It will be twelve weeks tomorrow since Catie’s surgery. Despite all the fears and tears – and I remember those despairing, helpless, hopeless days well – the world kept turning. Hours turned into days, turned into weeks, turned into months and here we are. It’s April.
The snow’s melted for now. The poplars and the ash trees remain starkly bare, the air is stale with snow mold and thick with dust from the sand and gravel dumped on winter roads and sidewalks, but I swear there’s a hint of green in the grass. It is Alberta though. The weather could change overnight and transport us without mercy back to January conditions.
Catie’s snoozing in her spot beneath the front window. She’s endured great pain, so much so that before she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma her diseased leg had atrophied; she’s been x-rayed and biopsied and poked and prodded; sailed through major surgery, took each and every painkiller and antibiotic with unflappable patience and trust; and has thus far endured three chemo treatments.
And yet . . . life has gone on. The hares are no longer white, but a mottled grayish brown colour. They continue their hare-raising parties out front when they think no one is watching. As for the mice – to be honest, I haven’t set foot in the garage for weeks.
Catie continues to enjoy her cookies and trips to the dog park with Riley and barking at strangers on our street. She’s strong and she’s beautiful and I’m sitting here thinking: wow.
I look at my big beautiful girl laying by my feet, she rolls over looks at me gives me a whoof so I will get down on the floor and pet her. I hug her, I lay my head on her chest where her leg once was and I also think WOW.
Glad to hear that Catie is doing well! We Pawrents have put them through so much, and they still wag their tails, want their ears rubbed and do all they can to make us smile. You are a couple of steps further along than we are (no chemo yet), but I do share in your sentiment…wow.
Hugs to all 🙂 Ginger’s mom
thank you for sharing the beautiful update on Catie, she is a lucky girl to have such a wonderful loving pawrent! Continued blessings.
“She’s strong and she’s beautiful and I’m sitting here thinking: wow.”
Now, way back when she was first diagnosed, could you picture yourself saying that? I know, it’s hard huh?
Well, congrats! By telling Catie’s story to the world and showing how far she’s come, she is sure to inspire other pawrents at their darkest hour during those early days.
Many, many hoppy spring wishes coming your way!
Good for you, good for Catie and good for Riley!
Some cookies, a trip to the dog park and a few naps sound pretty good to me! Yes, life is pretty good!
Thanks for the update and you take care!
Shelby, the P.P.
Wow is right! It is amazing how time goes by when you are having fun! Keep enjoying your beautiful goldens!
Catie and Riley sounds like your Mom is in a great mood-go ask her for cookies :)! How could she say no right now!!
XOXO and Hi-Paws
Dillon and Rhys
Catie’s mom,
You know when I have my “Wow” moments? When my mommy stops worrying about me!!!
She’s a recovery worry wart, so I praise her when she doesn’t overreact.
CCComet
P.S. Don’t forget – April is “Clean The Garage Month” !!!
Congratulations on your 12 week ampuversary! Wow is right! What our tripawds go through and how they bounce back without any complaints. Catie is so strong and beautiful – I imagine you look at her with such amazement. Here’s wishing Catie many more ampuversaries and only tears of joy for a very long time to come!
Kami
Yay, Catie! Happy 12 week ampuversary!!! We hope you get lots of extra treats (especially cheese!) from your mom. And some for Riley, too! Those “wow” moments are pawsome, aren’t they?? 🙂
Hugs,
Holly and Holly’s mom