Oslo Options

[moon_beam]

To my friends here at Lightning-Strike. I know I haven't been around much the last 6 months. In July my 6 year old beautiful kitty daughter, Abbygayle, was diagnosed with Stage 3 Fibrosarcoma. The tumor was removed from her left hip on July 15. On September 27, she had three new tumor nodules removed, and on Wednesday, December 9, she will be examined by her doctor to determine if new tumors are developing. So far her doctor has been able to spare amputating her leg, but each surgery brings this closer to reality. And surgery is dependent upon making sure that the cancer has not metastasized to her lungs. When that happens, it will be comfort measures until it is time to ease her journey to the angels. In September, my handsome 14 year old Black Lab, Oslo, was diagnosed with Adinocarcinoma in a salivary gland on the right side of his neck. Because of his advanced age and other medical issues including Laryngeal Paralysis he was not a candidate for surgery. There were other considerations as well because the tumor was already involved with major blood vessels he could have died on the operating table in the process of trying to remove the tumor. If he survived the surgery, he could have been left with facial paralysis or paralysis of his tongue, etc. None of these would have been fair to him. He made it to his 15 th birthday on November 15, and we shared a good Thanksgiving together. On Sunday, November 29, it was obvious that he had suffered a stroke. A veterinary friend of ours came to the house and eased his journey to the angels. Needless to say this has been a very hard week, and today - - being the first anniversary of his passing - - is being incredibly difficult to get through. I am so glad he is once again able to hold his head and tail high and proud healed and restored to his youthfulness in God's loving comforting Presence. But right now the pain of his absence - - - both physical and emotional - - is very hard. I know what I am feeling is normal, and that in time it will transition to being less painful. But right now, my friends, it is very hard. I wanted you to know that I have not been ignoring you all these weeks. I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with each of you who are going through the painful transitions in your lives adjuting to the physical absence of your beloved companions. Hopefully in the coming weeks I will once again be able to join back in offering comfort to each of you. I feel very connected to you for we share a bond with our fur and feathered children - - of every life form - - that goes to our very core of being. And I sincerely thank you for your thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow. They mean more to me than words can say.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[moon_beam]

Hi, Margi, thank you so much for your comforting thoughts. I too know what you have been going through with having to focus on Ladywolf's health needs so soon after your precious Poppers' passing. I had the same with Abbygayle, for 12 days after Oslo's passing Abbygayle underwent her third and last surgery for recurring malignant tumors on her hip. Although I grieved Oslo's absence I had to put Abbygayle's needs first, and the last three months I have felt like I have been grieving for the both of them, a double-whammy so to speak.

Margi, to borrow, and re-phrase, a quote from the Armed Services, "they also serve who lay around." That's just about all Oslo could do for the last year of his life due to the effects of the Laryngeal Paralysis and degenerative neuropathy in his lower back and hind legs. But he still had a great appetite and enjoyed snuggles, and I did so enjoy stretching out next to him on his bed and just wrapping myself around him, brushing him, loving him.

So, whatever level of actiivity our furkids share with us, they are giving to us their all and all. And we, in turn, give them our all and all. Poppers knows that you love her and miss her. She would not have you grieving for her rather than focusing on Ladywolf's needs. She knows you carry her in your heart and memories, and she is forever with you and Ladywolf in whatever you do and wherever you go.

And she and Oslo are also together - - who knows - - perhaps sharing the sunrises and sunsets together?? He was quite the "ladies' man" during his journey here with me. He used to kiss the women's hands that he visited like in the days of chivalry when gentlemen kissed a woman's hand. Some folks asked me if I was ever jealous of the affection he showed to the people he visited, and I said "no, because I'm the one he sleeps with at night." You should have heard the laughter that comment evoked!

There are so many wonderful memories I have with him, that still bring a misty teart o my eyes and a quiver of the chin, but it is so comforting to be able to share him with you and everyone else on this wonderful forum, for I know I am sharing my heart with kindred spirits.

Thank you again so much, Margi, for your comforting thoughts and comments. They truly mean a lot to me. Please know you and Ladywolf are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam