A Woman's Best Friend

[hallswel]

This was sent to me by a friend

A Woman's Best Friend

A true Dog Story - Anyone who has pets will really like this. You'll

like it even if you don't and may decide you need one.

Mary and her husband Mike had a dog, Lucky. Lucky was a real

character. Whenever Mary and Mike had company come for a weekend visit they

would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would

help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would

forget and something w ould come up missing. Mary or Mike would go to Lucky's

toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's

favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he

was very particular that his toys stay in the box.

It happened that Mary found out she had br east cancer. Something

told her she was going to die of this disease. She scheduled the double

mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders.

The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with

Lucky. A thought struck her ... what would happen to Lucky?

Although the three-year-old dog liked Mike, he was Mary's dog

through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't

understand that I didn't want to leave him. The thought made her sadder than thinking

of her own death. The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors

had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks.

Mike took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog

just drooped, whining and miserable. Finally the day came for Mary to

leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't

even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Mike made his wife comfortable

on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't

come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her

and she dozed. When Mary woke, for a second she couldn't understand what was

wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But

panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem.

She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky

owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to

the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in

life. He had covered her with his love. Mary forgot about dying. Instead she

and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every

night.

It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky? He

still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his

greatest treasure.

Live every day to the fullest. Remember it is a blessing. The people

who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most

credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the one who really care -

the ones who never forget you.

[goforette]

Awhh that actually gave me a tear... happy tear. It's amazing what animals do for our souls - they are such a gift and love unconditionally. Makes me happy that I decided to do it again. Life goes on and I've been blessed with two loving Cairns.

[savannahsmom35]

I loved that!!!!!! Thank you for sharing! Savannah will get extra kisses tonight for sure!

[Eliz222]

I have read that story before and it always touches my heart! Having gone through what Mary has, I can understand the heartache of wondering what's going to happen to your dog when you are gone. Scout and Daddy's girl, but Finch is very much a Mommy dog. I recently spent a week in the hospital, and when I arrived home, Finch wagged her tail for what seemed like hours!!!! She also "gifted" me with her frisbee....her most treasured item!

[maggie]

Very touching!

[mrskti]

awwww, that is so touching. Does bring a tear to my eye too. Shoe hope you're doing ok......These dogs are great comfort for whatever kind of day your having.

[Barney's Mom]

What a precious story. It brought tears to my eyes. There is such innocence and purity in the affection of a pet. No alterior motives or insincerity. Just natural adoration. No wonder so many people have them!

One of the things my husband loves about dogs is that after a long hard day at work with no thanks from your employer, you come home and your dog is always thrilled to see you and loves you unconditionally. Priceless.....

[Marmielin]

I forwarded this story to my husband. He wrote back and said "don't do that again, I can't take it." He is a big softee when it comes to dogs. Thanks for sharing.

LindaB

[MikeC]

I went through the same thing that Mary did, except of course it was a different type of cancer. I had a Springer Spaniel at the time named Chelsea. She was 10 1/2 years old when I became ill and was constantly by my side, showing me how much she loved me by staying as close to me as she could, giving me kisses and just generally keeping my spirits and the will to fight my disease going. Soon after I finished my treatments and surgery, lumps appeared on Chelsea's neck area and abdomen. Our vet diagnosed her with advanced canine lymphoma and after numerous tests and xrays we found out that the cancer had spread to her liver and there was no hope. All I could do was hold her in my arms as she made her way to the Rainbow Bridge. The bonds that we build with our beloved pets are so very strong and I wish with all my heart that there was something more I could have done for Chelsea. Now I have Duffy and Mickey and my bond with them is growing as strong as it was with Chels. This probably did'nt make any sense but I just felt like I needed to share it. It's funny how a story will put you to mind of something that so impacted your own life!

Mike

[mrskti]

made sense to me Mike, hope your good and healthy now. We just love our babies, they mean a lot to us....and they know we love/need them.

[Scully'sMom]

Beautiful story....and Mike, that DOES make sense!

[goforette]

I went through the same thing that Mary did, except of course it was a different type of cancer. I had a Springer Spaniel at the time named Chelsea. She was 10 1/2 years old when I became ill and was constantly by my side, showing me how much she loved me by staying as close to me as she could, giving me kisses and just generally keeping my spirits and the will to fight my disease going. Soon after I finished my treatments and surgery, lumps appeared on Chelsea's neck area and abdomen. Our vet diagnosed her with advanced canine lymphoma and after numerous tests and xrays we found out that the cancer had spread to her liver and there was no hope. All I could do was hold her in my arms as she made her way to the Rainbow Bridge. The bonds that we build with our beloved pets are so very strong and I wish with all my heart that there was something more I could have done for Chelsea. Now I have Duffy and Mickey and my bond with them is growing as strong as it was with Chels. This probably did'nt make any sense but I just felt like I needed to share it. It's funny how a story will put you to mind of something that so impacted your own life!

Mike

You know Mike your story reminded me of something someone once told me. It was years ago and I almost forgot about it. It was the belief that sometimes our dogs actually take "hits" for us. And I'm not sure I can adequately explain this like it was explained to me, but that its the belief that say for instance your illness that your dog actually takes the "hit" for you so that you're the one is able to keep on living. They are the ones who become ill while you are the one that recovers. That they are the one who takes on your pain so that you can thrive. I know that probably makes no sense - but maybe the love our dogs have for all of us superceeds things that make sense. I'm so glad that you recovered and I know that Chelsea made all the difference no matter how she did it

[MikeC]

Goforette,

When I found out that Chelsea was sick and I was told by my doctors that there was no further trace of cancer in my body my first thought was "Chelsea took it from me to save my life". I mentioned this to a couple of close friends and I think they thought I was crazy, or it was a result of all the chemo and radiation I had been subjected to, but I really believe that she did. When Chelsea was 6 months old, not long after I got her, she fell into our backyard pool. My other dog was barking her head off so I ran outside to see Chelsea flaying around in the water. I immediately jumped in and pulled her out. She was fine but very frightened. I cradled her and dryed her off and stayed with her until she seemed to calm down. I know that in her mind, I had saved her life so she in turn was going to save mine. You are the first one who has mentioned what I have really thought all along so thank you for sort of confirming for me. I believe our animals have certain powers that we don't comprehend until one of those powers manifests itself. God, I sound like the Twilight Zone!

Mike

[kayharley]

Bottom line is that our beloved pets can sometimes do more for us than anything in the entire universe. Call it love or dedication or companionship....I honestly could never do without it.

[purebella]

Bottom line is that our beloved pets can sometimes do more for us than anything in the entire universe. Call it love or dedication or companionship....I honestly could never do without it.

so true Kayharley ....

I have tears after reading all these lovely stories.....

[grillywarren]

Oh...man...where are the tissues! What beautiful sentiments.

Mike and Shoe, I hope you are both well. I do believe in miracles

and it seems as though others do as well. These beings that touch are

life everyday are so amazing. I feel so blessed.

Be well

Ellie

[MikeC]

Ellie and marskti,

Yes, I am doing fine. It's been three years now and completely healthy! Thanks so much for asking.

Mike

[grillywarren]

Mike,

Very glad to hear that!!!

Ellie

[AngusMacDoggal]

Now I am blubbering all over the keyboard this a.m. I've seen several shows where they are using dogs to detect cancer in humans. I've seen the trials they were doing in England on 60 Minutes I think, they were using a little shelter dog to detect kidney cancer. Another where they were using dogs to sniff out skin cancer. Dogs are amazing. Their ability to sense our moods, sadness, illness and give us comfort and love is priceless.

[abe's dad]

Just a thought here.........(my two cents really)

But does it not seem like sometimes God puts people and animals in places together as comforters and protectors for what the future holds?

Those were great stories, thanks for sharing them with us. Also, please except my apologizes to anyone that I may have offended with touching on a christianity subject.

Valerie

[goforette]

Mike,

And here I was thinking I was the crazy one for entertaining such possibilities too. I'm glad I wasn't the only one who's experienced such a phenomenon and I'm glad that you feel like I do about Chelsea. It doesn't make her loss any easier - it only confirms how much she loved you. And now you have two other little angels to help look after you

[toomanypaws]

This was very touching to read. Thanks for sharing!

Shoe, you're in my prayers.

MikeC, you are not in the Twilight Zone, a miracle may have taken place in your life. I'm glad to read you're doing well. I know your precious Chelsea will always have a special place in your heart and is waiting for you at Rainbow Bridge. If you look real hard, I believe she's standing in the back on the left.

[MikeC]

Toomanypaws,

You are right! There she is. Thank you so much for posting that. I have never seen it before. It made my whole morning!

Mike

[Lisad]

Okay, now I am bawling.

My sister just lost her 11 year old mix to cancer in June. Now, only four weeks ago, her second dog has been diagnosed with lymphoma. He is only nine years old and the prognosis is very, very bad. Although she loved her older dog, this most recent bit of news has been devastating to say the least. Watson, also a mixed breed, is the most loving and tender soul I have ever met. He is big and brawny on the outside but inside, he is kind and sensitive. He follows her around everywhere and looks longingly into her eyes. I watch them, knowing the inevitable, watching the numbered days go by and I can't hold back my sadness not just for him but mostly for her. She will have to say her goodbyes and move on ahead with her memories. That, in many ways, is the more difficult, although necessary, of life's paths.

Thank you for your beautiful stories.

Lisa