Tripawd-iversary

060612Hard to believe, but it has been one year since Ray relinquished his right front leg to a nerve sheath tumor.

I have said it many times, but we feel so fortunate that Ray was cured of his illness because of the amputation. When the option of removing the leg was initially presented to us as the best answer, we immediately balked, believing there had to be a better, alternative solution. Well, there wasn’t. Life isn’t always tidy, and now we know it was the only option for him. And he has done so remarkably well. The happy spirit of a Golden cannot be denied!

Over this past year, I have read many – too many – stories of other beloved dogs who could not beat their sickness, even after surgery, chemo, etc. If any creature deserves to live forever without pain or sickness, it is a dog. Sadly, the actuality is that their time with us is painfully short. They are like shooting stars, burning so brilliantly while they’re here, then fading far too quickly. Everyone who is a caring pet parent feels the light and love of a beloved dog long after their earthly light has diminished, however. The memories are all we have, and they are all as unique as each dog that has nuzzled its way into our heart.

I dread the day Ray leaves us. Yesterday morning, he refused to eat his breakfast, and I was terrified. (Ray eating is scary in itself. Ray not eating is something to be terrified of, believe me.) I eventually got him to eat a bit of chicken and rice, which he threw up an hour later while looking terribly ashamed, bless his heart. Diarrhea and lethargy ensued. A visit to the vet resulted in a bowel-slowing injection plus antibiotics and probiotics. Today he is his normal, ravenous, drooly, snuffling, three-legged self. Blood test results are pending, but I couldn’t be happier.