How did you feel when Max went in for his first chemo treatment?

It felt strange and empty. One minute he was with us, then he was gone in the back. Time moved in a weird way while we waited.

Why did the bow tie on Max’s collar matter so much to you?

It was a small thing, but it showed me they saw him as Max, not just a case. It felt like they cared about who he is, not only his cancer.

What was different about Max after that first treatment?

He seemed stronger that night, not wiped out like after other vet visits. I felt like he knew we were fighting for him, and he was fighting too.

Why do you have such a hard time with the sling?

The sling works fine, but I hate what it means. Every time I pick it up, it reminds me that Max is in a rough place I wish he never had to be in.

What happened with Max’s medications like Gabapentin and Prazosin?

The combo made him too loopy and unsteady, so I adjusted things. I stopped the Gabapentin for then and lowered the Prazosin so he could move with more dignity.

How did this day change the way you looked at your time with Max?

The drive home felt different. We talked about making each day count, not in a forced way, just with a clearer sense that our time together is finite.

Do you really think Max understood your promise to him?

Not the exact words, but I think he felt it. Dogs read our energy and our hearts, and I believe he knows I am on his side, no matter what.

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Health and Wellness

Senior Dog Care

July 23rd. His First Treatment.

Jason Hofmann

August 29, 2026

6 min read

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