Unfortunately, our fur kids age much to soon it seems, but there really isn't anything we can do about it. I just live life with my 2 who have serious health issues, in as normal a way as possible. If I dwell on their issues, I would constantly be in tears, and they would also pick up on my sadness. Obviously I don't want that - I want them to stay happy. Myndi is 16 1/2: has aging kidneys that don't work as well as they once did, has arthritis in her lower spine and rear legs, luxating patella in both knees, a mild heart murmur., and cataracts. She can no longer go up and down stairs or jump up on the bed for furniture, or walk on slippery floors without all 4 legs going out from under her in different directions. She almost died 2 summers ago from an intestinal bleed, but fortunately I caught it in time, got her to the vet, and she bounced back in just a few weeks. In spite of all that isn't right with her, she is still a spunky and alert little girl who loves her people and just has to be right in the middle of everything. She is on special prescription food for her kidneys and takes pain meds for her arthritis, and she still sees well even with the cataracts.

Sparky is 13 1/2, and his condition is much worse than Myndi's He also has luxating patella in one knee and arthritis in his lower spine, tho this doesn't affect him as much since he can still do stairs and jump up on things. However, his heart murmur is much more severe than hers, and he is in CHF, and he could be gone in a heartbeat. He takes diuretics and blood pressure meds, but still coughs a lot, and even fainted once early this summer. He goes back to the vet again on Friday, so I'm hoping she can add another diuretic that will be more affective. I don't know how much longer he will be with me, but I try to be positive. He still enjoys life and is alert with a good appetite, so I just have to take it one day at a time.

As far as that lump - both Myndi and Sparky have them, and it would be my guess that Malone's are the same -- just harmless fatty deposits which are very common when dogs start to age. Does it feel soft and squishy? Your vet can do a fine needle aspiration (cheap-around $20-$25) and tell you right away if that's what it is. They can pop up rather suddenly and can be quite big - Sparky has one on his side, and Myndi's is more between her side and her belly. If they aren't in an area that will interfere with the dogs everyday movements, then the vet will probably just recommend to leave it there without removal. And yes - it could be a reaction to the shot, too.

Hope this has helped you some.. Try to stay positive and just give Malone all the lovins that he wants and I'm sure that he deserves! Keep us posted, please.