This year has been a bit rough for our little Pest. A few months ago, we noticed a tumor growing in his mouth near his bottom front teeth. We’ve been told by our vet that out of all his ailments, this would be the thing that would take him from us. If left unchecked, it will grow until he can no longer eat or drink water. The only way to remove it entirely is to remove his jaw. No thank you.

Well, it’s grown a lot, and as a result, he can’t eat his meals without puncturing something and bleeding all over the place. Technically, his quality of life is still fine, as this doesn’t deter him from eating all his food with the usual amount of gusto. Tumors like this don’t have nerve endings, which means that the wounds he’s inflicting on himself are not actually painful. Ben and I are another story. It’s been a smidge stressful.

We had a consultation with a specialist in Los Osos who does laser treatments. She seemed optimistic that she could remove a lot of the tumor. While it will undoubtedly grow back, the immediate cauterization would help Pesto heal faster, bleed less, and have an easier time eating and giving kisses to his favorite people.

Pesto has an appointment on Monday to get the procedure. I really hope it goes well. He’s doing so well otherwise, and it hurts us to see this stupid growth bringing him down.