Things NOT to Say to a Pet Parent Struggling with Cancer

• Your dog is really lucky you're willing to do that.  I think that this is intended as a compliment, of sorts.  However, it comes across with a silent "because I sure as hell wouldn't" attached.
• Why are you spending so much money on a dog?  This one particularly upsets me.  It's my money and I can spend it however I like.  If your child was sick, I would never question you spending money to save them, even if it was to prolong their life for a very limited time.  Hell, I don't care if you blow all your money on a convertible.  It's not my money and how you spend it doesn't affect me.
• How much time does he have left?  I think the intention here is good, but any time you remind me that my dog is dying, that's not helpful.  Even though Hudson is doing well and is happy, the end result of osteosarcoma is always in the back of my mind, I don't need any reminders.
• Isn't it cruel to put him through all that?  Making the decision to amputate and treat with chemo is extremely difficult.  You second guess yourself constantly.  You struggle with your choice every time even a hint of a side effect occurs.  The last thing you need to hear is someone implying that you are purposely hurting your pet.
• I would never treat my dog with chemotherapy, it's so hard on him.  This is almost the same as the "isn't it cruel" comment above, only this one punches you in the heart.  This is almost an accusational comment.  I felt like I was personally being attacked.  To make it even worse, we'd only just gotten out of the hell week after amputation when this comment was made.  I was already physically and emotionally exhausted, and this really hurt.  It doesn't matter that the person knew nothing about canine chemo and its side effects.  In fact, that makes it worse.  I was being judged for something that the person knew nothing about.
• How will you know when it's time to put him down?  There isn't a day that goes by that this isn't already on my mind.  Please don't ask me to make you a checklist.
• Oh...cancer....that's a death sentence.  I know that.  Trust me, that's the first thing I thought of when the vet gave me the diagnosis.  The last thing that someone fighting osteosarcoma needs to hear is the worst case scenario.