It started with some sneezing this winter. Now, we are faced with the diagnosis of terminal cancer for our beloved rescue dog, Paloma. It’s a journey millions have sadly taken with their companion animals and if you’ll indulge me, I thought I’d write down some details of diagnosis, treatment, and my thoughts and emotions as I process this devastating inevitability.
Believe it or not, my main sentiment is one of gratitude (that’s a lie, overriding it are some ugly emotions, like angst and grief). But you see, Paloma had a malignant tumor in the fall of 2007 and being true-blooded Americans, my husband and I didn’t even blink at the $8,000 vet bills and opted for aggressive surgery and slapped it on our credit cards. (I think we’re still paying for that one!) But this is what we do, we of the clan, My-Pet-Is-My-Family. If you’re still reading this, welcome clan member 😉
So, she’s had more than two act-now-and-you’ll-receive extra bonus years…for which I am grateful, and it is to this gratitude that I cling as I digest the looming prospect of living sans Paloma.
(*Photograph by our dear and talented friend, Frank Bruynbroek www.omdphotos.com )
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That's awesome, Gina~! We would have done the very same thing =) "Paw of Friendship" to you for this!
Yet, in the wake of terrible news…
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