As a celebration of our extra time with my furry girl, I’m reminiscing about the interesting (fascinating) year and journey we’re on.  Since Sophie’s unexpected 13th birthday last year, her health has ebbed and flowed.  The “bad” days still come with no complaint from her and action from me.  

We’ve seen additional tumors begin, but we’re totally winning.  As a reminder, her oral melanoma is a fast-spreading tissue cancer that was expected to kill her by May 2016.  

That first year was filled with so much emotion, I’m surprised our bubble didn’t pop or carry us away.  We now take it as it comes.  Never passively. I have learned that Acceptance doesn’t mean inaction.  

I have learned LOADS about health, mindbody, cancer, humanity, spirituality, strength, acceptance, determination, perseverance.  I have discovered one fascinating researcher and writer after another.  I can’t read fast enough to keep up with my interest.  

Anyway, back to Snoop-Dawg.  

Currently, half her eating is the high-quality dog food (PetFresh Vital) and half my cooking.  As Sophie’s humans evolve to a higher quality diet (our best ever), she eats with us: pastured eggs, (only organic:) avocado, salad with homemade dressing (I’m not kidding), Brussel sprouts, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, Pacific fish and such.  

The rest of the treatment has been about the same during this second year: 

• Organic lemon squeezed into 3-4 gel capsules most days.  
• Young Living Purification and Frankincense some days.  There are days when her cancer isn’t noticeable, so we slack with the treatment. 
• Antibiotic.  She does have a literal hole in her face.  And, an open wound.  
• 2-3 walks per day.  Her first is always a stroll-n-sniff.  The second one is a bit faster and longer.  
• Love and cuddles.  We start every morning with a hug-rub combo.  If both feet hit the floor before I start the the hug, she’s poking me to remind me.  If she needs loving during the day, she’ll remind me by sitting on my feet or bumping my legs with her nose.  

And…the greatest of these is Love.  Today I listened to Deepak Chopra reference 2 scientific studies where Love drastically influenced healing, one in rabbits and one in premature babies.  I believe our Love has been Sophie’s biggest source of healing.  (I know we all love our pets.  I would never suggest otherwise.)

As added excitement, she chased the ball about 14 times on her birthday!  She’s generally done after 3.  After 3 throws, she prefers that you roll the ball between her paws while she lies on the floor facing you.  Like shooting a puck into a goal.  She gets all excited: her paws jump up, her head moves side-to-side and her butt wiggles.  She’s an active sit-still-on-the-floor ball player.  

Reminder of her worst days: 

This unexpected 14th year:

4/20/17 Looking puppy!           Thermal image 5/1/17             4/28/17 Playing                    

Enjoying holidays with the Fam! 

1/21/18 New tumor.     No worries.  We’re on it.

Our journey these 730 days, since her imminently terminal diagnosis on April Fool’s Day 2016, has been crazy and unexpected.  I’m thankful for every day with her.  

Leslie Ambrose

April Fool’s Day 2018

Happy Bonus Birthday!

Happy Easter, a day for celebrating the miraculous!