Unfortunately, I received (via my human) the diagnosis we were dreading: a monostatic aggressive bone lesion - an osteosarcoma. It appears small in size and the prospects are not as grim as I (we) originally thought. Mum will be making an appointment with the veterinary oncologist in Cleveland (road trip!) and I get to have fun things like body scans, surgery, and chemotherapy. My hope is a limb sparing procedure because it might be small enough where it has not spread and it cannot be removed. Over the course of my treatment, I will report my treatment, diagnosis, and how I feel for those who are experiencing the same ordeal as I or just want to know how I am doing.

I know the treatment sounds extreme but after extensive research and consultation, it is not as horrendous as it likely sounds. Dogs and cats do not have the same hang ups as humans. Mr. Stinny became blind due to a trauma but is very happy and gets along beautifully.

Now that I have provided the depressing recent news, here is more about me. My name is Finnegan (Mr. Stinny will be the "author") and I am a six year old, red, Irish Wolfhound from Colorado. Mum and Dad adopted me in 2000 while they were living in Salt Lake City, Utah. I now live in Northwestern Pennsylvania with human parents and four cats (Lilly, Donald, Shrimpycat, and Mr. Stinny). On top of my new diagnosis, I was born with an optic nerve defect so I do not see well but I get around without a problem. I love playing with other dogs and racing around like a crazy puppy. I am not a big fan of walks but I enjoy lounging for hours on end.

My mom is now an attorney (sorry) but she used to be a veterinary technician and knows a fair amount about veterinary medicine (although certainly NOT to make any type of diagnosis or provide medical advice). Dad is a chemistry professor.

As I get my news, I will continue to keep whoever wants to know updated.