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Katie likes nice furniture
I started drawing several years ago because no photo could ever capture what I saw when I looked at Katie’s face. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. She just radiates everything that is good and kind and wonderful in the world.
My drawing skills never did justice to her, but Katie continues to grow more beautiful every day. She just had her 13th birthday and we went to the vet for her senior checkup. Her chest X-ray shows that she has a spot on her lung the size of a ping-pong ball. Dr. Rawstrom called this morning to say the radiologist looked at it and it’s most likely cancer.
I called Katie’s long-time veternarian, Dr. Shilito, who works at the Washington Animal Rescue League now. We were sad when he moved on from private practice and we like Dr. Rawstrom, but she’s new to the area and we needed a recommendation for the best local doggie oncologist we could find. Dr. Shilito has always been great about giving us advice even after he went to work at WARL and I really trust him. It helped a lot to talk things through with him this morning. I feel like we have a good plan now.
He recommended an oncologist in Gaithersburg named Dr. Intile. From my own cancer experience the primary ongoing relationship you have is with your oncologist, so we’re going to call her and say it’s been recommended that Katie have an ultrasound-guided aspiration of the mass. The lump is in her thorax, near the chest wall so they think it will probably be possible to do a needle aspiration.
Hopefully that will tell us what we’re dealing with, whether the mass originated in the lungs or has spread from some other place. We’ve been in and out of the vet’s office for a couple of years now dealing with Katie’s coughing and lameness, which they thought were just due to old age but could also be symptoms of lung cancer.
Our primary goal is Katie’s quality of life. At 13 she is old for a standard poodle. We have lived a very good life together. I don’t even remember who I was before Katie – when I think about it, life before Katie seems like somebody else’s life. She came into my life at a very dark point, a birthday gift on July 26 1999 from Pam Skaist-Levy. She loved me throughout, inspired me, gave me hope, taught me how to love myself. She literally saved my life.
There is nothing that I do or am or have today that I do not owe to Katie. I hope I can be there for her now like she has always been there for me. I don’t want to get so tied up in my own fear and anxiety and grief that I upset her or make things worse for her. I hope that I can take what I learned from Kobe’s passing and use it to be a better mom to Katie.
Regardless of what her diagnosis is right now, it is clear Katie is slowing down and entering the winter of her life. But she still has much wisdom to impart. I hope I can find the grace and composure to accept her final teachings.
121 Comments
A friend of mine had a Golden Retriever that had a kind of lymphoma. She was such a sweet dog. When she went in for chemo, she would whine a little, but offered her paw up for the needle as if to shake hands. The image breaks my heart.
The friend attributes the high incidence of cancers in dogs to pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers applied to the grasses in parks. If there’s data out there to confirm that theory, I wonder if it’s being covered up.
Katie is indeed a lovely lady and a very gracious host to all her guests. Tell her I said hello and (((Katie))).
Ah damn, Jane. Thinking all sorts of warm and healing thoughts for (((((Katie)))))
There’s over 150 natural substances that will help with cancer in humans. I imagine dog cancer research knowledge is a tiny fraction of that.
Gary Null pays Luanne Pennesi (whnn at aol dot com) to help folks with natural approaches to human diseases of all types. I’ll guess that even if she doesn’t have a clue as to what would help a dog, she’d ask Gary Null about knowledge does exist on the subject, who has a soft spot for animals, and has saved many a critter – including rats! I kid you not!
I’d say it’s worth a try, no?
Jane, I am so sorry that you and Katie are going through this. I’m sitting here right now with my silly little Chihuahua sleeping on my lap and thinking what joy she gives me. I hope that whatever happens that you and Katie are both comforted by the love you share.
Jane, a little over a year ago my Tibetan Terrier who was my best friend for sixteen summers was diagnosed with advanced lymphatic cancer and I signed that dreadful piece of paper and weeping like a child I hugged him for the last time and said goodbye.
I have tears in my eyes even now as I share this with you and extend a soft shoulder and my heartfelt empathy to you and yours.
It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do.
Peace be unto you.
M. Hamsher, your words cover it all . . . so well penned in this time of sadness for you both.
Your being there is the ultimate as Katie ages and health fails.
The entire FDL community, YOUR community and Katie’s, is behind you both fully in total support for the best possible outcomes.
Bless ya both, and thank you both for your gifts to us all.
Very, very sorry to hear this.
Love to you and Katie, Jane Hamsher. Knowing ahead of time that you want to guard against her sensing your anxiety will be a big help, more than likely…to both of you.
We’ll all be sending you and your beautiful girl healing thoughts and love.
How very sad. My thoughts are with you both.
Oh Katie!
This is very sad news. I wish both of you the best, many hugs.
Hope things work out for Katie, and you. I had an adorable little cocker-golden retriever mix for 17 years until kidney failure finally took her. Held her in my arms bawling like a baby as she went peacefully over the bridge.
Don’t you also have other dogs? Do you still have Kobe? How are they doing?
Sorry to hear of your trouble.
In the past 36 months I have lost a long haired Chow, Roxy, a brother and sister Siamese, Thor and Reba, and Sheila the Bullsnake. At 8, 19, 19, and 14 respectively. I am down to sharing my home with Charlie the Blue King Snake who is 11.
Haven’t found the heart to allow others in yet. It’s too quiet sometimes though.
I hope all goes as well as it can for both of you, and pray that you find the strength and peace to make all the right decisions at all the right moments.
We have an appointment with Dr. Intile for tomorrow afternoon. Katie will also have the needle aspiration then.
Thanks so much to everyone for their kind thoughts and support. We are hanging in there. Katie is much wiser and stronger than me, but she is doing her best to get me up to speed.
It’s not just your friend. EWG’s study on “polluted pets” found the same thing:
http://www.ewg.org/reports/pets
Even when dogs get filtered water and organic food, as mine do, with their small size and compressed lifespan they are extremely vulnerable to carcinogens in the environment.
About 50% of all dogs who live past the age of 10 die of cancer.
(((HUGS)))(((HUGS)))(((AND MORE HUGS)))
She is still enjoying the treats the Uncle Scarecrow sent. She is very good at knowing when to press her advantage. Predictably, she’s getting a steak tonight.
Thanks so much D. She very much appreciates the healing thoughts. She’s very in touch with the universe.
And I’m pretty certain before this is over we’ll have a collection of all of them.
Thanks metamars, appreciate it.
Pardon my skepticism. Please link to good studies that prove these compounds’ efficacy.
Not anecdotes, studies.
We just lost a friend of 41 to ovarian cancer, who pursued “alternative treatments”. The funeral is Saturday.
Jane,
sorry to hear the news about your beloved Katie. Much good thoughts, love, prayers, and karma to her and you on this fight. Sometimes the only love in our lives comes in the form of our four-footed friends who depend on us, and vice verca.
I have no words just loving thoughts for the {{{{{ two of you }}}}}.
You have been blessed with two wonderful friends in Katie and Kobe. Best wishes for the next few months with Katie to go well.
pulling for Katie!
You’ve been good to and for each other, which is plenty.
The last time I was with my dog (and the last time he was with his cat) was in 1986. A day doesn’t pass that I don’t think about him, and now and again he visits me in my dreams, I suppose, or I visit him. It was never final.
I was affected by your post and felt like I had to write something. I thank Katie for giving us you. Love to both of you.
Citizen Jane Hamsher:
Heart goes out, Sister Jane…no matter what this turns out to be, it ain’t easy dealin’ with stuff like this that reminds us how little control we have over most of the important things in life. Remeber that it’s about Kate’s quality of life…but I don’t hafta remind you. Hang in there kid!
Best wishes {{{{Jane and Katie}}}} I know very well just how much a Dog can mean to the whole family. The sheer joy and love shared is amazing. Our last dog lived till he was 17 and had to be sent to Doggie Heaven and we all cried for days. We waited 5 years before we got our current dog Tucker a Toy Poodle/Maltese mix. What a joy he has been, he is my shadow and he sure loves to give Kisses and Hugs!! He hugs you by sitting on his butt and grabbing your hand between his paws while you scratch his chest… I don’t know where he learned that but we sure do love getting his hugs!!
We sure hope she can be helped by the Vet!!!
Thanks so much.
As I told Dean Baker, the most helpful thing I’ve read is that vets don’t consider cancer a death sentence for dogs, especially at Katie’s age, because their lifespans are short anyway so it’s mostly going to be about making her comfortable, slowing the growth and mitigating symptoms. (Much like what you said, and I believe is true, should be much more the focus in treating breast cancer.)
Predictably she’s handling this better than I am. She’s going to help me feel better about the whole thing by having a steak for dinner tonight
We have been there with a German Shepherd, who passed at age 14.
Those final lessons were important, and Valentine (we found her on Valentine’s day!) seemed to know the ropes. She could no longer walk so we took her out, as she insisted on doing so, with a kid’s wagon, appropriately stuffed so she was comfortable and warm. The weird thing was that one neighbor bitched at us saying the dog was suffering and would report us to the county authorities. I told her to go ahead, but she never did or they simply ignored the call.
She passed away in our living room, as I was making breakfast. My back was turned but suddenly, I dropped everything and turned around, just in time to see her pass over. She again, insisted!
Valentine was the love of our life, and never can we replace her, or would want to.
Our hearts go out to you, in a sense of oneness.
Oh, Jane, I’m so sorry to hear this. My heart stopped a moment when I saw Katie’s picture, for fear it was the worst news…at least you are preparing to fight and she is still with you. This post is a lovely tribute to Katie, but thank goodness, not a final one.
I have thought recently of the early days when you wrote often of Kobe and Katie, and everyone made sure to have pumpkin muffins when the three of you came to visit. FDL has changed as well, and it isn’t the small community it was then.
But thank you for sharing this news about Katie, and for keeping a place for us to talk about our well-loved animal companions. In return, Katie will receive many healing prayers and wishes.
((((Katie)))) ((((Jane))))
Best of wishes for you and your dear friend, and may you receive good news at tomorrow’s visit.
what a beautiful post.
my senior terrhuahua is snoring loudly under my desk.
he’s a rescue but as all dog-parents know:
we’re the ones who are saved.
best wishes to both of you.
My greatest fear as a dog owner was death. Not mine of course, but for the friend that followed me everywhere for the 15 years we shared. Would I be able to call a Vet and make an appointment to have her put to sleep or would I ask someone to do it for me? I really struggled with that. When that day finally came, the gaze in her eyes told me that our time was coming to and end and I knew I wanted every second of it. True friendship is so hard to lose.
I am so sorry for the news your beautiful and moving tribute brings. You come close to finding the words to express what our relationship with our pets is. Yes. A part of everything we are and will be. My love and support are with you as you set out on this journey.
We actually had a date with the vet for the day Valentine died, but she left early.
I was glad, although I don’t think we would have caved into euthanasia.
I hope your dog gets better Jane.
My thoughts are with you and Katie as you deal with this. I hope for the best.
Ain’t it the truth. I have so much more fear of my dogs’ mortality than I do my own.
Jane, so sorry to hear this, seems like just yesterday that Kobe was living through his final days, and your strength and compassion helped him through that. The great love you have for these family members, your ‘kids’, shines through on these pages, and is evident from every word you have ever written about them. I hope you and Katie’s doctors find a path to a cure. You have my best healing thoughts coming to Katie and you!
(((Katie))) (((Jane)))
Oh man. Sending all my best vibes to you both.
same here!
Jane,such a heartful tribute to Katie and to yourself. I have dogs and know what it is like, not easy, but there comes a time. Last time, when there was no hope, I told the vet I hope somebody does the same for me. Life knows when, and that is for the best.
So much more here (to chew on), I will just say that I don’t think cooked meat is good for dogs.
(((Jane))) (((Katie)))
You know how I feel.
Adding my best wishes for you and Katie; what an outpouring of love from so many pet owners. We got our first dog “Jade” a couple of years ago and I now understand the quote “No person ever truly deserves the love of their dog”.
beautifully written, jane. im so sorry to hear this, please give katie a big hug and scratch behind the ears for me..
Awww, so sorry to hear about Katie’s illness. There’s no love like that we get from from our furred & feathered friends. Good thoughts to both of you and best of luck with treatments, etc. Keep us posted.
What Scarecrow said.
And (((Jane))) too.
Jane, I am so sorry….You may have read that my beloved Angela crossed the bridge, as SD would say, about a month ago. Enjoy every minute…it is a time of so much love and kindness. I know Katie will get good care. I am not sure how these wonderful pets get to be such good friends and seem to teach us so much….
Blessings and thoughts for all the time you have together and for all the best for both of you. Bev
Wish I could take some of the pain and sadness away. You and Katie are in my thoughts.
My heart is breaking for you, Jane. I know how you’ve loved those dogs, because I had dogs and cats of my own that I also loved. They’re gone now, but not forgotten. Keep your chin up. As long as you remember to do what’s right for the dog first, and not to let your feelings get in the way, you can help her through her time of need with a clear conscience and all the love she can handle. We’ll be thinking of you and Katie and sending our best wishes to both of you. (((Jane and Katie)))
It was the Dog in FireDogLake that hooked my curiosity and brought me to these shores.
Jane, from me and my pups, Truth and Justice, sending you and Katie light and warmth and strength and Good Vibrations.
Thank you Jane and, NO! You couldn’t be a better mommy. You’re there already.
Ah, Katie, you’re such a good dog! Jane, I am going through the end of my shiloh shepherd’s life right now (he’s 10) so I am relating to you, to the point that I am weeping. They wanted to run more tests to see if it’s cancer but I said no because it would have to be a surgery and I have no intention of seeking chemo for him. I don’t think he could stand surgery right now. Ten is old for a 120 lb dog. So I agree with you that you don’t want to put dear Katie through too much. You are so very lucky to have had a big dog for 13 years! I wish you and Katie many more weeks of peace and happiness. You might want to sneak in something sugary after the steak.
Jane, I am so moved by your words. I only wish every pet owner spoke with such affection as you do for Katie. That you recognize how much Katie has brought to your life, as friend and as teacher, says so much about your openness to receive what she has to offer. If the average person had 10% of your love for Katie, the world wouldn’t be such a horrific place for animals of all kinds.
Thanks for this post, and best wishes going forward for you and Katie.
I dread to ask, but how is Lucy taking all this? They are so expert at picking up that something is terribly wrong, especially since Katie was her dear playmate. (((Jane))) (((Katie))) (((Lucy)))
Jane–
I’m so sorry to hear this. As an owner, trainer, boarder, keeper, and lover of almost too many dogs to count, the recognition of their mortality–which seems unfairly abbreviated under the best of circumstances–never lessens. The blessings they bring to our lives are many . . .too many to count. But the blessing I think they are given, in addition to sharing a life with a loving owner, is that they can’t (or at least we think they can’t) see into or worry about the future. As long as their human shares their daily life, they (IMO) think the next minute, or hour, or day, or year is just grand. Good luck with whatever route you choose; a good rX is to make sure both you and Katie take time to smell the roses.
Very best wishes to you and Katie, Jane. Thanks for sharing her with all of us over the years.
Yeah the only reason we’re doing the biopsy is so we can know better how to manage pain and ease her symptoms. No painful interventions. Just as much quality time as we can get.
Lucy is fine. So is Katie for that matter — I’m the one that’s “unsettled.”
I’m sure as far as they are concerned, nothing is different for Katie today than it was yesterday. The only difference is I’m suddenly upset about it.
They’re much more connected to their own health and they seem to have a deep sense of when things are amiss. They are probably sitting there rolling their eyes at each other going “there’s mom, late to the party again.”
I certainly hope that this turns out well for you and her. You do have the grace, don’t worry about the composure, that is what privacy is for.
Jane, I’m so sorry to hear about your Katie. I wish you all the best at this time. This helped me tremendously in my last months with my best friend of 14 years, JB (my sweet dane/lab): someone explained to me that our dogs are there for us for all of those years, being strong for us and guiding us through our lives. Now this is the time that we need to be strong for them in return, to show them what we learned.
Our pets are our people. Take care, Jane and Katie.
Boy that is really hard to do. It’s hard to know when you’re in that really emotional place. I still re-write Kobe’s last days over and over in my head, wondering if I should have done things differently knowing what I knew at the time. It made a huge difference in my guilt levels when my friend Linda said that under the circumstances, she would have done the same thing.
I now have to read the screen though a mess of tears. I’ve loved every one of my dogs, and current one is a 65 pound wavy Goodendoodle that is Black looking much like your Katie and 6 years old. I don’t want to think about the coming end.
With all my heart I wish you and Katie well.
A dear friend of mine, when facing the prospect of agressive lymphoma that could claim his young life at 33, told the doctor “I never contemplated the fact that my 10 year old Labrador Would outlive me”.
Aside from his great attitude(51 now) I cherish each moment with my 8 year old Golden who has shared all our family moments.(my peanut is 8).
I think how we treat pets shows our compassion and genuine love.
Blessings to you and Katie
(((((Katie)))))
Wonderful thread, so many great posts.
Even at a sad time, so great to see so many familiar handles.
(((((FDL)))))
(((((Jane)))))
You’re welcome. I’ve heard that Luanne is very good at swiftly returning emails. I didn’t post her telephone number, but Null’s office will be glad to give it to you, if that’s your preference.
Thank you Jane for sharing this sad news with all your friends. Our beautiful 7 year old Chocolate Lab was taken from us by lung cancer. Knowing and loving her – the happiest 7 years in our lives. Sharing my tribute to her-http://www.judyjameshomes.com/Maribee.html
J
I had a beloved Dog Friend who lived to be very old and was very, very kind, patient and wise. Her human couldn’t pick her up for the required trips to the bathroom outside so I’d do the honors. I realized that Dog Friend was really suffering a lot but refused to leave her human because her human wasn’t ready to let go. After a lot of very understandable tears, Dog Friend’s human realized the truth of these things and decided to release Dog Friend from staying and suffering on her account. Dog Friend’s human thought that the right way do this was to find a really conscious vet to make a home visit so it was arranged. Very Kind Vet arrived in her own old farm truck with a Very Nice Tech to help Dog Friend pass over. Not even that was needed as Dog Friend lay down with us and passed all by herself. Dog Friend purposefully paused with us just long enough for us to recognize her and that we didn’t have to hold space for her although it benefited us to do so. Her mind was magnificent! Then Dog Friend gently but quickly left us while we sat a bit dumbstruck realizing the implications for ourselves.
Very best wishes to Katie and you! I am so sorry.
Here’s my “Katie” story.
You gotta know, she couldn’t have had a better life.
((((Katie)))) ((((Jane)))) and (((Lucy)))
I apologize for arriving to this post so late.
What a pretty girl Katie is. We’re all pulling for her.
One foot in front of the other, a day at a time.
Hang in there, Jane. And plenty of {{good vibes}} for Miss Katie…
So sorry to hear this, Jane. I know you love your dogs like I love mine, and I lost two to cancer, at young ages. So, I’m crying now in sympathy with you and Katie, and re-living my own pain again as well. There is nothing on earth better than the truly unconditional love we share with our dogs, and we have to remember that the gift they give us is worth the pain that comes along with it at times like this. Cherish the moments. We are all sending love and positive energy to you and the beautiful Katie.
I suggest you start looking for references at garynull.com.
This past year, Gary Null came out with an award winning film, Death By Medicine.
Skepticism is fine, but you need to apply it to what the mainstream is telling you is reality, also.
I suggest everybody follow my cousin’s advice, who is not particularly into natural treatments. She says, “Ask your doctor if he would recommend the same treatment to his wife/child/parent, under the same circumstances.” I don’t want to dig it up, but I’ve heard of a systematic study done, that essentially asked this question of oncologists (the study asked if they, themselves would take their own medicines, IIRC). The results do not predispose one to accept most conventional cancer therapies.
My condolences Jane. Here is a great product my son’s girlfriend has extended a quality life for her ‘Lexie’ dog. She also gave me a bottle of ‘N-TENSE’ for the similar, sweet soul that she is. http://www.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=raintree&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=338771998&Count2=255912423 much love, Wilb*
For a second opinion or additional consult, the vet school at Iowa State has a fine oncologist, for whom I have nothing but gratitude. http://vetmed.iastate.edu/users/lfox
“Ain’t it the truth. I have so much more fear of my dogs’ mortality than I do my own.” ; know exactly of what you speak. The thought that my elderly pet would face homelessness and no adoption and then cold euthanasia tears me up inside.
Having gone through the deaths of 5 different pets/friends, all I can say is that it never gets easier. Holding one’s pets in one’s arms as they cease to be did seem to give them comfort.
That said I hope the test comes back negative for cancer and that Katie provides you years more of companionship and inspiration. And that you have pet insurance to cover the treatments that could resolve the issue if it is cancer.
((((Katie)))) ((((Jane))))
Katie is a wonderful friend, and I know she feels the same way about you that you do about her. My thoughts are with both of you.
Many good healing thoughts being sent to the beautiful Katie. She is as lucky to have a caring intelligent and loving human, as you are to have her. Fingers crossed for you both.
I am sorry to hear about Katie’s cancer. My best wishes to her and to you.
For quality of life issues, you may want to consider acupuncture. Two of the vets I use practice both western and eastern medicine and we used acupuncture on our girl to help her seizures. Since she had puppy epilepsy and eventually outgrew the seizures, I’m not entirely sure it worked; however, one of the pressure points was specifically to stop the whole body quivering and that definitely worked. It can’t hurt and might help.
Oh, Jane.
Mine eyes are filled. The best advice I can give you is to keep walking her and being her best friend, the breast friend, and the family she knows and loves. That is what makes her life happy and YOURS too!
Breast friend equals hugs and where my pets lay their head to nap.
Love and best wishes to you both as you travel this journey.
{{{{Katie}}}}
So sorry to hear this, Jane, but know that our household of various species will be thinking of you and Katie.
Jane, I’m writing this through tears. I so wish this grief weren’t in your life or Katie’s life. I wish it weren’t there in any of our lives, or in any of our companion animals’ lives. On our ever-more poisoned planet, I fear my wishes will never come to pass.
Thank you so much for sharing your moving tribute to Katie. I’m wishing for the best and for all possible support for you and for her. After losing Cloud and Storm to cancer over the last few years (and their brother Rain’s radiation tx a few months back), I know all too well how much this hurts us two legs along with the companions we love.
I’m so sorry this was already part of your experience. I’d much rather we shared a world in which this had never been a part of your life with Kobe – and weren’t part of your life now.
Take care, my friend.
Kirk, Rain, Filbert, and Squall.
((((Love to you and to Katie.)))))
May you find the treatments that bring healing all around.
So sorry to read your news about Katie. You have the right idea, it’s all about quality of life, and she may well have some good time left. We’re all pulling for you both.
Jane,
My heart is with you and Katie right now. There are no words to fully describe the emotional connection we have with our pets, but yours touched the very core of what it means.
Both my dogs have experienced cancer tumors and removals during the past year. Both are sitting beside me as I write this, waiting for their dinner and walk.
Last April, I came home one evening to find Sacha, my 14-year old Viszla foaming at the mouth, rushed him to the vet. He had a twisted stomach. They said he might not make it and suggested I prepare for that. While they operated to untwist, they discovered a tumor in his intestine. Again, they asked me if I wanted to – send him on – as it would be a difficult surgery to remove, and it was possible more tumors would be found. Through tears, I told them to do the surgery. Three days later, Sacha was back home. The tumor was removed and discovered to be benign.
Just before this Christmas, Woody, my 11-year old, became suddenly listless. Took him to the vet who did an ultrasound to discover a tumor near his intestine, which he removed. It was the same doctor, and so I was prepared for Woody to recover as Sacha had, after all he was younger. Two days later, he developed severe pancreatitis. Plus, they discovered the tumor was malignant. For a week, the doctors tried everything. They told me his chances were slim, but recommended an internist who basically saved his life. For two weeks, it was touch and go. Woody began to turn around. I too was concerned about his quality of life, but his oncologist recommended a very low dose of chemo, that kills the blood vessels that feed cancer cells, not the cells themselves. He has now been on these for a month with no side effects, and just had blood work done and registered a clean bill of health. He is fighting the cancer, but has returned to being his silly, lovable, energetic self.
I think dogs know better than we do when to fight, and when to rest, but we can guide them with our love and wisdom along that path, with gratitude for all they mean to us – they feel it. I know you will fight for Katie, as the loving, spirited, fighter you are if that’s what she needs you to do as long as she needs you to do it.
All the warmest thoughts and love,
Nomi
{{{{{ Jane & Katie }}}}}
Sending healing vibes & love your way … OOHHHHMMMMM !
Everything that Nomi says. For so many of us, your Katie and Kobie and Lucy have touched our hearts because we can look down at our sides and see the Novas and Sables and remember the Marleys and Sages and all the gentle companions of our lives.
Here’s to much more time of memory-building for you and Katie!
I remember how hard it was for you to lose Kobe. Our pets, with their shorter life spans, seem to be here to teach us humans about love and loss. It never gets easier though, no matter how many times we have to go through it. Embrace what you had together. I still pine almost 40 years later for a cat named Rebel and 10 years past for a Boxer named Terri.
A beautiful tribute to the sparkle of your dear girl Katie, Jane. Here’s hoping for much quality and joy and amusement and tenderness and learning for you and Katie in whatever time you have together. And thank you for sharing with us.
I’m so sorry to read about Katie. I haven’t been around the Lake much lately, after going back to work and not having as much time to follow the real news. When I do visit, I look up your posts and feel like I’m back in the fold. You, Glenn, and Cenk changed my worldview a few years ago and I’m particularly thankful for what you do. Only the kindest of wishes for you and Katie.
We lost our 13+ year old German Shepherd a few days before Christmas. She was everything to us. We were lucky insofar as she was feeling good and playing ball until just hours before she died. I am comforted by the fact she had a long, happy and good life and really that’s all one hopes for when one gets a dog, so I don’t consider the loss tragic in any way- just sad in a bittersweet way. We are due to get a new puppy in May. I just can’t imagine not having a dog as a best friend for any length of time.
For those of you who believe in coincidences (a topic in and of itself), it just so happens that I’ve a few items to share with FDL readers re: companion animals.
First, in close proximity to me is a city animal shelter run by a woman who really cares about doing the best she can for the animals in her charge. Just yesterday, I stopped to visit with her and to thank her (and celebrate with her) regarding the recent hiring of a woman who up until now has been volunteering along with her husband to walk the dogs there every Wednesday (I would often see them out with the dogs at that time). This “newly-hired” lady also has two dogs at home who (IMO) obviously thrive in her loving care, and I’m fully confident that, likewise, the animals at the shelter will benefit from her employment there.
What’s more, her husband, a longtime employee of a large airline in the area that just declared bankruptcy (and that also was picketed by several unions yesterday), unfortunately stands a good chance of being laid off in the pending job reductions and cutbacks; and so this additional employment came at a good time for them.
IMO, this woman (along with her husband) feels as deeply and passionately for her dog companions as Jane does for hers, so the hiring is something to really feel good about.
I also have an acquaintance friend, a former nurse, who has survived breast cancer AND volunteers with a dog rescue organization (she is quite an inspiration). Relatedly, I just read the remarkable book “The Emperor of All Maladies” by Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, and this makes me wonder if perhaps a prominent veterinarian/oncologist has written the equivalent of same for dogs and/or other animals (?)
Lastly, among other celebrities, Greg Lake (of ELP fame), who is about to embark on a solo concert tour, is well-known for his deep and abiding love of animals, especially dogs. I understand he recently mourned the passing of a dalmatian who was a long-time companion (sorry about not being able to recall the name). However, I understand that Valentino (a fitting name!), is the new dalmatian in Greg’s life (a photo of Valentino can be found on Greg’s website).
Greg also advocates for the SSPCA (again, please refer to his website) and has written a moving tribute to Babe, a puppy that he and his wife rescued while vacationing in the Seychelles. I appreciate celebrities such as Greg, Sarah McLaughlin, and Mike Campbell (lead guitarist for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), who do what they can to rescue abandoned and neglected companion and other animals and to help prevent further cruelty to same.
Conversely, I feel for the animals lost during Hurricane Katrina and similar disasters, and my heart goes out to those who are faced with forced euthanization of beloved companion animals due to the lack of ability to afford needed resuscitative and related care.
And alas, personally, I’m not currently able to keep animals in my care right now, but I do what I can anyway.
Regardless, here’s to Kobe (RIP, 2009), Katie, Lucy and to all the “firepups” everywhere.
P.S.: Jane, IMO you didn’t let Kobe down because all the while, you were there with him and for him and he knew he was deeply loved. Please keep us posted re: Katie.
If it was my dog, I’d cook brownies with hemp butter in them. I’d feed her a little bit every day, let the cannabinoids go to work on the cancer cells. The evidence it works is compelling, and it’s way cheaper than any vet chemo treatment.
Plus you get to feed her many more future steaks!
Homer composed a paeon to dogdom at the end of the Odyssey that is hard to match. Odysseus, disguised, has finally reached his home gates:
“Now, as these two were conversing thus with each other,
a dog who was lying there raised his head and ears. This was
Argos, patient-hearted, Odysseus’s dog, whom he himself
raised, but got no joy of him, since before that he went to sacred
Ilion. In the days before, the young men had taken him
out to follow goats of the wild, and deer, and rabbits;
but now he had been put aside, with his master absent,
and lay on the deep pile of dung from the mules and oxen,
which lay abundant before the gates so that the servants
of Odysseus could take it to his great estate for manuring.
There the dog Argos lay in the dung, all covered with dog ticks.
Now, as he perceived that Odysseus had come close to him,
he wagged his tail, and laid both his ears back; only
he now no longer had the strength to move any closer
to his master, who watching him from a distance, without Eumaios
noticing, secretly wiped a tear away, and said to him:
‘Eumaios, this is amazing, this dog that lies on the dunghill.
The shape of him is splendid, and yet I cannot be certain
Whether he has the running speed to go with this beauty,
or is just one of the kind of table dog that gentlemen
keep, and it is only for show that their masters care for them.’
Thank you, Jane, for your paeon to Katie, whose shape is also splendid.
Hugs to you and yours. Sick pets are the absolute hardest thing, and this stuff just flat-out sucks until it doesn’t.
A.
Metamars, FYI, I just checked out the Null book “Death By Medicine” from the local library here and I hope to read it next. Relatedly, I would like to hear if any fellow FDL readers have read the aforementioned book, “The Emperor of All Maladies” (please see my previous comment on this thread) or “How We Do Harm: A Doctor Breaks Ranks About Being Sick in America” by oncologist Otis Webb Brawley with Paul Goldberg. Respectfully, I hesitated to post about this on a thread that’s primarily about Katie, but I think Jane will understand. Perhaps someone could start a “new” thread re: health issues somewhere?
Our pets, the common thread for so many firedogs, what so many of us share, connections that keep so many of us coming here. Whether when denouncing war and famine, confronting disasters, poverty and injustice or offering comfort to those hurting, to those less fortunate, when arguing solutions and debating ideas, we are so often motivated, strengthened, comforted and instructed by an innate shared primal sense by our relationships with our pets.
These marvelous gifts, understanding, growth and appreciation, the continual cherishing and renewing celebration of the sanctity of all life, these connections fully formed, through the mostly non-judgmental, the seemingly ever tolerant and knowing devotion of our pets to us, and us to them, will live on.
Nothing can separate you from Katie. You are forever part of each other.
So very sorry about Katie. We always know this time will come and yet we’re never really prepared when it actually happens. You were a gift to her and she was a gift to you.
Jane, I am late to this news as have been moving Little Momma to residential care today.
I have cried all through your heart-full post and the comments, also full of love and care for you and for Katie, and for your mutual love.
You are doing the best you can for her, as you did with Kobe. You are doing the right things, you are doing the best you know. You cannot second guess yourself in these times. All of it is motivated by love and the bonds you have. You are not in the body of the loved one, and the loved one cannot talk, except with her eyes.
I send my respect to you and to Katie who are/have been making this journey together. How wonderful that you found each other and have had these years together. We love them as much as we can for as long as we can.
Take care of yourself and you will be fully present for her, as you desire.
“Katie is slowing down and entering the winter of her life.”
I know how she feels 8^(
I also know from experience how you feel, and my thoughts and best wishes are with you.
Have been away from the Lake for quite awhile. However, was compelled to log in when I heard about Katie. Am so profoundly saddened by this.
You both will be in my heart and prayers. I am confident that, in the coming days, the bond of your love for each other will sustain you.
{{{{{ Jane & Katie }}}}}
I’m a cat person, but furbabies are still our family no matter the fursuasion. Watching over them and loving them are the greatest joys to be found on this earth, but it hurts so much when they are sick or you have to make ‘that’ decision. My Buddy and Sissy were lucky to survive, and Buddy went with God in 2008. He told me it was time and my only regret was that he had to stay at the vet office his last week. Sissy is now two months overdue for her checkup since I can’t afford the fees, but her doctor is ok with prescribing her meds anyway because he knows I’ll get her in when possible. She is always the joy of my life, but I really wish I could have my spot in bed back. I know there will come a day when she won’t be there to take it and am not sure how that will go.
I would never wish this pain on anyone! Know that Sissy and I are sending good thoughts and kitty love and hugs your way.
I was struck by Katy’s strength of spirit early on in my time here – one of the pics from Poodle Beach – think she was telling Kobe what was up -
dearest sister, will keep you and the girls in my thoughts, and will pray for optimal outcomes – you are a truly fine mom
Thank you dear Katy
Oh, beautiful sweet Katie. I’m sending lots of healing energy to you, and I’ve just asked my own furbaby (Suze the cat) to do the same, in her own cat way. And to you, Jane, lots of love. You’re a great mom.
Warm wishes and gentle hugs all around. I’m sure Katie knows you are doing what’s best for her.
(((((((Jane and Katie)))))))
Take care,
egr
She lives for you. It is what gives her life purpose. If you can be calm and enjoy all her remaining pain free days, she will have lived a life well done. We lost our 15 year old Golden late last year. Not an hour passes that she is not in our hearts. When she was diagnosed with an inoperable condition, our vet recommended that we consider bringing another dog into our home. It was the best thing we ever did. Although they were different breeds and personalities, our new little girl picked up so many traits from our beloved Golden that not a day goes by that it seems her spirit lives on. When the time came to say goodbye, we had the gift of life and a new bond in our home to help fill the huge empty places her passing left. They say it makes it easier for the older dog to pass if they know they are not leaving you alone. I believe that was the case for us. Just something to consider.
Pardon my interrupting this thread, but egregious, where’ve you been? We miss your intelligent voice! Might’ve known you’d turn up on Jane’s Katie thread.
Dear Jane,
Because of the time difference, I’m late in coming to this thread.
I feel so lucky to have spent time with Katie, and to have witnessed your love for and connection to her.
The messages to you here show how your situation has touched us all and emphasized our commonality and connection: our love for our furry companions, the joy we experience with them, and the depth of our loss when we part.
As I think you know, I’ve worked in rescue for nearly 30 years. Early on in that experience, when a cat had been hit by a car in front of our house and was injured too badly to be saved, our vet said, “you know, none of us gets out of this world alive.” As sad and painful as this truth is, it’s also a reminder to treasure the days we have, and be grateful for each one we get.
As you can see, all who write here are thinking of you and Katie, and are sending their energy, love and good wishes. We will all help you get through this.
I remember loving to read about you and the dogs these past years. You’re a good mom to them, and they know you love them. Hugs, love, and prayers for Katie and you. ((Jane)) ((Katie))
oh jane, i’m so sorry to hear this! But what a lovely description of katie … truly you have been blessed to be her mom!
We lost our beloved German Shepherd about five years ago at age 13+ to bladder cancer. She’d been a rescue dog; her original owners wanted her put down when she was hit by a truck and lost her back leg, because “she’s not a perfect dog anymore.” She was only a year old at that time! The vet passed her along to us, and we agree we could not have found a more sweet, loving and perfect dog.
We went the quality of life route her last year. Our vet wisely said, “you’ll know when she loses her interest in life.” When bodily functions became difficult, i started cooking pot roasts for her, and letting her lap the pan juices and finely minced meat. We really think that kept her going for months, as she would hobble to the kitchen and look at the oven with tail wagging as soon as pot roast aromas started to drift through the house.
much love to you and katie!
Jane… i have never met a human animal as precious wise,and LOYAL as our furry friends.Why do the beauties live such short lives,and the Thurmonds,and Francos,live such long ones? they bring joy and lighten our hearts…just love them to pieces,and go rescue some more from the gas chambers!my orginization highly encourages getting a “mutt” to pal around the pedigree. it would help solve the crisis.my best hopes and prayers for you and Katie.if she will eat it put a little spinach,and or watercress in her food..they are cell cleansers
all my best, Katie
Jane
I have been through this experience three times, and am expecting my fourth experience to occur within the next 12 months. As such, my dog and three cats have given me considerable Joy, and I look forward to even more Memories. And it’s these Memories that I will continue to Cherish in the years ahead. Therefore, the “touch” can be found almost everywhere.
Jaango
Katie will help you through… old dogs are just wonderful that way…
My “worst puppy on the planet grown into the best old dog” will be getting a few extra hugs and kisses tonight…
Oh, honey — am just now seeing this. Enormous hugs from our house to yours. Katie is a wonderful girl, loving and big-hearted and gently able to get her own way without being a pushy broad…just perfect, really. Call me if you need to talk. Much love from our household to yours, and all the thoughts, prayers and good vibes we can muster for dear, sweet Katie. She is a joy — may she continue to be so for years to come.
(((jane and katie)))
i’m so sorry – fingers and toes crossed that katie has a good outcome from the treatment the oncologist provides.
True dat we outlive our pets for the most part.
One gift ends, another begins if we want it or need it.
Inspiration for Mz. Hamsher, Jaango, when the healing might allow to start all over again.
Good on yas for that . . . till then, we wish her and Katie the best . . . well, speakin for me, but I’d bet, the Sonoran Desert would hole Mz. Hamshers heart dearly and with care n as you did, wish her well and offer solace for the present in what might be the future.
If one has a heart, warrior, shaman, musician, woman, man.
If one has a heart . . . one grieves for the lost.
We march them to the end, we attend to their finals, we rejoice them in the ceremony and forever, and we move on to the next connection . . . for us humans must have connections, to each other, to animals, pets.
It’s what we do. It’s in our hearts, in our dna. We cannot not want bonds with people or animals. Just like we cannot not communicate, with our animals, or our fellow humans.
I’t's what we do. Ever since we banged on the first hollow log and someone heard it.
It’s just what we do. Most of us, have hearts and give them to others.
It’s what we do . . . n frankly, I think it’s one of the best traits our species has, dawg help us all to survive all the other traits.
Bless Mz. Hamsher n Katie . . .
/end