When the three of us met and became friends, I was the only one that had a doggy, but you bet your ass we are now 3/3 for having pups! I can still remember Becky lecturing Taylor on all of the reasons she shouldn’t get a dog. For the record, they were all fair and valid points, but may we discuss all of the warm and fuzzies of getting a pet during treatment?
I had been toying with the idea of getting a dog for months before Milo found his way to me. Milo was found roaming the fields in Iowa and dodging rescuers left and right, this guy did not want to be caught. Apparently it took days for the animal rescue volunteer group to rescue him. We joke that Milo is some sort of rat dog, truly would have been fine living off the earth and never interacting with a human. He is pretty nasty, I think I can count on two hands the number of times he has nipped at someone. I know it isn’t a laughing matter, but trust me when I say we have tried EVERYTHING to fix this dog. We have succumbed to the fact that Milo is a fiercely independent, prickly soul that prefers his small pack of humans – does this remind you of someone?
Milo gave me a sense of purpose. Every day I knew that I had to pull myself out of bed to make sure he had food and water. On a good day, Milo was ready and eager to go for a walk. When you live in your bed, these small movements are victories.
My little man isn’t like most dogs and does not require much energy at all. Honestly, I think he may be a cat. So we understood each other real when it came time for treatment. I wonder if dogs can sense sadness, pain, or loss. I imagine they can because Milo never left my side. When I reflect on my journey, my entire life journey, Milo was truly a constant. I know that sounds silly, but I think we are undeserving of the unconditional love of a pet. For me this was so needed and welcomed, I don’t think I even understood the full gravity of it at the time. When you are in the fight of your life and everything hurts, everything is ugly, and your hope is diminished that kind of love matters. No matter where you get it from.
Let’s hear your best cancer puppy moments!
