My fabulous heartdog Sky recently turned 11. She is in great shape except for getting the old-dog cloudy eyes, and this only bothers her in dim light or when looking into bright lights. Sunday we went to an agility competition, and in our first run she made the kind of mistake that indicates her eyesight has become a problem that could put her in danger. So we finished the day with what will be our last competition agility course, a fast and perfectly executed run (on her part!) that I'll remember every second of for the rest of my life. One more blue ribbon to end her great career; one last time doing our jobs in complete partnership. She was the first agility champion in all of northeast Texas and was at one time the #4 cattle dog in the nation.
Why am I posting here? Because nobody can understand the beauty of this moment of life like a cancer warrior! The good times only get sweeter after one has danced with Death.
When I was diagnosed, and we knew it was advanced from the get-go, my prayer was that I outlive Sky so she won't have to be re-homed (she is an intensely one-person dog). Over four years on, it looks like I might make it that far--may she please live to be 16 as all my other dogs have done. I'm still praying the same prayer, that we make it together...
If you read this far -- thank you!
