In some cases, well…yes, as these pictures clearly show! This is our beloved dog, Paloma, romping around on Del Mar, California’s dog beach. This is the same day as her sixth radiation treatment for the tumor (grrrrr) that has aggressively pushed its way from her sinus cavity to her brain with alarming and heartbreaking speed. The treatment seems to have staved off the inevitable for a wee bit at least, and for that, we are profoundly grateful and we’ll worry about how to pay for it all later. ($9,000+ and counting) Isn’t that the great American way? 😉
We have arrived!
So I’m thinking these pictures highlight that money CAN buy some moments of happiness: Both for Paloma and for her adoring “parents” who beam at her frolicking proudly and with as much delight as parents who watch their toddlers play “nice” with other kids in the park.
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” Mark Twain
Paloma (left) romping happily like in her youth!
I’d also like to thank my friends for their support, caring and understanding through this tough chapter in the relationships we build with our precious companion animals. Also, I feel compelled to mention how touched and moved I was by the outpouring of love and prayers shown by some amazing people I’ve had the blessing of meeting on Twitter. Yes, Twitter. A place that is not a different world; but more a forum for the world to be efficiently and beautifully connected. So many dog and animal lovers who really get it – and I think a cyber hug can be just as powerful as a real life embrace. I dedicate these happy time pictures to my loved ones…in thanks for uplifting comfort and compassion.
That's love!
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Gina,
What a lovely tribute to one whom you love so much. Heartwarming and bittersweet. Thank you for sharing this intimately difficult time. Paloma is a lucky dog <3 and vice versa.
Thank you Kim…so nice that you can sense that love 🙂 …and I feel lucky not just in having Paloma, but in caring friends like you!
Awww you are so loved! Bless you…Bless paloma! You are right Gina; the support on Twitter is very real. As is the outpouring of love and understanding in these arduous times! My friends on Twitter have been “My Rock” through the loss of all 3 of my pets; and, two close friends as well!!
We will all be here for you through this time. And when you need a cyber hug; count on Us!! {{{HUGS}}} xox
Thank you, Ellie! – I want to call you Ellie 🙂 is that OK? Thank you for your supportive and loving wishes all while you are grieving such a great loss…what a tough week this must be for you. I’m sure you are taking comfort in knowing she is once again romping – free from pain. And she’s going to have a hand in sending you your next crazy, annoying, chewing pup! 😉 What a treat to have met you, albeit under such trying circumstances. Big hugs to you, sweetness.
Gina, what a beautiful touching true and rarely told story! I love it to pieces as my mom used to say…You are a real treasure as a friend and Paloma is to you…what a loss she will be. I hope you like my story. It needs much rewriting and more pictures. I hope it bring comfort to more than an 11 year old boy. Love you. It’s people like you on Twitter, so willing to share their hearts that make it so very authentic and special! Libby
Hi Libby 🙂 Thanks so much for your sweetness and love! If it is a rarely told story I know it is a commonly lived one and one so many of us share…It really helps to know people “get it” and I only hope I can remind people to really love and kiss on your loved ones while you can 🙂 It looks like you gave your sweet lil KingPin a great, loving home. What a lucky dog. Thank you, again, for your uber amazing support! ((huugggs))
What a lovely, touching story. The fact that you can write so fondly of your loved animal shows truely what an amazing person you are. Paloma knows how lucky she is to have you as you are aware of how lucky you are to share these last precious moments with her.
The joy that it brings to you, should be remembered long after she is (Not that it wont). And like all the other posts say, remember that the support and love is all around from friends and family alike. Keep smiling and shining and the world will be a brighter place to live in 🙂
Thank you so much Nolan for your very kind words and support. It’s so amazing how the common understanding of loving our companion animals can bring the world and the people in it so much closer! I feel blessed to not only have Paloma but to have people who really “get it” 🙂 Bliss you!
Awesome post – AWESOME BLOG! Yer phunn to look at.
Heyyy Crash, thanks for stopping by and golly – thanks for the compliments! 🙂 Happy weekend!
(((((((HUGS))))))))
xxxxxxxsmoochesxxxxxxxx