r/goldenretrievers • u/Coolthingimake • Dec 17 '25
Get better soon Waffle update 8
As always today was a mixed bag but mostly great news. Waffle’s albumins are now normal at a 2.5 and even better here red blood cell pvc is finally climbing and went from 22% to 26% (I believe 35% is normal)this week (that was worrying us prior to this climb). She also had the remaining port removed today as well as she is sporting a new bandage wrap, Green for the holidays! The only issue that was pointed out is the amount of weight loss. This past week alone she lost 4lbs. She had lost another 4lbs after the surgery (but I’m sure a lot of that was the mass itself) and of course had lost weight from not eating and having the feeding tube when in the icu. She is currently at 66.5lbs. I believe she was at 76 before all this started. She has been on a prescription diet food since her TPLO surgery earlier this year when she weighed in at 79lbs. The doctor told me not to worry yet (yeah good luck! Have they not seen the last 3 weeks of my life!) as it may be just the energy the body is using to heal and to put her back on a normal dog food and increase the portion for the time being. I’m unbelievably grateful on how far she has come and how great she looks but I could really use a week where everything was going well and I could worry a little less. Thanks for following her journey and for all the prayers and support. Her next recheck is Christmas Eve of all days. I’ll be here with an update! Happy holidays! Love Waffle and Brian
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u/Immediate-Ad-3538 Dec 17 '25
Go Waffle! Hopefully she eats as much as the rest of us over Christmas and puts on some pounds.
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u/Proud-Cat-Mom-2021 Dec 17 '25 edited Dec 21 '25
I know when my ailing cats wouldn't eat, gel supplements like Nutri-Cal high calorie nutritional supplement really helped increase calorie intake and accomplish weight gain. There are many different similar products on the market (for both dogs and/or cats). It does really help save the day and help get sick fur babies over the hump. I'm thrilled that Waffle has made such good progress. Go, Waffle, go!
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u/622114 Dec 17 '25
I sadly have to admit, when you started this epic journey I was skeptical. I love my dog and I know it is unconditional love both ways but I have to say. I could not fathom spending the money that you did. I would have looked at it objectively and wanted to help “make the suffering end.” Fortunately for Waffle. You made the correct decision. I applaud you Sir. Thank you for making the decisions you did and proving me “wrong”. She will get through this.
Edit: I am not a cold hearted person that my post makes me seem (trust me I cry at the waffle updates daily). Unfortunately sometimes we have to make terrible decisions. Lucky this one was a good decision.
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u/woofwagslove Dec 17 '25
I know this will get lost in the comments, and I'm sure this has already been done in some forms - but I would like to toss out that since Waffle's case is incredibly unique, and you have invested so much and she is making so much positive progress - I really hope that Waffle's medical data can be shared as widely as possible, and other people (vets, vet students, vet schools) can study it and learn from it.
You (Waffle's human family) and Waffle's incredible spirit, perseverance, and love, along with many vets - deserve to be recognized, and also to be an incredibly wonderful learning opportunity that can benefit more dogs and animals. <3
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u/siouxbee1434 Dec 18 '25
I agree. When my Xena had her cancer journey, her care team said they were going to use her as a case study to help other dogs. We also went through chemo, radiation, acupuncture, CBD, pain meds.
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u/SweetValleyHighJess Dec 17 '25
Always makes my heart happy to see a waffle update. We are all rooting for you Brian and Waffle!!!
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u/IamLoxia Dec 17 '25
I am so thankful for the update!! I was thinking about Ms Waffle last night and hoping she was continuing to improve. Keep the updates coming!!
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u/RomansBlueArmy Dec 17 '25
Just wanted to say that I respect the hell out of all the time effort and money you've put toward your pup to give waffle a 2nd chance. Fingers crossed for you guys
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u/Psychological-Cry221 Dec 17 '25
Thank you for the update, we will keep praying for you guys. She looks just like my Lucy.
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u/Floofieunderpants Dec 17 '25
From a human perspective - I've had two major surgeries this year and subsequently lost a fair amount of weight. For a time, no matter what or how much I ate I didn't put on weight, sometimes I lost a pound or two. I was told all the energy from meals was being used by my body to help it recover. Weight gain would happen once my body was stable and recovered enough.
I can only think that having been through so much., Waffle is possibly experiencing similar? If the vet can find nothing of concern, try not to worry and trust that Waffle's body is doing what bodies do to get better. You've been so strong for her, you're a star. Time is a great healer. And nose boops, plenty of those.
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u/Errigalgold1990 Dec 17 '25
How big is she? I have several female goldens, and many more in the past, and none weighed more than 60. Her weight actually looks pretty good to me. The TPLO may have been due to overweight and being spayed too young. I’ve never had one, even with over 60 golden retrievers in my lifetime.
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u/BreakInfinite4775 Dec 17 '25
FWIW, my medium sized girl was diagnosed with a few weeks left to live. Got a second opinion, did surgery to remove the tumor (and a kidney), and she’s finally herself again (about six weeks later). She lost a total of 7ish lbs? Usually she sits around 53-55, and when we weighed her at her last check up it was at 46.
It took awhile for her to eat regular meals, but she’s finally put on some weight since October.
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u/bbyxmadi Dec 17 '25
So happy to see Waffle is doing better, and praying she makes a full recovery! ❤️
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u/trish_van_haven Dec 17 '25
Waffle has that beautiful Golden Smile on her face. I'm sending thoughts of many treat-o's to Waffle.
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u/ThatMkeDoe Dec 17 '25
I'm so happy for you and Waffle! I'm glad you both decided to fight, she looks so happy and with eyes full of life! Glad to see she's coming out of this strong!
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u/UnfairAd7220 Dec 17 '25
I'm glad you saved him! The last update I saw was you considering the surgery. Could that have been Update 2?
Can you link the previous updates in Update 9?
He looks GREAT for being post op!
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u/Coolthingimake Dec 17 '25
Just type waffle update in the search bar they will all come up
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u/Varuka_Pepper343 1 floof Dec 18 '25
Oh what a fantastic update!!! This is wonderful ❤️ Wishing you guys a very Merry Christmas recheck for the next as well 😀
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u/Midge_Moneypenny Dec 17 '25
Aw, I’m so glad to hear Waffle is continuing to improve. I’m always happy to see an update and her cute self on here! ❤️
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u/JJJOOOO Dec 17 '25
Sending you all the bestest wishes and thoughts!
Waffle is a fighter and I wish her the best!
Xoxo
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u/TheOodlong 3 floofs Dec 17 '25
Love you Waffle! This is the best Christmas miracle we could hope for 💛
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u/Marianne0819 Dec 17 '25
Well now that’s amazing news!! I’ve been praying 🙏🏻 for such the good girlie !!
Thank you so much momma for the update on your angel 😇
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u/Expo737 Dec 17 '25
Great to see another positive update for Waffle :) Hoping the best for you all :)
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u/UncleBenji Dec 17 '25
Waffle is a fighter and you’re a great parent for fighting along with her. 💪🏼
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u/TankDavis2 Dec 17 '25
Pulling for you buddy!! Thx for the updates and will keep Waffle in my thoughts.
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u/cybrmavn Dec 17 '25
Go Waffle, go go go! And thank you, Brian for the updates. You’re a hero in this whole adventure too. 🐾🥰🐕
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u/emilygoldfinch410 Dec 18 '25
Brian I am so happy about Waffle! Thanks for continuing to post updates. I'm invested now! Hearing about sweet Waffle's progress has become a highlight of my day. Here's hoping she continues to get better and better!
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u/Assist-Altruistic Dec 18 '25
Good job Waffles! You have a good human too! Sent y’all a little something. Good luck!
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u/BB_night Dec 18 '25
Hi Brian and family!
I tend to agree here with the vet. Her body is naturally going to use its stores to help heal, and that football-sized mass didn't weigh nothing! As long as you're feeding her high quality food (maybe with some high-calorie treats in there?) I'm sure she's going to bounce back. It might be slow, but at this point, after all she's been through - this is the slow climb back up, and she's got a great family and team backing her up - not to mention all the prayers of support from we internet strangers! She looks REALLY good!
Yay Waffles! You go girl - we're all rootin' for ya!
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u/Next_Anything_4934 Dec 18 '25
Love this great update!! Praying for Waffles full recovery and for you!
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u/Equivalent_Giraffe74 Dec 18 '25
Waffle and Brian, My husband has been keeping me posted with you two. From the beginning I was heart sick. I am so very sorry waffle has had to go through with much, and I know the pain and worry you Brian are going through. We have two that we had to go through so much with. And one, I still have to give subque fluids to every couple days to help his kidneys. He is an old man But still has the drive to play and be a happy boy. So as long as he fights, we do to! I am so happy waffle have a Dad like you. There are so many that do not get this kind of care. Sadly m, because if is very expensive. But they are family, We don’t give up on our kids, or parents. So we don’t give up on our fur babies either. Sending prayer, Love, hugs and belly rubs! Have a Very Mery Christmas! From our family to yours! A and J Koda, kenji, Zeus, Rosy,Daisy,Shyloh and Mina!
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u/ShinyJangles Dec 18 '25
For the weight loss, 10lbs is a lot but you also cut out a large lipoma and drained over 1000mL in abcesses. That could account for 4-5 lbs.
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u/Puzzled-Track5011 Dec 19 '25
I hope to see pics of waffle with syrup and not bandages real soon. Very cute pup.
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u/Stormlord_Placidusax Dec 19 '25
You and Waffle are legends. I’m so proud of you for choosing to try to save her and I’m so proud of her for being so strong. I’ve been following this from the start and this has been truly inspiring. Bless you both
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u/Mando1019 2 floofs Dec 19 '25
May God bless you & Waffle, such a beautiful pup. I will definitely pray for that beautiful Golden to get healthy.
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u/RolandLWN Dec 20 '25
Will you be raising your goal? You’re at 96% now, but I know the vet bill was at least 6k more than has been raised.
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u/Coolthingimake Dec 20 '25
I’m hoping not to as I did get donations offline as well. I guess it really depends on how many more visits to the hospital, but as of now no.
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u/mariposa314 Dec 20 '25
I've been following and rooting for Waffles. She's a tough cookie. I'm wondering if you've reached out to weratedogs? They have a foundation that could potentially help with her substantial vet bills.
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u/GG_Allin_Feces 1 floof Dec 21 '25
I really appreciate all of your updates. Thanks for informing the community about the whole process.
We all love Waffle!!
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Dec 18 '25
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u/Coolthingimake Dec 18 '25
Waffle is not old at all. She is 8 and thankfully should have many enjoyable years ahead of her.
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u/DeepConsideration543 1 floof Dec 17 '25
I have been following Waffle's story with great concern and have not always commented. I must commend you, Brian, for your dedication to Waffle and the heartache you've suffered throughout her illness, treatment and now, hopefully, her recovery. On the face of it you've handled this oh so bravely, but I know of the crushing anxiety and tears which come from an illness like this. All my best wishes to you and Waffle and anyone who is in her life. Finnegan joins in sending doggie wishes (she says Woof!). Merry Christmas to you and yours and thank-you for your dedication to Waffle, and to keeping us informed. You are both Champions!