I really wish dogs could live for as long as their humans (and vice-versa). The last round of K9 chemo yesterday was just another day for him, with a 30-minute belly rub by a person he’s only seen five times. I know what the stats say. Amputation only: up to 90 days. Amputation with carboplatin: Median remission is 378 days. In the last few months I’ve learned more than I really want about canine osteosarcoma. I’ve learned I don’t really care about K9 Osteo statistics. What I care about is life while life is happening.
I’ve also learned more than I thought I ever would about how an animal responds to having a leg removed; about how supportive people and pup can really be (and it wasn’t anywhere near as patronizing as I thought it would be for either group) as a dog and a human are being removed, gracefully, from each other’s lives.
I’ve parted with more tears than I would have realized a person could shed over an animal (I say that more as an offer of maybe a little wisdom than any request for consolation.) Said another way, “If you get a pet, you may be surprised at how the pet actually gets you. And it’s worth everything you put in.”
I know he won’t live forever. I am okay with that, now. He’s already on the high end on the normal distribution curve. Said another way, “We are blessed beyond a cup running over.”
I don’t have 2.3 kids, a spouse to share a house and chores, or a white picket fence. And I’m absolutely cool with that. I’ve got a few good friends, a way to make a living, and a couple of muts. I’ve got inspiration from friends, strangers, and a favorite dog. Tentatively, I think I may have belted more laughter and shed more tears because of joy than I’ve cried more tears from pain. If so, it is because of blessings like these.
I know that’s a lot more than some people have, and I wish everyone could catch a glimpse of the abundant blessings that grace their brief lives.
I think right now, though, I am most grateful that this guy’s 5th chemo is behind him; and more than that, I’m thankful for this guy. #GoRoscoe Just how much he has impacted my life? There are no statistics for that one. The Bell curve is blown, and I understand why statistic’s William S. Gosset called himself the Student..
Still going strong. #GoRoscoe