Riley and I have been doing some summertime dreaming while we wait for Catie to return from her first round of chemo. We seem to be doing this a lot – waiting for Catie. My husband will bring her home on his way home from work (he works afternoons; I work days). When he headed out the door earlier, Riley was distressed at being left behind (“freaked out” were the actual words my husband used).
Riley doesn’t like change. He’s obsessive about his need for routine. Trips to the park are to be scheduled at the same time, every day. Bitter cold mornings are not to be used as excuses for delayed departures. Meals are to be at 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM; the same kibble is totally fine; a little more in quantity than usual is appreciated. He’s the first one to head upstairs to bed; 9:30 is delightful – any time past 10:00 PM confounds his patience and he spends a great deal of energy running up the stairs and down again to remind us of bedtime. Biscuits – for the most part to be given liberally, at any time – are absolutely expected if anyone says, “good boy.”
Most importantly, under no circumstances whatsoever – Catie is NOT supposed to go anywhere without him going too.
He was overwhelmed with joy and relief when I came through the door.
I don’t like change either. It’s why I’ve lived in the same house for over 15 years and stayed at the same job for 20. There’s a comfort in the familiarity of my surroundings even though it’s all somewhat of an illusion anyways because, although I’ve stayed here, life has changed and marched on despite my resistance. My children have grown and are making lives of their own. I’ve gotten older.
And Catie has cancer.
Riley and I have decided that we hate this disease. To pass the time and cheer ourselves up from a passing moment of gloom, we’ve been listening to peppy pop music (it is true: Riley likes Madonna and Lady Gaga) and looking at summertime pictures and we can barely wait to have more of them. Rick and I will drag out the plastic pool this summer and Catie and Riley will splash and play like they do every year.
Riley:
Catie:
My husband just phoned. Catie’s treatment went well and she was enthusiastically socializing with the staff and other clinic visitors. The vet said if we wanted, Riley could come and spend the day during her next treatment to give her moral support.
Riley and I have decided that summer will come in its sweet time. For now, these moments are quite enough.
What a wonderful family you have.
I’m sorry Catie has cancer. I don’t like being left alone either, so when mom takes Penny and Charlie for their “power” walks, me and dad sit together in his rocker.
I’m glad Catie’s treatment went well and that is so special and so cool that you’ll be able to hang with her next time she’s at the doctor.
Riley, give your sister one of your biscuits and tell her it’s from her friends from Tripawds. Don’t worry, we talked to your mom and dad and they will make sure you get 2 to replace it!
From her friend, Shelby, the P.P.
Riley says if gives up 1 biscuit to get 2 to replace it, he’s totally cool with your idea. 🙂
We hear you! Love your heading on Summertime Dreaming. We hope we can see Mackenzie jump in the pool that she so loves to do by this summer. Catie and Riley look like twins! Sounds like Riley’s had to make a few adjustments since Catie’s diagnosis. He’s just like our other Golden Kobe, who gets really anxious when we leave him behind. I bet Riley is so happy to be finally getting his Catie back. We look forward to the real pictures from Summertime Dreaming. Summer will be here before you know it 🙂
Cancer is horrible!!! We all hate it, but think of a positive thought, we all met one another because of the horrible disease. We have formed a little circle of friendship/family and we can all relate. We all care for one another and laugh and cry with one another. At least we have the moral support to help us through such a tough time in life. I wish it were easier, but unfortunately there isn’t a magic pill to make cancer go away. We can only hope that each dog gets more time then the ones that have crossed the bridge! We are sending happy summertime fun thoughts your way! We can’t wait to see tripawd Catie in the pool this summer!!!!
Keep your chin up Riley! I hate when things are out of routine too and that has been my life for the past several months! Hang in there. Sending you a hi-five (since you don’t like all those hugs and kisses) and sending Catie all my golden hugs and kisses!!
XOXO
Dillon
Riley says: I’m totally cool with a hi-five, Dillon. Catie can have all the hugs and kisses, as long as she doesn’t get more biscuits than me. She might play the piano, but I know EXACTLY how many treats we each get 🙂
Carmen says: Thank you, Dillon. And thank you, Kami.
My pug Tani is just like Riley. Both pugs actually like a routine, but Tani really expects it. All through Maggie’s treatment Tani was always looking for Maggie-
And Tani counts treats- she knows the minimum number she gets…
And we have one of those pools, although the girls have less interest now that they are older. Of course both of mine fit in one pool at a time with LOTS of room to spare!
Karen and the pug girls
Riley~ Don’t worry about the biscuit thing! You totally get the same number of biscuits! Even though Catie is a totally cute tripawd that doesn’t make it fair for her to get more biscuits 🙂 ! You need as many as she does because you do the hard job of moral support! That was my job with Peyton and I got just as spoiled as Peyton did! Cool Pawrents!!! You keep an eye on your pawrents and I will have a talk with them if they even try to give you less than Catie!!