Some people say a dog is just a dog. Others say a dog is family and
some say a dog is a best friend. No matter what you say or believe a
dog is a living being that has feelings. They are in my mind the most
loyal creature you will ever incounter and with the right pairing the
best friend you’ll ever have.
Daisy…
I remember when I got Daisy. My boyfriend, now fiancee was not
ready for a dog, but with some begging she came home and she
cried the whole way. I remember thinking he is going to kill me, but
once again with the right pairing…a dog can become your best
friend.
Let’s jump forward seven years later. Daisy is now a running partner,
a travel companion, an alarm clock, a soft reminder that everything
will be ok, and best of all a best friend.
On July 1, 2016, I brought her to work with me (I am a Certified Veterinary Technician) for limping after trying
rest and Carprofren with minor to little improvement. We started
radiographing her left front leg. We started at the carpus and worked
our way to her shoulder with each view I held my breath, hoping that
the veterinarian would say clear. We made it all the way to her humerus,
when I heard this could be osteosarcoma. I held my breath a little
longer, while we sent the radiographs out for a radiologist consult. I
remember not so patiently clicking the refresh button on the computer
and running to the fax machine to see if the report came back. When
it did, I let out my held breath because the first thing I saw on the
report was osteosarcoma. In this moment, I remember thinking this can’t be
happening, she is only 7, I can’t believe I’m here already. The sad
truth is that dogs truly do have one fault and it is that there life is to
short. I managed to snap my mind out of this craze mess that I was
thinking and thought let’s fix this. We can fix this. We proceded to
radiograph her chest, which was clear. We drew full bloodwork, which
was normal. We ultrasound her abdomen a couple days later, which
was clear of cancer. We then, proceded to do a bone biospy. I have
to say that Daisy is a champion. I will always remember how when my
fiancee came to visit her how she got up and continued to smile
because she did not want him to see her sad or in pain, even though
she was. The bonds we form. A couple days later, the biospy came
back and it said osteosarcoma. We then had to make the difficult
decision to amputate her leg or to let her go until the pain was to bad. We decided to amputate because the pain she was in was becoming worse and worse each day. On Monday, July 25, I took her to work with me and the veterinarian amputated her left front leg. I stayed with her for most of the surgery because in my mind she has never left my side and I will never leave hers, if I that ability. She had a rough night on Monday. On Tuesday morning, she woke up, hopped over to me and proceeded to hop to the door. We went outside and she urinated. She did not have a bowel movement until Wednesday and Wednesday morning her appetite was down, which could be due to the Fentanyl Patch. I added I/D stew to her diet and she started eating that afternoon. We are currently on Day 5 post surgery, her Fentanyl patches were removed today. She is hopping around pretty good. We bought her a new chew bone that will have an end up anyway it lays to help her chew on bones. We will see where we go from here. I know the statistics for osteosarcoma and being a vet tech I have experienced the statistics of osteosarcoma, but as I’m sure you feel statistics are just statistics and maybe just maybe she will beat them.
Joining Team Daisy – sounds like she is off to a good start and I send my best wishes for her to defy the odds. We need to ignore them, and as many here are fond of saying, be more dog.
Lisa and Pofi dog
A lot of us here know the heartbreak any cancer diagnosis brings with it. But you are so right statistics are only that statistics. You are taking away the terrible pain of osteosarcoma for beautiful Daisy. Do what Daisy will be doing take one day at a time and live it to the Max. Let each day bring you joy. Your Daisy will amaze you with her resiliency and how she will adapt to her new normal. Let nothing steal all your today’s.
Hug So!
Linda, Riley & Spirits Mighty Max & Ollie
Welcome Daisy and mom….sorry you find yourselves here, but “here” is a great place to be when you are a Tripawd (or someone who is owned by a Tripawd). It sounds like she’s doing great so far, and I’m sure, being a vet tech, you know you’re in for some ups and downs. My Dobe, Nitro, had his right front leg removed 2 years ago due to osteo; he will be 11 years old on Halloween, and is doing great! I feel blessed to be on this journey with him – he’s taught me so much. Tripawds are special, special animals, as you will find out. Good luck, and welcome to the family.
Paula and Nitro
Thank you for the honor of getting to know this beautiful Soul you call Daisy! She is truly beautiful inside and out.
Every single neartfelt word you have written is a lovely tribute to your very special friend and the deep unbreakable bond you share.
Any you are exactly right, statistics don’t mean much around here! Every now and then we have dogs blow the statistics out of the water. We all go into this journey hoping our dogs will be victorious over this piece of crap disease!
But our dogs teach us they don’t count days on a calendar and they sure don’t give a rip about any ole’ prognosis! They teach us to live in the moment with no worries about the tomorrows. They teach us to be more dog!
And they teach us that there is nothing better than loving and spoiling a tripawd every second of every day! 🙂 Make every day count! Make every day Daisy Day!
Looking forward to following Daisy on her victorious journey and celebrating all her milestones! We’ll start by celebrating first poop!! YAY FOR POOP!!!
And keep these great pictures coming!
Hugs ro all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Wow! You should check out Novak’s blog (If you havn’t already)–he is a brand new tripawd and his mom is a vet tech as well :). Yup, we well know around here that statistics are just numbers and there are many around here who have defied the odds. Sounds like you are well prepared and Daisy is doing well so far in her recovery. I am sure you know to expect the possibility of some ups and downs in these early days but here’s hoping Daisy’s recovery is smooth and easy!
xoxo,
Codie Rae and the Oaktown Pack
Sounds like you have everything under control, and Daisy is lucky to have you. No matter what the statistics say, it is about celebrating each day, and enjoying your time together, no matter how long that may be.
What a beautiful story and such a brave girl she is. I have the absolute pleasure of being a part of Daisy’s family ( I am Steph’s sister in law). I was there for most of this experience as I too work at the Vets office that has been taking care of Daisy. I have been moved to tears at her resilience. I can only hope that she will beat this but with the family she has and the team at the Vets office behind her I know we are giving her the best chance possible. We love you Daisy Doo. You be a big strong girl!