9.05.2008

Animals get cancer too.

The new telethon called Stand Up to Cancer was a great success. All the networks worked together for a great cause. But it got me thinking of something different...my old dog, Chewy.

I made the heart-breaking decision to put Chewy down on May 19, 2007. In January 2007, Chewy had been diagnosed with Transitional Cell Carcinoma. She had a tumor in her urethra, and because of the position of the tumor (in the actual urethra canal) it could not technically be operated on or removed. Chewy did undergo surgery twice to alleviate the expanding tissue around the tumor, which made it a little less painful to go to the bathroom. Throughout those 5 months, Chewy remained sweet and an otherwise happy dog. Because I knew we would only have a little time together, I pretty much let her do whatever she wanted all that time! She slept right on the bed with me and rode in the car with me wherever I went. Chewy was a trooper.

I had adopted Chewy in 2003 at the age of 7. I was looking to adopt a German Shepherd and found her through an internet adoption site. She was in a not-so-great living situation and I couldn't bear to leave her there once I met her. It took her about a week to warm up to me, but she became my sidekick after that. Cleo didn't really mind Chewy, but of course Charli was scared of her all the time. And unfortunately, German Shepherds have a tendency to 'chase anything that moves' and that sometimes included little Charli!

Chewy was an exceptional dog...she was a very pretty black and white Shepherd-mix. She was loyal, sweet natured, and well-behaved. She was with me through many big events, including the move from Texas to Oklahoma. Because I had a small truck back then, Chewy and the kitties had to ride with me right up front. Chewy had a tendency of stretching out and laying her head right on my leg for the duration of any trip. She was so easygoing. And she really liked it when I sang to her. Chewy's favorite was when I sang "Good morning to you" to the tune of Happy Birthday. She would smile and snuggle in the bed big time. Oh, how I still wish she was here and could snuggle with me now!

I think about Chewy almost every day. I did everything I could financially, physically and spiritually to help her through her pain. And even though it was one of the toughest things I've ever had to do, letting her go was the best thing for her. I'll never forget watching as she walked away with the vet. She had a sashay about her walk and I'll never get that image out of my mind...nor do I want to! The vet was wonderful, as were the surgeons at two different specialty vets in town. My parents were also very supportive and were with me and Chewy until the end.

I miss her.

2 comments:

Linda said...

I miss her too. I remember her walking down the hall too--she was happy--that meant a lot, didn't it.

Sunnysland said...

All dogs go to heaven. It's amazing how a dog can do so little but give so much. I raise my glass to all the dog lovers out there!