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We have had my cat, Yancy, for about 3.5 years, becoming her fourth family in as many years. We thought we could fix this cat. We can not fix this cat. A big move is coming and I need to decide how to serve us all the best. [more inside]
posted by stormygrey at 5:11 AM - 31 answers

I'm trying to figure out what breed (if any) my puppy is closest to. Her mother is a street dog (picture included) and her father is unknown. [more inside]
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 3:15 PM - 13 answers

I'm at a cross road. My dog who is 14.5 years old was diagnosed with cancer that had spread to her lungs in January. I made a decision at that point to not go through any medication or chemo and just to keep her comfortable and free from pain. She hasn't shown any signs of pain, she still eats with a little coaxing (broth or meat in her food), she's always hungry, she still seems to be happy to see me, but she has slowly deteriorated in weight and is coughing more at night. I brought her in for another check up yesterday for xray comparison and blood work. The Xrays showed that the tumor has taken over both lungs, and in other areas - the mass has grown exponentially since January and she has lost 10 lbs while still eating. The mass is pressing her esophagus up a bit, causing her to cough, and you can see that is has pushed her abdomen. My vet, who usually does not say things of this nature, advised me that now would be the kindest time for me to euthanize before she starts to deteriorate anymore and suffer because of the mass in her lungs and how fast she is losing weight. I don't want to see her get to the stage of being in pain or suffering, and part of me thinks that with her starting to cough more and gasp a bit, and her weight loss that now would be the best time because of the speed of growth this may take over quickly. I have a four year old that I have started to prepare but at the same time it pains me to think of walking her into the vet like this to say goodbye. Part of me thinks its right, but part of me feels so guilty. Anyone had any experience or suggestions?
posted by MamaBee223 at 8:32 AM - 37 answers

I have a 4 year old, 72 lb Belgian Shepherd I rescued from the SPCA who was born with hip and elbow dysplasia. His left hip is worse, and he tended to favor that leg, and now he's torn his right CCL (knee ligament) when he ran too hard through the yard. He needs surgery, and I need advice. Please help!! Puppy tax here. His name is Fenris and he is a very good boy. [more inside]
posted by ananci at 2:57 PM - 5 answers

We have an elder bun with health problems who was declining, but now seems to be perking up again. Is this a sign of recovery, or is this a last wind before the end? (Plus there's a time issue here as well). [more inside]
posted by gtrwolf at 9:28 PM - 5 answers

For the past year or so, we've been feeding a neighborhood cat, with the knowledge of the cat's owner. I'm pretty sure the owner has since moved and left the cat behind. I don't know what to do now. [more inside]
posted by Ruki at 12:46 PM - 14 answers

This is meant only slightly as tongue in cheek. I have two cats: a larger male and smaller female. The female is the one I suspect of demonic possession. When the male cat has created a nest for himself somewhere, the female cat will notice and come over and start grooming him, then when he's fully woken up, she'll turn it into fighting and gradually escalate until male cat leaves and then female settles into nest and takes a nap. [more inside]
posted by Jon44 at 8:42 AM - 29 answers

We have a cat that we adore. We also have a new baby (4 months old) that we frankly adore a lot more. All our attention is on the baby and the cat is pretty neglected. How will this shake out? [more inside]
posted by redlines at 1:53 AM - 16 answers

My old dog "Cassie" died of what was probably a heart attack this January. I am still very affected by her death. It's sometimes hard to enjoy time with my other dog, "Rex" (who we adopted years ago) because I worry about how he will eventually die too. I feel like I let Cassie down when I think of her. What do I do? Details ahead. [more inside]
posted by Chuck Barris at 6:07 PM - 13 answers

How have you successfully administered your cat's liquid medication? I've had little success and I'm running out of other ideas! [more inside]
posted by switcheroo at 2:19 PM - 20 answers

On my way into work today I saw this bird chilling on a fence in the train parking lot. I'd love to know what it is. Location is the Bay Area peninsula.
posted by Carillon at 8:58 AM - 9 answers

I notice on my cats face a wetness that drips when she hugs me. It isnt just a moist nose it's a dripping from her mouth area. When I touch her face it seems a tad bit dampened but some of it could be from her grooming. She could be drooling but even then why when she isnt hungry? Do cats cry? I dont suspect any illness.
posted by The_imp_inimpossible at 5:12 PM - 13 answers

If you give your elderly dog with joint problems a supplement - which one do you give (and why that one)? [more inside]
posted by mirileh at 7:11 AM - 12 answers

When I want trustworthy medical information about humans, I rely on MayoClinic.com. What's the corresponding site for reliable info for dogs and cats?
posted by conscious matter at 10:50 AM - 6 answers

My dog really, really likes eating dead rodents and I really, really would like him to stop. How do I train him for something that’s a rare and surprise event? [more inside]
posted by brett at 11:35 AM - 12 answers

My housemate has a medium-sized dog and we have a fenced yard. I love the dog, but I'm not loving the poop! [more inside]
posted by bighappyhairydog at 6:17 PM - 32 answers

How do I turn my small studio apartment into a cat friendly zone? And how do I be a good cat steward? [more inside]
posted by apex_ at 5:17 PM - 16 answers

So I'm trying to figure out which parrot-related charity I should make a donation to. Intended to be given in the name of a workplace superior who's done me a solid and who is also really into parrots. [more inside]
posted by Reclusive Novelist Thomas Pynchon at 12:21 PM - 8 answers

Our 16 year old cat is starting to not eat. Except, he will eat at the vet's. [more inside]
posted by tafetta, darling! at 8:35 PM - 15 answers

The rescue recommended a dog to me, and I visited her at her foster home yesterday. She's lovely, but I'm just not sure. How can I know if I'm making the right choice? [more inside]
posted by rue72 at 5:20 AM - 27 answers