Teva finds the cool granite hearth healing

One month down….five to go. 

After Teva’s fourth chemo treatment, a slow infusion of  Doxorubicin, she was feeling quite puny.  The most noticeable side affects were nausea, excessive drooling and belching. She had a sullen look on her face and carried her head low as if picking it up was too much to handle.   She lost some weight and her appetite was practically nil, unfathomable for a golden. The funny thing was she was very happy to eat her Cerenia wrapped in cheese and bananas and pumpkin continued to be a welcome treat.

My work schedule had taken me out of  town for the day so I put out an all points bulletin and  Teva’s Pet Advocate Dr. Janet came to the rescue (again). Janet arrived with a shopping bag full of goodies that would enhance her dining experience (uber healthy stuff of course) and on day two Teva finally began to eat and eat and eat.

The best thing about our visit to WSU for that treatment was the good news delivered by Dr. Choy, the oncologist on staff at the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital: ”Teva is responding to the chemo therapy and the additional treatments should continue to bring her closer to remission.”  Now, we just need to get through the next five months. 

Until most recently, Mark and I have managed to accommodate Teva’s care and treatments ensuring one of us is always close to home. Concerns of her immune compromised system doesn’t really allow us to board her  because of the risk that other dogs  might unwillingly pass on something infectious to Teva. During her week off of chemo permission was granted to allow some socialization time for Teva and with a gap in our almost perfected schedule we actually needed her to be entertained for a day.  The Ranch seemed like the best thing for T and we were very excited that she could  be a dog of play and leisure. Of course only the best for Ms. Teva, and the BEST this place is.

Early days at The Ranch (Photo Patty S.)

The Ranch, called that by Mark and I,  is a private home of a dear couple Patty and Ted.  They let dogs stay and play at their beautiful farm abutting 80 acres of ponds, horse land and lots of open space while parental figures are vacationing or working. The guests of The Ranch are welcomed by Toby their black lab and  the keeper of all canines.  He greets every guest with enthusiasm and love and in his heartfelt dog way makes each one feel welcome.

The Ranch is an amazing place for dogs primarily because of the love that Patty and Ted have for animals giving special attention to each soul they have in their care. I never worry about Teva when we are away and often wish I too could stay and play for a weekend. With several walks a day, swimming, ball chasing and romping with the pack followed by lazy time in the grass it is a place that if dogs made lists it would most certainly be at the top.

When I returned to pick Teva up at The Ranch I was greeted in the same fashion I am after a week away from home: Full on body wags, leaning, whimpering and big huge canine smiles.  When she saw the leash in my hand she turned and walked over to Ted grunting and leaning into him as if to say thank you for the great day. As Ted leaned down and rubbed her yellow head he said ”Bye my Teva girl”. With tears blurring my vision I smiled knowing that they miss her visits as much as she misses visiting.

Ranch Buddies: Teva and Chili March 2010 (photo credit Patty S.)

There isn’t much more I can do for Teva to treat the cancer but I can give her one more thing. Visits to The Ranch. With some calendar changes again these will now be added to her treatment protocol. I didn’t realize how much she needed to be there, even if just for a short visit, but the smile in her eyes told all . She had her day again and I promised her that she will have many more.

4 Responses to “Every Dog Needs Her Day”