It has been a busy week for Pooh. During a bout of stomach flu, it was discovered Pooh has an abdominal mass the size of a softball. The cause and origin are unknown but given the location of the mass near the spleen it is likely hemangiosarcoma, an unfortunately all too common cancer in Golden Retrievers. 
 
There is nothing we can do for her at this point, removal of the tumor isn't an option and we don't want to put her through an invasive surgery at her age that isn't going to improve her quality of life. As a result, we are listing Pooh as in hospice care. Pooh will be living out the rest of her time in her foster home, where she is an adored member of the family, spoiled absolutely rotten and living the Golden life we want for all of our foster dogs. 
 
Now that her stomach flu seems to be resolved she is feeling much more chipper and ready to enjoy the holidays!  She will be going over the river and through the woods (to southern Minnesota) to Grandma (my mother's) house (nursing home) on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day dinner will include turkey consomme, venison and potato (canned) with dessert being cottage cheese and apple. Pooh is going to hang out with Prince (my Ragom adoptee) to ring in the new year. Pooh is home, and she knows it. 

Please enjoy our pictures as we checked the neighborhood yard lights. Pooh is sporting her evening wear (reflective jacket) with the coordinating blue and yellow harness. She wants to thank everyone for their support of her as a new RAGOM dog. We will continue to update everyone on her progress, so please check back and keep Pooh in your thoughts.