people fix these things before they get to this point? It is just not fair to the poor dog. It is now to the point where it would be major surgery to remove. If my dog had a growth I would have gotten it taken off before it got to this point. Am I alone, or do others feel the same? Looking for some opinions. Thanks, Linda.
Hello Linda:
I hear what you are saying, but this is not a black and white issue. While it’s important that the dog is taken to the vet for examination and a biopsy done, whether the lump is cancerous or not will make the decision clearer. If the lump is not cancerous, then the decision to remove it depends on the health and age of the dog. You shouldn’t assume the owners haven’t already done this, so clearly there is no easy answer. This is a decision the owner will have to make with their veterinarian. Thank you for your question.
Dear Barb:
Since Remembrance Day is only a few days away I was wondering if you could write a brief description of the meaning of Remembrance Day, or as some call it Armistice Day. Thanks, Mike.
Hey Mike:
Good suggestion! Here are some brief facts about Remembrance Day. It was first observed in 1919 and was called “Armistice Day” to acknowledge the Armistice agreement that ended the First World War on November 11, 1918. It wasn’t until November 11, 1931 that “Armistice Day” became officially known as Remembrance Day. Every year on November 11th Canadians partake in a moment of silence to remember all who have served Canada during times of war, peace, and discord. The poppy is widely available and is the traditional symbol of Remembrance Day. Every year a ceremony is held in Ottawa at the National War Memorial and is presided over by the Governor General of Canada. The Prime Minister along with other dignitaries, Veterans and members of the general public are all in welcome to attend.
Many of the Commonwealth member states observe Remembrance Day on November 11, including Canada and the United Kingdom. In 1954 the United States changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Other countries observe Remembrance Day, but on different dates, for example South Africa refers to it as Poppy Day and it is acknowledged on the Sunday closet to November 11.
“Lest we forget.”