Goodbye to a good boy: Beloved family pet, Ace, battles cancer
May 26, Beth Foote got the news no pet parent wants to hear: her beloved dog Ace had oral cancer.
At nearly 14 years old, the American Pitbull has been a constant source of joy for the Foote family.
When he slowed eating and showed signs of pain, Foote said she was immediately alerted to something not being right. Concerned for Ace’s well-being, his family made an urgent trip to Morgan Animal Hospital. Thanks to the compassionate staff and the expertise of Dr. Chuck Gill, Ace was seen immediately, despite his regular veterinarian being out of town. The family expressed immense gratitude for the swift and considerate care provided by the hospital staff.
“Waiting until Monday wasn’t an option,” Foote said. “We couldn’t bear the thought of him suffering through the weekend. I called at 3:30 in the afternoon and they got him in almost immediately.”
Faced with the aggressive nature of Ace’s cancer, his family made the difficult decision to forego a biopsy. Instead, they have chosen to focus on providing comfort care, ensuring that Ace’s remaining time is filled with love and dignity. Pain management and palliative care will be prioritized to keep Ace as comfortable as possible during his final days. Foote said Ace takes Prednisone and Tramadol daily to keep his pain and other symptoms at bay.
“To look at him, he seems fine and happy,” she said, adding she is thankful for the medicine that eases his pain and discomfort.
Ace with his sister Libby.
Photo by Rachel Howard
As Ace’s family prepares to make the most of their remaining time with him, they do so with heavy hearts but also with thankfulness for the joy and companionship he has brought into their lives.
In his final dog days of summer, Foote said she is making sure Ace will be surrounded by the love of his family and is able to enjoy all his favorite things. From visiting Cabela’s to look at the fish, eating ‘pup cups’ at Oliwia’s Shave Ice and downtown window shopping, Ace is having the summer of a lifetime.
Ace enjoys regular visits to Lowe’s, where he gets plenty of attention and petting. During Christmastime, Foote said he enjoys walking the tinsel trail and riding around to see the lights.
He also loves swimming at the beach, despite his fondness for drinking salty water. When fishing, he delights in boat rides and insists on sniffing each fish caught. A skilled frog finder, he knows exactly where to look for them in tree stumps and root holes. His favorite breakfast has always been eggs and waffles, and he seems to know when it’s Saturday morning, eagerly anticipating his special weekend meal.
Photo by Rachel Howard
“To us, he is part of our “Homeward Bound” family, along with our two dogs and a cat,” Foote said. “Ace brings us immense joy with his cuddles and unconditional love. He is the sweetest old soul. When he’s gone, our hearts will be broken, and we will have a missing piece of our family. I will deeply miss him following me around with every step I take.”
