Living with a dog can be full of wonderful experiences and laughter. Dogs have a uncanny knack for finding a place to live and fit into in our lives, families, friendships, homes and hearts. They do it so well that it's hard to imagine life without them.
Although it's not something I like to dwell on the truth is every dog owner will have to be faced with the loss of their dear friend and companion. Over the years as a dog walker I have shared with clients the experience of life and loss of their beloved dogs, all were lost to cancer. I am always comforted by knowing how loved and cared for each dog had been. All dogs should be so lucky.
Last week my dog a nine year old boxer mix, Justice, was diagnosed with three mast cell (cancerous) tumors. I am now faced with the cold reality that he may not live for much longer.
Though not at all glamorous, I always pictured him in old age white faced, lumpy from fatty tumors, stiff with arthritis and bluish gray eyes from cataracts. It saddens me that I might not get to experience that with him.
Today I am going to have a consultation with his awesome veterinarians to find out what out treatment options are. I'm keeping in mind that a cancer diagnosis isn't always terminal, Renna, Jessica's nine year old black lab has been cancer free for four years now.
To learn more about canine cancer and to join the Canine Cancer Campaign please visit the
Morris Animal Foundation.
Pictured below are the great dogs Jessica and I have been lucky to have known.
In Loving Memory Of ~
Sammy
Jake
Logan
Sanger
“Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really.”
~Carlotta Monterey O'Neill
The dogs had a blast at the beach! I loved watching them run and play. Henry, the labradoodle, met my beagle Splash for the first time. They hit it off and ran and wrestled together. I love this shot of Henry flying over Splash's head!
Murphy the Basset Hound enjoyed Splash's company, after all, she's a hound too; they understand each other.
Bella's obsession is playing fetch. She even has a rash gaurd to protect her, and she loves to swim! Splash would run as fast as she can after her to try to get the ball, but ended up settling for snatching it once Bella dropped it. A beagle at top speed is no match for an athletic lab like Bella!
Henry and Murphy on the run, they are chasing after Bella and Splash. It was a gorgeous day, so much fun!
Meet Henry! He's a labradoodle and today was his very first Urban Escape. He looks like he's having a great time, doesn't he? He loved it!
Big Boy takes a rest and is on watch in case someone or something comes our way.
Sage and Laila after romping in the grass.
Henry if the foreground watches his brother, Murphy exploring the trail. In the background are Laila and Sage.
With scattered showers yesterday we got very lucky and managed to be out during some sunshine! We only had a few brief sprinkles during the hour we were out. We had a very active group, and did a lot of running and playing. Everyone had a great time!
I absolutely LOVE this photo! This is Sage (left) and her new pal Murphy. Murphy likes to run after Sage & bark, while Sage likes to be chased while she barks. A perfect match!
What better way to enjoy the sunshine than rolling in the rain dampened grass?
Sage likes running in circles with Kiko in hot pursuit. Missy wants to keep up but can only go as fast as her little legs allow. She makes up for it by sneaking in from the side!
I love how Murphy is running after the other dogs in this shot, yet looking at the camera. He knows how the work the camera!
Max ran around after the other dogs until he got too tired. Then he preferred lying in the grass among the wildflowers.
Sammy
Jake
Logan
Sanger
