Well, I certainly didn’t plan on four months flying by after my last post. Nearly every week, I tell myself to make a post and not overthink it, but invariably, I find an excuse not to.
The pups had a busy few months with a trip to Key West, Chip’s first time at dog day at the beach, and a few minor health issues – fear not, everyone is well (and I plan to write about both at some point).
With the start of Ziggy’s cancer journey, coupled with the peak pandemic, since Thanksgiving 2020, the holiday has been one mostly spent with my husband and the pups. I’m grateful for the shrinking of the holiday as it reduces stress and allows for a long weekend to gear up for the end of the year. I’m not fond of the origin of Thanksgiving, but I like to take the opportunity to be more mindful of what I have to be grateful for each. Plus, it’s the “official” start to the Christmas season, which is always cozy.
This year, I’m particularly grateful for health—for the pups and for ours. Inevitably, we all experience varying degrees of illness or health challenges. While the last few years have been marked by canine cancer, I’m grateful that everyone is healthy overall.
It can be hard to express gratitude for what we have each day, but I am always grateful for Cookie and Chip, who always bring joy, comfort, and love, no matter what is happening around us. (And my husband, too, who can always be counted on to make me laugh – intentionally or otherwise! 😜)
It’s the season of gratitude, and while we’re in a stable spot on our canine cancer journey, I’m reflecting on what I’m thankful for in how we experienced canine cancer.
The Pandemic
The pandemic was a source of fear, stress, and anxiety for all of us. But without it, I wouldn’t have been working from home and able to catch Ziggy’s limp. It’s impossible to know whether we would have caught the cancer as early as we did without the pandemic, but catching Ziggy’s cancer early was certainly a critical factor in his survival time.
The first dog
Ziggy, the happy patient, after his last traditional chemo treatment in April 2021.
I absolutely HATE that Ziggy was diagnosed with cancer and amputated a leg before his second birthday. It kills me that he died shortly after his third birthday. But I am grateful that he was the one to lead us on the cancer journey.
Ziggy was the best patient. He always smiled when going to the vet (which was a near-constant occurrence once he was diagnosed). He easily adapted to the tripawd life and showed us what resilience is. Ziggy’s pawsitive attitude and resilience made it easier for us to make treatment decisions and to figure out ways to maximize his quality of life.
Seeing how well he responded (physically and emotionally) to these challenges gives us the strength to make the best decisions for every other dog.
The unexpected prognosis
When we at long last learned that Ziggy’s cancer was hemangiosarcoma, we were devastated and afraid because of how short that prognosis tends to be. He was already three months post-diagnosis when we confirmed the type of cancer. We were incredibly fortunate to have 17 months with him post-diagnosis.
It would never be enough time, even if he’d lived to age 10. This success with cancer treatment not only softened the devastation of losing a pup so young but also gave us an optimistic lens when confronting the cancer journeys of subsequent pups.
Cookie’s Simpler Journey
Cookie recovering from surgery in April 2023.
When I first found Cookie’s lump on her leg in July 2021, my heart sank. How could we handle a second dog with cancer? Why is this happening so close to Ziggy? Given their age difference, it should have been unlikely.
While the prospect of two dogs with cancer simultaneously sucked, I’m grateful that Cookie’s cancer (soft tissue sarcoma) was less serious and more easily treated. She’s a terrible patient and tries to find a new family after each surgery, which are two reasons why I’m relieved that she hasn’t needed traditional chemo or radiation.
We’re fortunate to have an amazing holistic veterinarian, his patient and compassionate staff, a terrific veterinary oncologist, and the oncology care team to help keep our pups healthy.
Lessons Learned
I would never wish this on anyone, but this journey has taught me a lot. Sometimes, it seems like common sense (e.g., fresh food is better than processed kibble); everything I’ve learned helps to improve the care for Cookie, Chip, and any other dog that comes along. There’s plenty more that I could (or want to) be doing, but I do the best that I can right now. And I look for opportunities to make improvements wherever and whenever I can.
All the sources that have taught me about healthcare have exposed me to other resources, such as trainers. Exposure to more perspectives in all areas helps me be a better dog pawrent. It’s helpful when encountering new challenges, such as an anxious and sometimes reactive Chip.
Every day Gratitude
Most importantly, these cancer journeys are reminders to say yes to the pups as much as possible. To take them out for activities that bring them joy (like Cookie’s recent beach day and slide escapades). To let Chip lay on me a little longer in the mornings before getting ready for work. And appreciate all the time we are given because you never know when it will end.
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