𝑻𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒚 𝑫’𝒔 𝑳𝒊𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒐 “𝘊𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰”; March 14, 2011 – November 2, 2023

Posted on November 2, 2023 by Cello's Corner | Leave a comment

Tommy D’s Limoncello “Cello”

March 14, 2011 – November 2, 2023

“𝘐𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺, 𝘪𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭.

𝘐𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘢 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭.”

Dear Cello,

You blessed us with 12.5 wonderful years of having the privilege to call you family. How we got so lucky to be the ones you picked as your people, I’ll never know – – but I will forever be thankful…the memories you created, the gifts you bestowed upon us, and the lessons that you taught us are things we will hold dear for eternity.

Little did we know the grand escapades you had planned for us when you joined our family! Camping…hiking…dock diving…rescue…social media…all things we knew NOTHING about until you came along. The interests and activities you introduced us to paved the way to countless memorable experiences, enabled us to help many humans & pups, and connected us to the most wonderful, supportive, kind-hearted people anyone could ever hope for in their lives. Our proudest moments were brought about by you. You ushered friendship, love, and adventure into our lives. You made us better as individuals – and as a couple – and guided us to find our purpose. We are forever grateful for your direction and enlightenment.

We are beyond fortunate to have an enormous network of extended family members -both near and far- all because of YOU. Our involvement in dock diving, Cello’s Corner social media and rescue has enabled us to be members of communities filled with support that is truly inconceivable to others. At times the wonderment of it all is even unbelievable to us. Thank you for renewing our faith in humanity and surrounding us with such an immense and astounding group of people.

Every pastime, hobby and passion we have began because of YOU. You have taught us so much about the remarkably strong bond between humans and dogs and showed us how it goes above and beyond what we ever imagined. It’s going to be excruciating to continue these ventures without you. We thank you for continuously introducing us to new activities and promise to proceed to 𝙎𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙯𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙮 in your honor.

Over the course of your lifetime, you benevolently accepted 8 new dogs into your pack. You took leadership with each one and showed them the way (aka YOUR way)! I loved watching the admiration in the other pack members as they followed your every move. They adored you. You heightened our pack expectations as you managed proper pack order and behavior with confidence and grace. The transition will be a difficult one for your pack, but we know in our hearts you will still be watching over us all, and guiding us.

You eagerly did 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 we asked of you with trust and love in your eyes. You let us 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘 WE were teaching you – but the reality was: It was YOU who was schooling 𝒖𝒔. Thank you for tolerating our faults and humbly making us look like we knew what we were doing.

You are THE definition of 𝙎𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙯𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙮. You let nothing obstruct your path. A miraculous full recovery from Dilated Cardiomyopathy was just one of the many examples of your strong will, strength and determination. You loved to surprise your medical team! Intent on ending your journey YOUR way, you shocked everyone, and competed in the DockDogs World Championships for the 9th year in a row…letting cancer know full well that “𝑖𝑡” did 𝒏𝒐𝒕 have you … 𝐘𝐎𝐔 had “𝑖𝑡.” YOU called the shots. We will forever admire your fortitude, willpower and tenacity and pray that we have even a fraction of your strength as we try our best to continue to carry out the purpose you paved for us despite any roadblocks we encounter.

Your medical team was taken aback with the dramatic results of your CAT scan – yet you stood before them asymptomatic and unfazed. For two full months after your diagnosis you continued to silently fight a battle most humans could not endure- saving us the heartache of displaying how you may have truly felt. For those 9 weeks after your diagnosis you pressed on – hiding any signs of discomfort from us- and ambitiously continuing to do things that most healthy dogs don’t ever get the chance to do. You are a true inspiration and the mightiest of warriors.

On November 2, 2023 you let us know that you could no longer quietly fight. We had been nervous wondering 𝘩𝘰𝘸 we would know when “the time” had arrived. Thank you for clearly alerting us that you were ready to cross the rainbow bridge. It was one of the most difficult days of our lives but our grief is just a small price to pay for the abundance of joy, love, and companionship you unconditionally gave to us. It is worth all the tears and pain in the world to make sure you are not in agony. We are heartbroken and devastated that you are not here with us, but we are comforted knowing you are no longer suffering.

You hold a place in our hearts that no other being could ever fill. We are grateful beyond measure that you chose us to be your family. Thank you for for loving us and for completely changing our lives for the better. We will miss you each and every day – every single second – for the rest of our lives. As God embraces you in His arms, we will hold you closely in our hearts and pray that you continue to guide us until we can meet again.

We love you, Limoncello.

Fly high, Limoncello. Your time on Earth may have ended but the impact you had will live on forever in the countless hearts you touched.

2 Months Post-Diagnosis: Taking It One Day At A Time

Posted on November 1, 2023 by Cello's Corner | 8 Comments

When you know a loved one is living on borrowed time, the clock seems to tick much faster…Although I am doing my best to incorporate the advice of “take one day at a time,” lately it seems that several days gang up and attack me at once. Some days I find myself caught in between having hope… and knowing there isn’t any….between trying to stop myself from grieving as if Cello is no longer here…while trying to be grateful that she still is. Daily laughter provided by the antics of our pack, support for each other between Brian and I as a couple, as well as the continued encouragement and love from family and friends both near and far keeps me sane and reminds me each and every day to reset and refocus on faith, gratitude, and positivity. Limoncello has taught me many things, but one of the most important lessons of all is to live in the moment and 𝙎𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙯𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙮…and as difficult as it may be, I intend to do just that for her.

Update

Nine weeks go, on Wednesday, August 30th 2023, Limoncello was given a terminal diagnosis. Her estimated prognosis was 3 weeks to 3 months…with the realistic approximation weighing heavily at the three-week end. For the last two months, Limoncello has certainly 𝙎𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙯𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 heck out of each and every 𝘿𝙖𝙮. Aside from the initial observation of what we first thought was an irritated right eye which led to her diagnosis, in the last 9 weeks, not only she has she shown zero additional symptoms, but her right eye also seemed to miraculously transform back to its normal state.

Cello’s right eye this week (left) in comparison to 9 weeks ago after her diagnosis (right)

She traveled out to Iowa, and enthusiastically competed in the DockDogs World Championships.

Cello enthusiastically waiting in line for her turn to jump at the World Championships

Limoncello’s competition jump at the World Championships (vid cred: Kevin Johnson)

We are extremely grateful for these last 9 weeks!

A couple of days after our return from Iowa, Limoncello developed a dry cough. It did not sound like kennel cough and none of our other pack members were displaying any symptoms. When the cough persisted, we took Cello to her primary veterinarian. Although Cello was not exhibiting the typical kennel cough symptoms, Dr. Campbell put Limoncello on an antibiotic to be sure any type of infection would be avoided. Cello’s overall exam was unremarkable. Her heart sounded to be at its “normal” function with her murmur sounding no worse. Her lungs sounded clear. However, over the the course of her antibiotic, our other pack members still remained asymptomatic, while Limoncello’s cough did not diminish.

October 29, 2023: First observation of nasal discharge. Limoncello’s right nostril had a discharge of mucus that also contained some blood. Although alarming, we were prepared that this was one of the symptoms we would see. We contacted Dr. Campbell right away to update her.

October 26, 2023: Cello has never been a picky eater… In fact, she is the type of dog that will eat an”unhidden” pill right out of your hand and not question it. She eats every meal and licks the bowl clean. On October 26th, Limoncello hesitated to eat her breakfast. She eventually did eat the meal, but began to grow increasingly hesitant to eat. After several experiments of food consistency toleration, and height elevations of her bowl, I began to notice that it appeared to be the bowl she was hesitant of (meanwhile her food bowl has not changed). I began to offer her the meals from my hand, and she began to eat her meals in their entirety again.

October 31, 2023: I touched base with Dr. Campbell again to inform her of the change in eating habit, as well as to let her know that Cello’s cough has not resolved. Dr. Campbell said the cough may mean that Cello either has mucus or blood dripping into her throat or that the cancer has spread to her lungs. It is uncertain why all of the sudden Limoncello will not eat from her bowl, but Dr. Campbell speculated that the height and/or angle of eating from the bowl may create a pressure or discomfort of some sort which is deterring Cello. The important detail is that she still is eager to eat – and if that means I need to hand-feed her for the rest of the time we have with her, so be it. Later that evening, evening we once again noticed a minimal amount of discharge from Cello’s right nostril that contained a small amount of blood.

Until now, I have been shocked that Hooch has not been acting any different. In the past, ANY time there has been something wrong with Cello (including her DCM), Hooch knew it before we did and would display odd behaviors that led us to take Cello to the vet. This time however, “Dr. Hooch” has been unfazed…unti… Limoncello was laying next to me on the couch. Hooch walked up and began to sniff her right nostril and her right eye. This was an additional confirmation to me that there are obvious changes and/or developments occurring with Cello’s cancer. Hooch then “stood guard” of Cello the rest of the night.

November 1, 2023: The good news is, as of today, Cello has not had any additional discharge from her nostril and is eating as long as her meals are delivered from my hands and not her bowl. Close observation, documentation, and communication with Dr. Campbell are all extremely important at this point. Continued prayers for Limoncello are very much appreciated as she continues to 𝑺𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒆𝒛𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒚 and live her life to the fullest despite her cancer diagnosis.

Anticipatory Grief

As Limoncello begins to show signs decline, we are remaining vigilant in observing when more bad days than good are apparent. We are beyond grateful that we have Dr. Campbell to be Cello’s advocate and to help us determine when Cello becomes too tired. We still are remaining positive and grateful for every day we have with Cello, focussing on the “little” moments that are creating memories, and letting Cello call the shots. I’m not going to lie – the anticipation is not easy. In fact, some days it feels like I am sitting on train tracks waiting for the locomotive to hit. Preparing for the blow that I know is coming is both sad and terrifying. Brian and I are doing our absolute best to follow Cello’s lead to 𝙎𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙯𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙮 every day and not let our feelings of grief take over before the loss even happens. Above all, we are trying to take things one day at a time. We understand that at this point, Limoncello will have good days and bad days and that as her caretakers and family, we will have good days and bad days also.

The Struggle Is Real, But So Are The Blessings

Some days are truly a struggle. However, we truly have so many blessings in our lives … Here are just some from the past few weeks:

Support at the 2023 DockDogs World Championships

“Thank you” doesn’t even come close to expressing the gratitude we have. There is nothing – and I mean NOTHING like the DockDogs community….

Our trip was filled with support, love, friendship and reunions within our dockdogs family. I’m not sure where to even begin, as it is impossible to find the proper words to convey all that I feel. I don’t think that I am even capable of being a good enough person to figure out a way to thank everyone involved in helping our special girl 𝑺𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒆𝒛𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒚 and make the most of the present 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡. To everyone who took the time to come up to us to tell us how happy you were that Cello was there … you ALL turned an already-very-special-week into one-big-spectacular-𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 that will forever be cherished and 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 be forgotten.

We had less than 24 hours from the time we had Limoncello’s exam to the time we had to leave for Iowa, not knowing if we’d be able to make the trip or not. Understanding there was a good possibility we we’d have to cancel the trip, I chose to only purchase the necessities- food for ourselves and the dogs – skipping the usual team shirts, banners, and trading cards…But our DockDogs family would not have that … As a surprise, a friend had shirts made not only for us – but for anyone else who wanted to support Cello. It was so heartwarming to see all the Cello-yellow both at the competition and in posts from afar!!!

… but that wasn’t all…

…We arrived to the competition to find a sign and banner, and trading cards were made …

…Yellow bracelets were purchased, and lemon string-lights decorated our crate area…

…Yellow Super Fly suits were made for our team as well as others who chose to wear one in support of Cello…

…We were also gifted a custom handmade metal team sign…

…a friend and fellow Pointer Rescue, Org volunteer traveled many hours to come visit with Cello…

The kind and generous gestures overwhelmed our hearts and made this trip filled with moments that we will remember forever.

Grand Marshall of the 2023 DockDogs World Championships

Leader of the 2023 DockDogs World Championships Hero Parade

Visits from Family and Friends

Watching MLB Championship Series

Snuggles on the Couch

Halloween

Lemons and Yellow in My Social Media Feed Or sent to me from a Friend

I will continue to do periodic updates on Limoncello and appreciate all of the love and support you all continue to send for our special girl!

Calling the Shots and 𝙎𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙯ing the Day

Posted on September 23, 2023 by Cello's Corner | 1 Comment

This is one of my favorite photos: Brian and I along with fellow competitors doing a limoncello shot after a dock diving event. Photo Credit: KJ Photography

Whoah! Hold up, Cancer…Limoncello is calling the shots here!

October 6, 2023: Check-Up with Primary Veterinarian

During Cello’s exam, I received both good and bad news.

The bad news:

There is a slight change in her skull on the right side. This is caused from the tumor spreading more in the direction of her brain and deteriorating the bone.
- We will have to continue to watch for seizure activity.
Her right nostril that was previously partially blocked now appears to be completely blocked.
- We will have to continue to watch for nosebleeds

The good news:

The left nostril is still clear and Cello continues to be able to breathe comfortably with her mouth closed.
Her right eye continues to appear to not be protruding as it once was, and is no longer weaping
No pain or discomfort was observed
Overall Dr. Campbell said that Cello looks good, all things considered

At this point, I was prepared to hear that it would be best for us to stay home. After Dr. Campbell was done with Cello’s physical, she asked me when we were leaving for our trip to the World Championship. I told her that we were only going if we got the thumbs-up from her after today’s exam, and that if we DID get the thumbs-up, we would plan to leave tomorrow. Dr. Campbell’s response: “So what time are you leaving?” … My eyes welled up, and the biggest, happiest tears poured down my face!

DockDogs World Championship,

Here come The Liver Killers!

Yes, some decline was observed, but not enough to hold back Limoncello from going on her trip. Overall she is doing exceptionally well. In fact, if you didn’t know her you would think she was just your typical senior dog. Of course we know that in the blink of an eye, something devastating could occur, and that we have to prepare ourselves for that.

Limoncello was originally given just a few weeks to a few months to live. We are grateful that as of today, Limoncello has given the paw to cancer for a blessed 5 weeks since her diagnosis. Beware, cancer….Limoncello is taking charge and calling the shots.

🍋𝙎𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙯𝙚 the Day

Dogs are pretty amazing aren’t they? Regardless of what’s (sometimes literally) thrown at them, they live in the present and savor every moment. Despite being abused, neglected, and let down by humans, regardless of diseases that try to destroy their short lives… dogs not only carry on, they accelerate forward with gratitude, grace and enthusiasm ….without regret…without grudges…and without fear. For dogs, each day…heck – each moment – is an opportunity to ~~seize~~ squeeze the day. So Brian and I are going to try our best to take a page from Cello’s book and do just that…

Brian and I are going to SQUEEZE every bit of this opportunity by doing our best to put aside our fears of the “what-ifs” of this trip and focus on the present – focus on our gratitude for the value of every second we are blessed with on this trip. Not only will we look forward to seeing Limoncello finish up her dock diving season on her own terms and in her own way, but we will also be extremely grateful to be with the community that Limoncello created for us. We will see friends who we often get to spend time with, we will be reunited with friends we have not seen since pre-covid, and we are hopeful to meet new friends as well! Best of all, we will have Limoncello competing as a cancer warrior and Lager as a cancer survivor.

Moments Become Memories…Memories Become Treasures

Some every day moments that made me smile, and some memories that I will forever treasure…

Still the Reigning Neighborhood Fun Police

Don’t think for a second that because Cello is a Cancer Warrior she has neglected her Yard Guard duties…and if you’ve dared to walk, run, or ride a bike by our house, you already know this first hand!

Daily Walks

Showing Cancer Who the REAL Beast is!

I was doing some indoor conditioning with Hooch and I heard Limoncello whining. Thinking she had to go outside to potty, I opened the door to the room I was in … and in runs Limoncello…enthusiastically barking at me and looking at the conditioning equipment! She wanted IN on the workout fun! She was so excited to participate…Beast mode!

Never Give Up Reminder

A key chain that was gifted to me on one of Porter’s Therapy Dog visits…so appropriate!

Lounging on the Couch

Limoncello’s favorite sleeping position:

Watching Phillies Games

One of our most favorite pastimes…made that much more special:

Personalized Painted Box

A very special person sent me this beautifully painted box. The likeness to Limoncello is spot-on! This artist is truly outstanding…the pictures I took of this box don’t even do it justice! I will forever cherish this personalized gift box!

Chase Away K9 Cancer’s Chase Away 5K

Both Lager and Limoncello completed this 5K in several outings with me. My shirt only has Margarita and Lager’s name on it because at the time I ordered my race swag, we were unaware of Limoncello’s diagnosis. Limoncello is sporting Margarita’s Chase Away K9 Cancer bandana.

First Day of Fall

Oh my gourd…it’s Fall y’all!

GSP Rescue Support

Li’l Biscuit Bar

I saw a post on Facebook that mentioned a dog bakery called the Li’l Biscuit Bar. Immediately I thought bringing Cello to the bakery for her to pick out some treats would make a nice memory. When I searched for the business’s page, I noticed that the town that was listed was only about 20 minutes from us. However, I couldn’t find an exact address. I sent a message to the Li’l Biscuit Bar. The owner, Dawn, replied that she is a mobile treat trailer and asked me how I heard about her and if I had an event that I would like to have her attend. I explained I was looking to take Cello to a bakery in an attempt to continue creating memories due to her terminal cancer diagnosis. Dawn said, “I’ll do you one better, and bring the bakery TO Cello!” But that wasn’t all Dawn did for our family…she bought a special “Cello” shaped treat and offered to donate 100% of the proceeds of that treat to a charity of my choice (of course I chose Chase Away K9 Cancer)! In just two hours, thanks to Dawn, The Medford Lakes Lions Club, EMM Loans, and amazing friends and family…we raised $500 for Chase Away K9 Cancer! Thank you do everyone who helped make this happen and to those of you who came out to the event!

Homemade Treats and Chase Away K9 Cancer Donation

A neighbor who heard about the Li’l Biscuit Bar event but couldn’t make the PAWty…so she gifted Cello some homemade biscuits of her own and a donation to the Chase Away K9 Cancer foundation!

Lemon Blanket and Drink Coaster

Love these two gifts from a family member!

Support from Chase Away K9 Cancer

Chase Away K9 Cancer shared our post…I had no idea that Chase had the same cancer as Cello.

Handmade Wooden Sign

A coworker of Brian’s had this sign specially made:

Yellow for Cello

The pack’s Aunt Jackie wore yellow two days this week for Cello and even had lemons in the backdrop in hopes for a good report during Cello’s check-up!

Duck-Duck-Jeep!

I had been feverishly packing in hopes that Dr. Campbell would give Cello the thumbs-up for the trip all while knowing it is a possibility we would not be able to go. And let me tell you – it has been quite a week…

Y’all, it is NOT easy to move 8 dogs and 2 humans half way across the country in a camper…but I have a routine at this point and usually I have all my ducks in a row. Not so much this time!
I was getting nervous – – not about the possibility of having to cancel our trip – – but knowing a thumbs-down to the trip by Dr. Campbell would mean Cello has declined significantly.

My head was in a million places as I sped down the aisles at ShopRite. As I exited after checking out, I saw a pretty green Jeep parked next to me. Immediately I was excited because I had just filled my Halloween Duck-It-Bucket with some cool Halloween themed ducks and I couldn’t wait to duck a Jeep with one. As I came around to my driver’s side door – – there was a glittery yellow (ok gold – – but I’m still considering it yellow!) duck sitting on Betty White! I’m sure any customers in the parking lot thought I was nuts when they heard me squeal with excitement as I took my new glittery friend and placed her in her new home on my dashboard! I was hoping this was a sign that we would get good news at Cello’s appointment. Of course I ducked the pretty green Jeep in return with one of my skeleton ducks!

Note on From Dr. Campbell on Invoice

Gift Box

The pack’s Aunt Jackie always seems to send a goodie box just at the right time! This amazing box of goodies arrived right after I got home from Cello’s appointment!

Please excuse any typos and choppy sentences…I put this together quickly because, well…. I’ve got some packing to do! Stay tuned on our Facebook page for daily updates as our pack makes their way out to Iowa for the DockDogs World Championships!

NEVER GIVE UP: 3 Weeks Post-Diagnosis

Posted on September 20, 2023 by Cello's Corner | 6 Comments

A part of never giving up means making the most of every single moment – – and in typical Limoncello fashion, she is schooling us on how to do exactly that….

Weekly PUPdate

We as humans have so much to learn from dogs…Dogs live each and every day with a sense of excitement…with a 🍋 zest for life. They are resilient and move forward despite the challenges they face. Today marks three weeks-post diagnosis (8/30/23), and yet Limoncello continues to show pretty much zero symptoms outside of her right eye looking slightly larger than the left. Although that makes me happy, if I’m going to be honest… I need to share that the past three weeks have been stressful to say the least. Upon diagnosis, Limoncello was given only a-few-weeks to a-few-months to live. I feel like this cancer has left us feeling much like we did when Porter and Jägermeister’s seizures were not under control – it’s like living with a ticking time bomb … never knowing when it’s going to “explode” … never knowing when that seizure or nosebleed is going to dreadfully emerge…Waking up each morning wondering if that day will be her last. Despite efforts to remain positive and have faith, the worries still find a way to slither their way into my mind, especially leading up to her 3-week check-up. However, I am (cautiously) relieved to share this week’s report!

September 19, 2023: Three Week Check Up With Primary Veterinarian

Limoncello saw our primary veterinarian, Dr. Campbell, on September 19th.

Observations I Shared:

Cello’s activity level, eating/drinking habits and behavior have not changed at all
- Dr. Campbell was happy to hear this.
Cello has begun to sneeze periodically, which is new for her – but we were told to expect this, and luckily there has been no bleeding that has accompanied the sneezing
I thought I was crazy to think her right eye looked better than it did three weeks ago…
- Dr. Campbell agreed that she thought Cello’s eye looked better as well!

Evaluations During Exam:

The following have had no decline/changes:

signs of discomfort
left nostril airflow (right nostril is blocked by tumor)
heart murmur
facial bones and skull
mouth, throat, and swallowing
right eye

My Questions:

When should see Cello be seen next?
- suggested time frame was 2-3 weeks
Can we review what we are we watching out for?
- seizures
- discharge from nostrils
- nosebleeds
- swallowing with effort
- snuffling
- squinting
- teeth chattering
Can we get a letter to submit to DockDogs so that we could request a reimbursement for Cello’s World Championship entry fees due to her medical condition?
- When I heard the words come out of Dr. Campbell’s mouth, it took my breath away and immediately the tears began to flow: “I think you should go. She deserves one last jump.” (Insert ugly crying here)! Dr. Cambell said that because Cello surprisingly did not show the decline that was expected in the last 3 weeks, it is highly likely there will not be a drastic decline in the upcoming next few weeks – although we have to understand that anything is possible of course. BUT, if she’s doing well and feeling good, why not let her do what she loves … revel in what she created for our family… and jump at the World Championship one more time?! Since Cello has had no decline and her exam went well, her previous restriction of not jumping off the dock has been lifted at the moment and for as long as it is deemed safe for her to do so.

If we go to the World Championships in Iowa, we take the chance of an emergency happening on the road, and although because of past experience, it has become one of our biggest fears, that emergency could (or could NOT!) happen anytime, anywhere. The last thing we want to do is just “sit around and wait” when we could be making the most of Limoncello’s enjoyable moments.

I will have to plan and pack as if we are going to the World Championship with the mindset of knowing we could have to cancel at any given moment – including less than 24 hours before we’d have to leave. Limoncello will have to remain asymptomatic and she will also have an exam again with Dr. Campbell on October 6th. If all goes well again at that exam, we will leave early on the morning of October 7th to what very well may be the most memorable and meaningful trip our team as a whole has taken.

I have done zero planning for the World Championships, considering we had already resigned to the fact that we couldn’t go…So we won’t have new fancy team shirts, or cool trading cards for our pack, but what we will have is 2 of the greatest gifts of all: Limoncello making most likely her last jump while battling cancer, and Lager competing as a survivor. We have had some pretty amazing moments, awards, and accomplishments at the World Championships over the years, but THIS, my friends, will truly rival them all. No award…no nomination…no victory can or will ever fill our hearts with a greater sense of pride and gratitude than seeing Cello flipping cancer the paw and doing what she loves most…rockin’ the dock one last time! Fingers and paws crossed that we are able to make the trip.

The Best Thing About Memories is Making Them

A devastating diagnosis is a jolting wake-up call that reminds us that time is precious and not meant to be wasted. Live every day making every moment count. Even though cancer can eventually take loved ones away from us, the one thing it can never steal from us is our memories…so make LOTS of them. Here are some I made with Limoncello this week:

Bike Ride Around Town

Betty White’s First Off Road Adventure

Chillin’ on the Couch with Brother Hooch

National Cheeseburger Day

Visiting with Friends and Family

PUPpuccino

National String Cheese Day

With Gratitude

I am a true believer in the power of positivity – and it is extremely apparent that Limoncello is feeling the prayers and good vibes you all have been sending. Brian and I appreciate each and every one of you.

Here are a few gifts from this week:

Box of Sunshine

Care Box for the Whole Pack

Cello-Yellow Flowers and Cookies

No News is Good News

If Limoncello continues to do well, my plan is to post an update after her October 6th exam instead of a weekly update next week. Until then, please continue to send those positive thoughts Cello’s way, and don’t forget to keep making those memories with your loved ones!

2 Weeks Post-Diagnosis (8/30/23)

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Cello's Corner | Leave a comment

Weekly PUPdate

Another week to be thankful for – – Limoncello continues to reveal no symptoms other than her right eye looking slightly irregular. Her eye does not look any worse, her activity level is normal, and she is eating and drinking as usual. Tuesday she will have a check-up with her primary veterinarian.

“We Don’t Remember Days, We Remember Moments“

~Cesare Pavese

I never really thought about it…but you never know when you are making memories, do you? Limoncello’s diagnosis made me realize that without even being aware of it – everything we do in our daily schedule is a live recording of memories-in-the-making. It’s easy to get wrapped up into social media and focusing on “post-worthy” events/photos/videos that often overpower other important moments in life. Sometimes life is just to busy to realize that everyday activities that appear to mean nothing at the time, actually turn out to mean EVERYTHING when a devastating diagnosis is delivered. If there is even a positive that can come out of a situation like this, it’s that it sure does make you slow down and focus on being grateful for the routine things that tend to go unnoticed because they become ordinary, unremarkable activities…it makes you appreciate each and every moment in your day – because all those little things…all those non-post-worthy moments…are about to become the most important and significant memories you’ll have with those you love…

Memorable Moments Made This Week

Lake Time

We were given the “go-ahead” to let Limoncello swim in the lake if she enters at her own will. Although we will miss tossing a toy for her, we are grateful that she can still enjoy one of her most-loved activities.

Family Visits

Limoncello is enjoying being the center of attention when visitors come to see her.

Breakfast at Evergreen Dairy Bar

Any M. Night Shyamalan fans out there? One of his latest movies, “Knock at the Cabin” was filmed extremely close to us here in the Pine Barrens. One of the scenes towards the end of the movie was shot at one of our favorite breakfast and ice cream spots: Evergreen Dairy Bar. For the movie, Evergreen’s name was changed to “Angie’s Roadside Diner.”

Limoncello enjoyed a scrambled egg with bacon.

Pointer Piles on the Couch

Shopping at Tractor Supply

Walks Around the Neighborhood

Dollar Tree Find

I stopped into a dollar store for something totally unrelated, and my eye caught something yellow! Brian and I always enjoy a glass of wine at the end of each night. These lemon themed wine glasses will help us remember to toast to Cello each night

Cheering on the Philadelphia Phillies

Porch Sittin’

Car Ride Around Town

Thank You For Accompanying Cello On Her Journey

Good company on a difficult journey … it lessens our fear and fills our minds and hearts with the hope, faith, and courage needed to uphold the strength needed to support Limoncello with a positive tone and light spirit . We deeply appreciate the kindness, support, and love that our friends, family, and community continues to offer during this difficult and uncertain time. Your post comments, private messages, and phone calls help to ease our stress and brighten’s Limoncello’s days. Your support is a majority of the fuel that keeps us going strong on this difficult path. Thank you all…for everything.

Limoncello Profile Pictures

Friends changed their Facebook profile pictures in support of Cello.

Surprise Chewy Box!

Another Surprise Chewy Box!

Dock Diving Friends Jumping for Cello at Their Dock Diving Competitions

Collection for Chase Away Canine Cancer

Chase Away Canine Cancer is an organization that is near and dear to our hearts. This organization was created in memory of a canine dock diving competitor named Chase. Chase Away Canine Cancer’s passion and commitment is to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this terrible disease.

Care Package from Amazon

47 Days Post-Surgery

Posted on December 17, 2022 by Cello's Corner | Leave a comment

This boy… once again bringing me to tears… 47 days post rostral mandibulectomy surgery and Lager grabbed every size and shape bumper and Wubba we tried in the water with no assistance needed…He’s amazing! I can’t wait to see him competing in his first post-surgery event! Take THAT cancer! Thank you Chrissy and 4 Paws Adrift !

Unstoppable!

Posted on December 3, 2022 by Cello's Corner | Leave a comment

🇺🇸Truly 𝙐𝙉𝙎𝙏𝙊𝙋𝙋𝘼𝘽𝙇𝙀! Look who learned to eat on his own after he healed from his rostral mandibulectomy! This did not however come without much practice and some failed attempts and experimenting. Thanks to the support of Lager’s oral surgeon, Dr. Jennings, we were able to assist Lager in overcoming his obstacles in re-learning how to eat independently!

Lager eats independently for the first time since surgery!

… Next step: Over the upcoming weeks I will begin land drills with a dock diving bumper to see how Lager does with grabbing the it from the air and out of a baby pool filled with water…stay tuned!

Giving Thanks with a Grateful Heart

Posted on November 21, 2022 by Cello's Corner | Leave a comment

Suture Removal

November 17, 2022

For those of you who are ~~crazy~~ lucky enough to share your life with a German Shorthaired Pointer, I’m sure you are quite familiar with the “oh sh*t” feeling when a veterinarian tells you that you have to somehow do the impossible….restrict your GSP’s activity. Even at 10 years old Lager does NOT act his age. He’s still got that insane-in-the-membrane-never-ending-crazy-high GSP energy. Along with praying that somehow we are miraculously teleported to the “all clear from restrictions” date our veterinarian gives us, my usual go-to for a restricted activity period is stuffed West Paw brand Topl or Qwizl, lickimats, puzzle toys, and snuffle mats. In Lager’s case, however, we could not do any of that due to his simultaneous recovery from his rostral mandibulectomy. Lager’s jaw and chest surgery were on October 31st. He was due to get his chest sutures out on November 11th. However, when his body bandage was removed, there were signs of an infection. Restricted activity and suture removal date was then extended to November 17th while Lager completed a round of antibiotics. Once the bandage was off, Lager began to try and lick the area, so he continued to wear a Suitical Recovery Suit until his chest could be reevaluated. At his appointment on November 17th, the surgical team at Blue Pearl decided that the chest sutures could be removed, Lager’s jaw was healed enough that we could remove the E-collar, AND Lager could have all restrictions lifted …giving some MAJOR thanks for this!

Sutures are out, but incisions still need time to heal

Lager runs free for the first time since having his surgeries on 10/31/22

Enjoying being “naked” …no sutures, no Suitical, no cone and no E-collar!

Once home, even with the sutures having been removed, Lager began to lick the area, making the healing incisions redden. We still have him wearing the Suitical Recovery Suit until this area is fully healed in order to try to avoid an infection, giving him a break from wearing it only when we can watch him closely.

Lager does not need to have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Jennings (Dentistry Team) or the Surgical Team in the future unless a problem arises. However, there was a nodule observed on his adrenal gland during his abdominal ultrasound. It was suggested that we may consider reevaluating the suspected growth in 3-4 months, so I will be discussing this with Lager’s medical team to determine if they believe that repeating the ultrasound would be appropriate for him.

“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.”
^{_{~ Cynthia Ozick}}

Eight dogs, sixteen feedings per day, and each meal was prepared and presented to our dogs without realizing I should be grateful for the whole process….not only for being blessed with the food itself, but for the fact that all of our dogs could eat on their own. I never thought about how I should be grateful for that…it’s just something dogs do, right?! I took for granted that I put food in front of our dogs, and voilà…They ate it…UNTIL…Brian and I were hand-feeding Lager after his surgery. It was then that I realized I needed to take a step back and direct more focus on being grateful for the daily routines that are in fact blessings as well.

Lager had been doing wonderfully with being hand-fed “meatballs,” (made from a mixture of his regular kibble ground to a fine powder using a food processor wet food, pure pumpkin purée, and grizzly salmon oil) however, he was having a difficult time learning how to pick up food without us having to place it in his mouth. We tried meatballs in a bowl, meatballs on a flat dish, dry kibble that had been put through the food processor, soaked kibble, regular kibble…you name it, Lager had not been able to pick up any of the food. However, Lager’s never give up attitude paid off…It is with an extremely grateful heart that I share the progress Lager had during breakfast on November 20th: Lager was able to pick up meatballs and eat it all by himself! The meatball still needs to placed on a flat dish at an elevated angle, but picking up the meatball on his own is a huge accomplishment! We are so proud of Lager and his motivation to improvise, adapt, and overcome!

Lager picks up a “meatball” on his own for the first time since his rostral mandibulectomy!

Lager has also been doing a phenomenal job picking up soft stuffed toys! He has been enjoying all the toys that he received as gifts!

Lager picks up a stuffed toy (CVS FURmacy receipt toy given to him by our neighbor)

No One Fights Alone

I added some oral cancer awareness bling to Lager’s collar this week! Canine Acanthomatous Ameloblastoma (CAA) luckily is not known to metastasize if clean margins are achieved during surgery (which was the case for Lager). Even though we are celebrating what we hope and pray is the end of Lager’s CAA Journey, he will still have some challenges to face as he continues to adapt to doing daily activities differently with his mouth. We want to be sure to continue to bring awareness to this type of canine cancer, and do our best to support other families that one day may find themselves on this same journey with their pup.

Oral cancer awareness ribbon charm for Lager’s collar bling

No one fights alone charms… Half for me to wear as a necklace and the other half will be added to Lager’s collar bling

We have many reasons this year to give thanks with a grateful heart. This week, in addition to the more obvious “bigger things,” I will be focussed on recognizing and mindfully appreciating the smaller blessings in our daily life as well.

May this Thanksgiving be filled with peace, love and happiness for you and your family.

Post Surgery Check-Up And New Diagnosis

Posted on November 11, 2022 by Cello's Corner | 4 Comments

Pathology Reports

November 8, 2022

Now that the pathology report from both the chest masses as well as the jaw sample has returned, we have a new diagnosis, but still much to be thankful for!

Chest masses
- pathology result: follicular cysts
  - Follicular cysts are large bumps, or nodules, on a dog’s skin that originate in the hair follicle. The hair follicle becomes dilated and fills with a dark brown substance that looks similar to a blackhead. These cysts are prone to becoming infected. Lager’s follicular cysts should not grow back now that they have been removed.
Oral Mass
- The mass originally deemed Oral Papillary Squamous Cell Carcinoma was reevaluated as Canine Acanthomatous Ameloblastoma (CAA)
  - The tumor diagnosis can sometimes change as a better sample is acquired during the removal of the “heart” of the mass. This type of tumor has “layers” and the superficial part of the mass is made up of similar squamous-type cells which often produces an inaccurate diagnosis. During Lager’s first surgery, only the superficial part of the mass could be removed and sampled.
  - About Canine Acanthomatous Ameloblastoma (CAA)
    - Acanthomatous Ameloblastoma is a locally aggressive tumor that originates from the epithelial cells of the dog’s jaw. Acanthomatous Ameloblastoma forms a large red mass on the gums. Beneath the visible portion of the mass, there is usually considerable bone destruction. These tumors have not been documented to spread to other areas of the body. As Lager’s tumor was removed with clean margins, it is not expected that there should be any recurrence. Without treatment, this type of tumor will continue to grow and destroy the jaw bone, becoming life-threatening for the dog.

Post Surgery Oral Exam and Check-Up

November 11, 2022: BluePearl Pet Hospital

Dr. Jennings said that Lager looks great! Dr. Jennings is pleased with the surgery site and healing process. Any remaining oral sutures will fall out and/or dissolve on their own over the coming few weeks. During today’s appointment Dr. Jennings answered all of my questions in detail. The following was covered in today’s appointment:

We have observed some teeth chattering. Dr. Jennings said this should subside as the mouth continues to heal
Lager may begin return to a normal diet. Over the next week, we will work on transitioning from wet food meatballs to soaked kibble to regular kibble as we monitor Lager’s progress in re-learning how to eat on his own.
We can begin brushing Lager’s teeth immediately. Dr. Jennings also recommended that we continue to use products to help reduce plaque and tartar. We currently use a water additive called Vetradent, which is included in products that have earned the VOHC Accepted Seal , so we will continue to use this.
Lager is cleared to compete in dock diving once we start up again in the Spring, and is cleared to train and condition throughout the fall and winter once his jaw and chest is completely healed!
As long as no issues arise, Lager does not need to have further follow-up visits with Dr. Jennings. Dr. Jennings recommends that we have Dr. Campbell monitor Lager’s oral health at his regular check-ups. If we happen to notice any bad breath or dental buildup/inflammation of the gums, Dr. Jennings instructed me to have Lager evaluated by Dr. Campbell or himself.
Lager can begin to have soft toys within the next week. We experimented today during the appointment with an Extreme Vertical/Speed Retrieve bumper. Upon sight of the bumper, Lager grabbed it up! After dropping the bumper on the floor, in less than 30 seconds Lager had learned to pick it up on his own! He is truly amazing and an inspiration! There was some minimal dilute blood on the bumper which Dr. Jennings said was normal at this point. In about 5-7 days when Lager is closer to being completely healed, we will try giving him some soft stuffie toys.

Dr. Michael Jennings and his nurse, Ashley McCullough, provided outstanding care and surgical excellence for Lager. Confidence in a medical team and their abilities was imperative to us. Beyond the medical aspect, Dr. Jennings and Ashley displayed such care and compassion not only for Lager, but also for me as I broke down in tears (at every single appointment)! They not only patiently answered my notebook full (literally) of questions, but also took the time to explain everything in detail. I will never forget the personal touch and willingness they spent making sure I felt comfortable with all of the information being presented to me, and comforting me during a terrifying time to ensure me that Lager was going to pull through this procedure just fine. Dr. Jennings and Ashley’s love and passion for animals is remarkable, and shines bright for all to see. We are blessed to have been lucky enough for Lager to have this the dedicated, thoughtful, and compassionate surgical team.

Chest Suture Removal

November 11, 2022

The Surgical staff at Blue Pearl was also wonderful! Their attention to detail on Lager’s chest surgery and kindness towards me was beyond appreciated. Today Michael Pawenski evaluated Lager’s chest incisions. After removal of Lager’s cross-your-heart bandage, Dr. Pawenski noted that the incision is healing well, but there are two small areas of dehiscence and a small amount of discharge that may be due to an early surgical site infection. As a result, the sutures cannot be removed, and Lager will be required to take antibiotics. This also means that his activity restrictions will still need to be in place. The bandage was not reapplied but Lager will have to wear a tee-shirt or Suitical Recovery Suit to prevent rubbing or scratching of the incision. Lager will return to Blue Pearl on Thursday November 17th for an exam with the Surgical Team, and and hopefully suture removal.

We Don’t Know Them All, But We Owe Them All

Lager’s check-up fell on Veterans Day 2022. Blue Pearl Hospital is located on Veterans Highway with a Veterans Memorial 0.2 mile down the road from the hospital parking lot exit. with Lager being a Veteran himself, I knew we had to stop at the memorial. It was raining pretty steadily, but we stopped anyway, and I’m so glad we did. Lager got a break from his cone and was able to take a small, slow walk around the beautiful memorial.

With respect, honor, and gratitude, Cello’s Corner would like to thank all who have served and continue to serve our country. Your bravery and the sacrifices you have made to protect our freedom will never be forgotten. Thank you to all veterans – you are our heroes!

Things That Make You Go MMM…

…A vanilla McDonalds milkshake! Lager had a few licks of the milkshake as a treat on his way home.

Ba da ba ba ba …I’m lovin’ it!

Keep on Keepin’ On

Over the next week, we will continue Lager’s restricted routine while working on transitioning his diet back to his regular kibble. I will post another update after Lager’s appointment on November 17th. Thank you ALL for your continued prayers, positive thoughts and good vibes for Lager and for your support for Lager’s PAWrents!

That’s a Wrap!

Posted on November 5, 2022 by Cello's Corner | 9 Comments

Today Lager had an appointment for his re-check for the sutures on his chest and a re-wrap of his body bandage. I was relieved that he had an appointment today, as his body wrap was a hot mess after just four days!

The surgical team said both his chest and his oral surgery site look great! They re-wrapped him in red (YAY!).. and said the stitches on his chest will come out on November 11th when he has his re-check with Dr. Jennings, the oral surgeon.

Lager is ready for tonight’s World Series game… GO PHILS!

We put a Suitical over Lager’s body wrap in hopes to make it last until his re-check on November 11th. If needed, we will drive Lager back to get a new wrap prior to his appointment.

What a difference five days can make! The huge red bubble of swelling is almost gone !

11/1/22 (Left) showing the swelling (big red bubble) and 11/5/22 (right) showing no visible swelling

I continue to be in awe of Lager’s resilience. He proceeds to act as if nothing happened. He’s getting better at eating his “meatballs” and his tail has not stopped wagging since we brought him home! He has also been THE best patient ever… he has not tried to chew his body wrap, he has not bothered with his cone, he lets us check his oral surgical sight, and when we hold up his E-collar, he pokes his head through the hole of the cone and waits for us to secure it. This boy is truly AMAZING!

Continued Appreciation

Lager is definitely feeling all of the prayers, love, and positive thoughts that are sent to him daily! I read each and every comment that is posted – and the kind words bring me to tears. The private messages and check-ins have warmed my heart and have given me strength. Thank you for everything. This week one of our wonderful neighbors gifted Lager this awesome toy for when his restrictions are lifted … a CVS receipt that unravels into the real-life ridiculous long length of CVS coupons ! Hilarious!

Lager’s Rostral Mandibulectomy

Posted on November 2, 2022 by Cello's Corner | 23 Comments

^{Last picture I took of Lager before his surgery}

October 31, 2022

On Halloween, Lager underwent surgery for a rostral mandibulectomy at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Levittown, PA with oral surgeon, Dr. Michael Jennings.

Lager hanging out under the Blue Pearl Dentistry Department’s desk as they caught up on emails and prepared for his surgery

Lager was first anesthetized for an oral exam and dental X-rays. These radiographs confirmed the mass centered on his left lower canine tooth had invaded the underlying bone along the back of canine tooth root. Dr. Jennings called us at that point to inform us of the degree of bone invasion. He recommended removal of the front of Lager’s lower jaw at the level of the left 3rd premolar and right lower 2nd premolar in order to hopefully obtain clean margins of normal tissue along with the oral tumor. Dr. Jennings informed us that this also means Lager’s mandibular symphysis (where jaw meets in “V”) will no longer be connected. We agreed to the new plan in hopes to get clean margins for Lager.

Lager received both systemic pain medication and local nerve blocks to help control any discomfort associated with his procedure. His rostral mandibulectomy was performed, and the sample was submitted for histopathology to confirm the tumor type and clean margins. Dr. Jennings explained that it’s rare, but in some cases he has seen the cancer evolve into a different type/stage, so the biopsy will confirm the tumor type and also will dictate if Lager would need further treatment after he heals from his surgery. Dr. Jennings noted that the biopsy results may take a couple of weeks to come back. Lager’s remaining teeth were also scaled and polished.

Lager also had two dermal sternal masses removed. Those of you who know Lager well and have enjoyed his enthusiasm up close/ in person know that he has had a problem spot on his chest since we adopted him that had to be expressed on a weekly basis. Although it was not easy to manage at times, the problem spot was deemed not to be concerning. However, recently the area had gotten bigger and changed in appearance so it was decided that it would be best to have this removed and biopsied while Lager was undergoing his oral surgery. The two masses on his chest were also removed and submitted for histopathology to confirm the tissue type. The surgery sites were closed with absorbable sutures and he was wrapped in a cross-your-heart chest bandage. The biopsy results for this sample should return in about a week.

Lager’s chest showing the 2 problem areas

Dr. Jennings called after surgery was completed and told us that Lager did well during the surgeries and had recovered smoothly. Lager had to be hospitalized overnight so that pain, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications could be monitored and managed. Although we knew it was best for Lager to stay the night, we missed him dearly and called every couple of hours to check on him. The staff assured us that Lager was recovering well and in good spirits.

November 1, 2022

We called to check on Lager first thing in the morning and the staff said that he did well overnight. He ate from someone’s hand and was able to lap-up water. Dr. Jennings called around 12pm and thoroughly reviewed Lager’s recovery plan and confirmed that Lager was doing well enough to come home. The drive to Blue Pearl is about an hour, so my parents drove me to the hospital to pick up Lager so that Brian could monitor Porter and Jägermeister while working from home.

Much anxiety had built up with preparing to see Lager post-surgery. Upon arrival to Blue Pearl, my mother and I were escorted to an exam room to wait for Lager to be brought out. Although I was extremely upset at first sight, Dr. Jennings entered the room with Lager happily prancing by his side. Lager’s eyes were bright and alert, his tail was wagging, and he gave me a heartfelt greeting. My heart and mind were so relieved – but this didn’t stop the tears from flowing – what an absolutely amazingly resilient soldier this warrior is! He was in such great spirits!

Dr. Jennings was amazing… I mean REALLY AMAZING…he was so patient, compassionate, and kind. He took the time to explain everything and also to offer support and reassurance that everything was going to be alright and he could already tell that Lager was going to be back to doing everything he loves to do in no time at all.

Post-Surgery Photos

Believe it or not, it was difficult for me to even get non-blurry pictures on the way home because Lager did not sit down the entire time! He barked the whole way home and actively looked out the window for the duration of the ride. Pictures below to show Lager’s new lower jaw length:

Although alarming in appearance, the large pinkish-red “bubble” you see under Lager’s tongue in the photos below is normal after a surgery like this and should go away on its own in 5-7 days:

Photos below are the best shots I have so far of Lager’s new “chin.”

“Dogs Are a Miracle With Paws” ~ Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy

I always say that as humans we have so much to learn from dogs. I am in awe at Lager’s resilience and ability to adapt. As you can see from the photos above, Lager’s tongue was hanging out of his mouth during our car ride home. Dr. Jennings informed us that Lager’s tongue will most likely be hanging out of his mouth for quite some time and that Lager may…or may not… adapt to holding his tongue differently so that it stays inside. Well, by the time our one hour drive home ended, Lager had already learned how to hold his tongue inside of his mouth! When we arrived home, he was able to drink water and was extremely motivated for food.

Lager after arriving home has already learned to hold his tongue differently so that it remains inside his mouth.

Lager has not even skipped a beat. He’s happy, alert, and prancing around the house – handsome as ever! Dogs truly are amazing, aren’t they? They don’t look in the mirror or focus on their appearance, and they don’t care what others think either. Dogs remind us to focus on the important parts of others – HEART and SOUL… not physical characteristics or imperfections. They teach us that you shine from WITHIN and that imperfection can impact the world in a positive way….to use your difference to make a difference. Dogs adapt, overcome, and continue to enjoy their journey despite the obstacles that may develop in their path. They don’t worry about challenges – they conquer them. Lager is living proof of this. In my eyes, Lager is an inspiration. I am grateful for the lessons he has taught me, and for the experience he has shared with me. His journey will equip me with the ability to pay it forward when someone else is faced with seeing their dog through the same operation.

Lager has to be hand fed soft food until he heals completely and adapts to eating / drinking with his shorter lower jaw. On November 1st, his first night home, I used a blender to make his kibble into a powder and mixed in some wet food and water to make it “meatball” consistency. I made little meatballs and although I was proud of how well the prep went, I’m not going to lie … our first attempt at properly delivering the “meatballs” to Lager’s mouth was quite a messy situation! The morning of November 2nd, I did a better job of creating the meatballs, and Brian figured out that it was easier to “deliver” the meatballs to Lager while standing behind him and using gravity to help Lager get the meatball in his mouth.

Blending Lager’s kibble so that he can be kept on his same diet to avoid stomach upset

First I added water to the powdered kibble, then to help bind it (and add a treat for Lager!) I used a gravy-type wet food. Lastly, I rolled the food into meatballs.

Grateful…Thankful…Blessed!

We very much appreciate the continued support, prayers, and positivity sent to our family! The overwhelming outpour of post comments, private messages, and kind gestures have filled our hearts with hope, love and courage during a very emotional time. We appreciate ALL of you beyond what words can express.

Below is a picture of the beautiful Belle…Her wonderful Mama posted this adorable photo in support of our boy:

The pack’s amazing Aunt Jackie sent a care package that arrived on Halloween day… some really cool Halloween dog toys, and an awesome mug displaying Lord Byron’s quote, “The poor dog, in life the firmest friend, the first to welcome, foremost to defend” and featuring her dog, Freya (who we refer to as Whiskey’s sista-from-anotha-mista)! I certainly will need extra caffeine and will get good use of this mug… and once things settle, the dogs will enjoy these toys !

A good friend who I met while her pug, Axl and our girl, Margarita, were battling cancer simultaneously, sent Lager some pre-surgery treats and a Comfy Cone for his recovery!

What’s Next?

Lager will have his chest site and bandage changed on Saturday November 5th as long as the bandage holds up. If we see anything seeping through the bandage, or if the bandage is failing, we will have to bring him in sooner. He will then see Dr. Jennings on November 11th for a re-check of his jaw.

Lager taking a break from the E-collar and resting comfortably during the World Series

A Week in the Life of a Superhero

Posted on October 15, 2022 by Cello's Corner | 4 Comments

Lager wearing the Superman costume gifted to him by his Aunt Jackie

Lager is an extraordinary pup with an astonishing background. (It’s sometimes hard to believe that our boy was assigned to keep the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad safe)! His bravery and resilience is inspiring. By the time he was 3 years old, he had already traveled to more countries and states than most people visit in a lifetime. Despite his disciplined working career before we met him, Lager quickly adjusted to civilian life and showered us with much love and affection. Beyond his serious working mode, Lager also has an extremely goofy and jubilant side. His pure, genuine passion for life is contagious. He gets excited about anything and everything. The smallest of things makes him literally jump for joy…so much so that I often joke that he is the real-life Tigger. He has taught us to be happy and thankful for everything – big and small – and to remain positive and joyful through whatever life throws our way. His love of life fuels him to do everything with 250% effort and enthusiasm. He’s “got heart” like no other…and I know in my heart that Lager will face this new challenge and overcome any obstacle that may attempt to stand in his way of continuing to enjoy life to the utmost degree. If heroes are measured by the strength of their heart, Lager is definitely a Superhero in my eyes.

10/10/22: Lymph Node Cytology and Radiograph Results

Lager’s oncologist, Dr. Olivier Campbell, called the morning of October 10th with a positive report! The cytology results of Lager’s mandibular nodes showed that the lymph nodes were reactive and no tumor cells were observed, which is great news! In addition, the radiologist’s final interpretation of Lager’s radiographs showed nothing significant! The next step is to meet with the dentistry specialist to plan surgery. Dr. Olivier Campbell asked how Lager was doing. I laughed and said, “He’s just as crazy as ever. You would never for one second know that he has cancer, and he reminds me everyday that mindset is everything.”

10/10/22-10/11/22: Chase Away K9 Cancer’s “Chase Away 5k”

Thank you to everyone who shared with me that they signed up for the Chase Away K9 Cancer 5K to walk for Lager. We did this 5k in two parts and I was lucky enough to be able to meet up in person with some friends and their pups to complete this 5K!

Chase Away 5K: Part 1

On October 10, 2022 we met friend and fellow Pointer Rescue, Organization volunteer Jen along with her foster pups Vera & Virgil …and our friend Heather with her pups Kayla and Ellie from Team Salty Paws at Amico Island Park in Delran, NJ. We also were walking for our Pointer pal, Virgil, who is battling hemangiosarcoma.

Virgil, who is also battling cancer, gave me a nice hug before the 5K!

Chase Away 5K: Part 2

On October 11, 2022 I met friends, Jen and Sherra, at Union Lake Wildlife Management Area to complete the 5K. This time Jen brought her two Pointers, Pearl and Brandy.

10/13/22: Surgery Consultation

Prior to Lager’s appointment, I wrote down questions in order to prepare my self for the consultation:

Is your anesthesiologist board certified?
Can you explain how the operation is performed?
What are the risks and possible complications for this operation?
Will Lager need special diet after his operation?
When does Lager need stop eating and drinking leading up to the surgery?
What medication will Lager be sent home with after surgery?
Could you tell me about your experience with this operation?
How can I contact you if I have more questions?
What can I expect during Lager’s recovery?
What restrictions will Lager have after surgery?
How do most dogs who have to have a partial mandibulectomy usually recover?
Will Lager’s life and lifestyle change after this procedure? Will he still be able to dock dive?
Are there things I can do to prepare myself, my home and/or Lager for this procedure?

On October 13, 2022 I met with Dr. Michael Jennings at Blue Pearl Pet Hospital to discuss Lager’s surgery. Dr. Jennings was so kind and explained in detail the surgery Lager will need. Dr. Jennings shared that unfortunately, Lager does need a partial mandibulectomy which will most likely include removing the portion of the lower jaw that incorporates the 2 canine teeth and incisors. I immediately broke out into tears upon hearing this, and Dr. Jennings was beyond compassionate and reassuring. Dr. Jennings said that the location of this tumor combined with being oral papillary squamous cell carcinoma (a sub-category [lesser version] of squamous cell carcinoma) is actually best case scenario in the big picture.

The diagram below shows the projected approximate portion of Lager’s jaw (below the red line) that will be removed during his surgery:

Lager’s surgery will be an attempt to remove the mass along with a margin of normal tissue and bone. The degree of removal is based upon Lager’s anesthetized oral exam and dental x-rays. In Lager’s case, Dr. Jennings suspects it would include the front of his lower jaw, hopefully keeping the back of his mandibular symphysis (chin). Once removed, the resected portion will be reevaluated to both confirm the tumor type and to check the edges for evidence of tumor cells. If clean margins are achieved, the papillary squamous cell carcinoma will not likely recur and Lager should be cured. However, if when reevaluated the tumor is determined to be squamous cell carcinoma (not the papillary subtype), Lager may require follow up chemotherapy or radiation therapy if the tumor characteristics indicate more aggressive behavior.

Dr. Jennings shared that after oral surgery, dogs generally do well, and although there will be a learning curve of how to place the tongue, and pick up food/objects, dogs adapt quickly and efficiently and continue a high quality of life. Pain is controlled prior to and following surgery, and most dogs return to eating and acting normally without any significant issues. Dr. Jennings is confident that with Lager’s drive, that he will adapt and likely will be able to compete in dock diving next season as well.

“MOM! You’re embarrassing me with your notebook full of questions!” ~Lager

Quite Frankly the Best Boy Ever

Lager was such a good boy at his surgery consult, so we stopped at Philadelphia Pretzel Company for a pretzel dog. Lager enjoyed a few bites as a reward before returning home.

10/14/22: Partial Mandibulectomy Surgery Scheduled

We received confirmation on October 14, 2022 that Lager’s surgery is scheduled for October 31, 2022. Lager will not be allowed to eat hard food or put objects in his mouth for up to a month after treatment, depending on his recovery. There is a possibility that he may initially struggle to eat food and will most likely have to be hand-fed. He may also have difficulty drinking water, and positioning his tongue normally for the first few days following surgery. In the next two weeks leading up to his surgery, Brian and I will be doing our best to prepare our hearts and our home for the temporary changes and challenges that Lager may face. We believe it is important to appropriately equip ourselves in all aspects in order to have the strength to project positivity and confidence for Lager to absorb, and to preserve a sense of normalcy for him. Any prayers, positive thoughts, and good vibes will be greatly appreciated this Halloween and the few weeks following.

Lager in a cape gifted to him by his Aunt Jackie, who’s dog wore this cape

The Rainbow in Our Clouds

The continued support, prayers, and positivity that friends and family near and far continue to shower over our family has undoubtedly kept us all in good spirits and brightened our cloudy days… we can’t thank you all enough. We are also beyond grateful for the private messages, comments on posts, and heartfelt gifts.

Lager’s Cousin James made Lager a card and he listened intently as James read it aloud to him.

Team Salty Paws gifted us with oral cancer awareness decals for our vehicles!

Oncology Consultation: Keep Calm and Prepare

Posted on October 5, 2022 by Cello's Corner | 9 Comments

Consultation Prep

Keeping calm is not my strong suit. Hearing the “C” word when our veterinarian confirmed Lager’s cancer diagnosis weighed heavy on my mind, but the uncertainty of what would follow was even more difficult for me to handle. Securing a consultation appointment with the oncologist of our choice was the easy part. Waiting for that day to arrive, however, was torture. Time could not pass quickly enough to reach that date and get more information. To help keep anxiety and fear in check, I focussed my efforts on preparing for the first appointment:

Oncology appointment
- When scheduling the oncology appointment I asked the following questions:
  - What will be covered during a consultation appointment?
  - Do I need to bring anything with me to the appointment?
  - What’s the best method of transferring notes and pathology results to you from Lager’s primary veterinarian?
  - Does Lager need to fast for this appointment?
- There is no cancellation list for the doctor we chose, so I called on a daily basis, joking with the front desk staff that they would get to know me more than they’d like! The staff was understanding and my persistence paid off…I was able to catch two cancellations and move Lager’s appointment up twice during the torturous waiting period.
Research
- I educated myself on the basics of Lager’s diagnosis, making sure to remind myself that each case is different and to be mindful that I don’t let what I read completely freak me out while waiting for Lager’s appointment with the oncologist. Researching enlightened me on oral papillary squamous cell carcinoma, treatment options, and presented new terminology that I needed to familiarize myself with prior to the consultation.
Notebook
- When I’m nervous, I do listen, but nothing (and I mean nothing) will sink in. I knew discussing Lager’s diagnoses, tests, prognosis, possible surgery, etc would be upsetting …making it difficult for me to process the information at that time, and to correctly relay the important details to Brian. If I can’t precisely remember and process the information the oncologist is delivering, it will be near impossible for me to take the steps needed to get the best care for Lager.
- I prefer to write my notes rather than type them.
  - As an old-school retired teacher, I am a firm believer that despite modern technology, whenever possible – handwritten notes enable you to remember and comprehend the information more efficiently.
  - Eye contact is important to me – especially post-Covid when one or both people may be wearing a mask. Personally, it is easier for me to maintain eye contact with someone while writing on paper versus typing on my phone.
  - I’m the Queen of Typos (as I’m sure most of you already know from my prior posts – and most likely this one!) .. I’m not the best speller to say the least, but I can decipher my handwritten misspellings much easier than the “creative” auto-correct choices my phone or iPad makes for me
  - No worry about getting a low battery alert on my phone…there will be plenty more to worry about, so taking one issue off my list is a win!
- Although some people I know have recorded their consultations, I am not comfortable with doing so
List of questions specific to Lager’s diagnosis
- What stage and subtype is Lager’s oral papillary squamous cell carcinoma?
- What is the typical percentage of chance this type of cancer has metastasize? What additional tests (if any) will be performed to rule out the spreading of this cancer to other areas?
- What are the treatment options you recommend and how does Lager’s stage/subtype impact his options?
- What are the potential downsides, including common side effects that I can likely expect, as well as rare but more serious complications?
- When would he begin treatment?
- What is the cost of the treatments? Follow up appointments?
- What is the prognosis with the different treatment options?
- What is the recovery time of treatment/surgery?What oral surgeon do you recommend to perform any surgery needed to remove the mass and any other areas that it may have invaded?
- Is Lager currently in pain?
- Is he allowed to have soft toys before and after his surgery?
- What supplements, dietary changes, lifestyle changes, etc can I do to further support Lager
- Will Lager have any short or long term restrictions before/during/after surgery and/or treatment?
- Should I cease all vaccinations for Lager at this time?
- If I have further questions what is the best email address or phone number to call to clarify points or to further discuss information presented in this appointment?
Show support for Lager
- I ordered an oral cancer awareness ribbon paracord bracelet (created by Ford’s Cord & More)

Oncology Consultation Appointment

October 4, 2022

Lager sported his oral cancer awareness bandana (highlighted later in this post) and I put on the hat that Margarita wore when we went to her oncology consultation.

Arriving to Lager’s appointment…

Being a good boy in the waiting area…Lager wore his cancer awareness collar, oral cancer awareness bandana, and oral cancer awareness charm for his consultation (all gifted to him and highlighted later in this post)

Lager’s oncologist is Dr. Olivier Campbell (coincidently the same last name as our primary veterinarian, but no relation). Dr. Olivier Campbell was so patient and kind – he took time to answer all my questions and explain everything (he even drew pictures to provide a visual and help me to better understand). Here is what I learned at the consultation:

Lager’s cancer is a subtype (called papillary) of oral squamous cell carcinoma (this is good!). There are no particular “stages” with this type of cancer.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma is locally invasive and potentially locally destructive with a very low potential for metastasis – this is considered a low-grade malignancy.
This tumor type tends to invade the adjacent tissues, including the underlying bone in approximately 77% of cases. They can also occasionally metastasize to the regional lymph nodes and to the lungs. Tumors of the mandible (lower jaw) generally have a better prognosis than maxillary tumors (upper jaw).
Oral papillary squamous cell carcinoma has a lower chance of metastasizing, but it is still possible
- if it does metastasize, it will tend to travel to the lymph nodes, lungs, and stomach. Ultrasound, x-ray, and aspirate sample will rule this out.
Surgery is the first line of defense against this type of cancer.
- Surgeries of the jaw are usually well tolerated in dogs.
- If a tumor is incompletely excised, radiation therapy can be considered to try to kill the remaining tumor cells in the area.
- With local treatments, the reported median survival times range from 9 months to 3 years.
  - Lager’s prognosis cannot yet be determined until all tests are completed and mass removal is completed
Although Lager is is not displaying any symptoms, he is most likely having some level of discomfort, so playing with toys are not recommended at this time
- While waiting for his surgery, if Lager begins to display signs of discomfort, there are oral pain medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and injectable medications to help with bone pain.
With this type of cancer, there are no supplements / dietary changes to add that have been proven effective as supportive additives.
Vaccines should be ceased at this time but can be resumed once Lager is recovered from his surgery.
Once surgery is complete, the oral surgeon will help us determine any restrictions moving forward

Tests completed at this visit:

Cytology (mandibular nodes)
- This test provides an answer in 80% of cases approximatively. Results are pending and should be obtained in 7-10 days.
Thoracic Radiographs
- No evidence of radiovisible metastasis, but the radiologist will review Lager’s radiographs to ensure that no significant change is present. An update will be provided at the same time as the cytology.
Abdominal and Cervical Ultrasound:
- Ultrasound of the cervical region reveals no enlarged lymph nodes and the mandibular salivary glands and thyroid/parathyroid regions are normal. There is no evidence of metastatic disease within the abdomen or at the cervical region.
  - Liver: No significant abnormalities.
  - Spleen: Prominent in size with normal in echotexture.
  - Kidneys: No significant abnormalities.
  - Adrenal Glands: There is a 0.7 x 0.9 cm, hyperechoic nodule at the cranial pole of the left adrenal gland most consistent with nodular hyperplasia. The remainder of the adrenal tissue is normal. A developing primary adrenal tumor is considered less likely. This may revisited in 2-3 months if symptoms arise, or if suggested by our veterinarian.
  - Urinary Bladder: No significant abnormalities.
  - Stomach: There is a large volume of echogenic ingesta within the lumen
  - Intestines: There is echogenic ingesta multifocally throughout the lumen.
  - Colon: No significant abnormalities.
  - Pancreas: No significant abnormalities.
  - Peritoneum: No significant abnormalities.
  - Mesentery: No significant abnormalities.
  - Lymph Nodes: No significant abnormalities.
  - Prostate Gland: No significant abnormalities

Visit Summary Notes from Dr. Olivier Campbell: Lager is an adorable dog. Unfortunately, he was recently diagnosed with an oral squamous cell carcinoma. In Lager’s case, the tumor subtype was most consistent with a papillary squamous cell carcinoma, which is thought to be potentially even less aggressive than other oral squamous cell carcinomas. On today’s visit, we discussed that we could characterize Lager’s health condition and the extent of his tumor with thoracic radiographs, cytology of the mandibular nodes +/- abdominal ultrasound, neck ultrasound to assess the retropharyngeal nodes. No evidence of spread of his tumor was observed upon imaging and the results of the cytology of the nodes are pending. The next step to consider to fight his disease would be to meet with a dentistry specialist to plan the surgical removal of the tumor +/- the lymph nodes if the tumor is detected in them. At home, please continue to monitor Lager as usual and contact a veterinarian if his condition deteriorates.

DockDogs World Championship

From 2015 to 2017 I was blessed to be Lager’s teammate in Dock Diving. It was a privilege to share the dock with him. We competed at the World Championship in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Right before the 2018 season began, Limoncello was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, and was not able to compete. I thought it would be best for Brian to take over as Lager’s handler since Limoncello’s diagnosis left Brian without a dock partner. Brian and Lager had a great run together before Lager had developed some insecurity on the dock beginning in 2019. Although they tried to work through it, Lager continued to hesitate on the dock. After we had Lager medically examined to be sure there were no underlying issues, we decided that change may be a good thing, and we once again switched back to me being Lager’s handler this year…I hadn’t realized just how much I had missed my teammate! Lager and I had an exciting season as we got back into the groove of competing together. Lager’s insecurity disappeared, and he earned himself an invitation in every discipline in which he competed!

In Lager’s best interest, we unfortunately will not be making the trip to Iowa this year. Although we are extremely disappointed that we won’t be competing at the World Championship with our dogs and that we will not see our friends, this is the best choice for our family, and most importantly, for Lager. We wish all competitors and DockDogs staff a safe trip, and are sending good vibes and positive energy your way. Don’t forget to soak in every single moment with your pups (and peeps!!) when you are there. Best of luck to all competitors… it’s your dog’s time to shine! Team Liver Killers will be looking for updates on social media and cheering you all on from New Jersey! We look forward to sharing the dock with you and your pups in 2023.

The Last World Championship Lager and I Competed in together as a team (2017)

I Get By With a little A LOT Of Help From My Friends

Saying “thank you” is not sufficient to capture my gratitude for all of you. In fact, there really are no words that can fully express my appreciation for the overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, positive vibes, phone calls, post comments, text messages, private messages on social media, and generous gifts. You all have provided support and strength as we embark on a new Journey through uncharted territory…and somehow the these acts of kindness always seem to arrive at just the right time. Brian and I both want you to know that you all have lifted our mood, enhanced our hope, and comforted our hearts. I will forever remember this compassion and thoughtfulness, and vow to to do my absolute best to pay it forward.

Oral cancer awareness ribbon charm from **Jewelry Designed 4 You**

^{Beautiful card that included a heartfelt written letter as well}

Handmade double-sided bandana handmade for Lager

Cancer awareness ribbon collar gifted to Lager

These Superhero capes were gifted to Lager to provide him superpowers on his Journey. The red cape pictured on the left is new. The blue cape pictured on the right belonged to a friend’s dog. My friend explained that she was not only purchasing a new superhero cape for Lager, but also passing along the cape of her beloved dog who has been blessed with an extremely long life…and that she wanted to share that with Lager in hopes that the cape would grace him with many more years beyond his Journey.

An amazing friend commissioned Ratjr Theos ( Portrait One ) to create this stunning digital painting of Lager.

A box of gifts arrived for the whole pack! The whole family feels the stress during difficult times – we are so appreciative that the rest of our pack is being supported as well! This is the first time I have ever seen a Limoncello (LimonSMELLo) dog toy!

I can’t wait to sit down and read through this one!

Eat Like a King

After a 5 hour day of being the bestest boy during all of his testing, Lager undoubtedly deserved a reward. We stopped at Burger King on the way home and Lager enjoyed a couple of fries and a few pieces of a plain cheeseburger.

Waiting With Hope

…And now we remain hopeful as wait for a scheduled surgery date, the final cytology results, and confirmation on the x-rays and ultrasounds. Overall Lager’s oncology visit was full of positives, and we are beyond grateful for that!

Where Flowers Bloom, So Does Hope

Posted on September 26, 2022 by Cello's Corner | 6 Comments

Have you ever received an unexpected gift …and realized later – that unbeknownst to the sender – the arrival of the present was actually perfectly timed? On Friday, September 23, I leashed-up Lager for his walk. When I opened the gate, a beautiful bouquet of red-white-and-blue flowers greeted us! A very special person sent this amazing bouquet along with a note that read “Sending pawsitive thoughts and prayers. Stay strong. You got this!” When I reached out to thank her, she said, “Something kept tugging at my heart to get those sent.”

With the help of Brian, I have been checking Lager’s surgical area since he had his mass removed. When we returned from our walk, I asked Brian for assistance to check Lager’s mouth. To our dismay, it looked to us like the mass has already begun to grow back. I contacted Lager’s primary veterinarian, Dr. Helen Campbell, who agreed that it appeared to be regrowth from the photos I sent her. Panic and distress overwhelmed me. We knew achieving clean margins during Lager’s initial surgery was not going to be possible. However, I was taken aback at how rapidly the mass had returned…and at the size that it had grown already. It was then that I realized that the beautiful patriotic bouquet arrived just in time …that the something (or someone?!) tugging at my friend’s heart made sure of that…to remind me to be honest with myself about the current situation, but to also have hope – and look forward to positive outcomes.

“Take a walk outside – it will serve you far more than pacing around in your mind.” _{~Rasheed Ogunlaru}

Once you hear the word “cancer,” it’s easy to let your mind wander in a million different directions. I’m definitely guilty of letting my mind march itself right down it’s own panic-stricken path. I have found that walking with Lager helps lead my “pacing” mind to find a refreshed, positive course. I talk to Lager, I pray, I plan, and I enjoy. I let Lager set the pace and allow him to create our adventure, stopping and exploring anything he wishes along the way. Although I use an app on my phone to track our walks, I do so more to celebrate our time together, rather than race to get done.

Lager’s medical team is aware of the new re-growth of the mass. Thankfully, I was able to move up Lager’s oncology appointment to a sooner date. Brian and I will continue to check the mass, and I will be in contact with Lager’s primary veterinarian as well as his oncologist to keep them informed of our observations and any changes we note.

Brian and I are extremely grateful for all of the private messages, prayers, kind gestures, encouragement, and support. These are all reminders that we are not alone on this journey, and we appreciate that beyond what words can express.

God Gives His Hardest Battles to His Strongest Soldiers

Posted on September 20, 2022 by Cello's Corner | 23 Comments

For those of you who may have just recently joined our pack’s adventure, Lager was a Contracted Working Dog (CWD) and served our country as an explosives detection canine. His war zone name was Nayt, and he spent 18 months in Iraq, checking cars for explosives at the the US Embassy in Baghdad. He was one of the lucky ones to have had his privately contracted company pay to fly him back to the United a states after his tour ended, as many working dogs are not as fortunate. Upon Lager’s return to the U.S., we adopted him (read his full adoption story HERE). Lager has been enjoying his civilian life with us for the last 7 years with us with his favorite pastimes being swimming & dock diving. However, Lager has recently found himself back in a war zone of a different kind. On September 16th, he was diagnosed with oral papillary squamous cell carcinoma.

Discovery of Lager’s Mass

September 6, 2022

After a phenomenal performance at a World Championship dock diving qualifier, earning better scores as a 10 year old than the 1 and 3 year olds in his division and placing 2nd overall in Warrior Iron Dog, we were riding home in our camper on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 when I discovered the mass. Lager showed absolutely no signs of being in pain or not feeling well before, during, or after the competition. Lager does not appreciate having his mouth examined. Although I brush his teeth, it’s more of a “shove the toothbrush in and brush what I can” kind of thing, and I never get a good look in his mouth. While he was sleeping with his head on my lap on the way home in the camper, his bottom jowls were hanging in a way that enabled me to catch a glimpse of something abnormal. My heart sunk as my eyes focused on a mass located just behind his left lower canine. The growth was mostly covered by all those “extra bird dog bottom lips.” However, had I been able to do regular mouth checks and pulled those lips away from the canine, this mass could have been discovered much sooner. Please consider this a reminder to check your dogs regularly. Checking your dog’s oral health as a part of a routine cancer check is extremely important. If your dog isn’t a fan of you brushing their teeth or inspecting their mouth, get a friend or family member to help you, seek advice on training techniques that condition your dog to allow his/her mouth to be fully scrutinized, or ask your veterinarian to to an oral check at your dog’s routine visits.

Initial Primary Veterinarian Visit

September 7, 2022

I called our primary veterinarian, Dr. Helen Campbell at Old York Veterinary Hospital, from our RV immediately after I discovered the mass. She fit us into her busy schedule on Wednesday, September 7th. She was immediately concerned with what she saw and squeezed him into her surgery day that Friday, September 9th. She explained that most times oral masses such as this grow very deep, often invading the teeth and/or bone, and that getting clean margins during the surgery that Friday may not be possible. Dr. Campbell further shared that often times dogs will have to see an oral surgeon to remove the rest of the affected area whether the mass is malignant or benign. Dr. Campbell is one of the most brilliant, patient and kind people I know, and her staff is beyond amazing. Dr. Campbell and her staff not only provide the best care for our fur-kids, they are gentle and understanding with the humans in our pack. I ask a million questions, conjure up every “what-if” scenario, constantly ask Dr. Campbell to spell-out medical terms that I’m trying to write down in my notepad, and can’t pronounce a single medical term correctly…this woman is a SAINT. I am so grateful for everyone at Old York for not only keeping our 4-legged kids healthy, but also for for putting up with my high-strung personality (Dr. Campbell kindly calls me “motivated”…lol).

Mass Removal

September 9, 2022

On September 9th Lager had the visible part of his oral mass removed by Dr. Campbell at Old York Veterinary Hospital so that it could be sent for biopsy in order to give us better direction on what we are dealing with. Lager made it through the surgery without any issues. However, Dr. Campbell did have to attack this mass as aggressively as possible, creating a gingival flap and cauterizing the area …so Lager’s healing period may be extensive.

Pathology Report – Not The News We Were Hoping For

September 16, 2022

On September 16th, we spoke to our primary veterinarian, Dr. Campbell who delivered the news we feared the most…Lager’s mass is malignant. The pathology report proved that the mass was oral papillary squamous cell carcinoma, and that surgical margins were incompletely excised (that part we were prepared for).

Oral papillary squamous cell carcinomas are locally invasive and potentially locally destructive with a
moderate to high possibility for recurrence due to incomplete excisions. Masses may range from being entirely noninvasive to showing invasive growth, including bone intrusion. They do, however, have a very low potential to metastasize. X-rays were taken during Lager’s surgery with Dr. Helen Campbell. In viewing the radiographs, Dr. Campbell is hopeful that the mass did not invade the bone. There is, however, a questionable area that will be further explored by an oncologist and/or oral surgeon. If the mass did invade the bone, Lager may be required to have teeth removed and/or a partial mandibulectomy.

Initial Plan of Attack

It was a Friday when we learned of Lager’s diagnosis…which was probably a good thing considering I needed a few days to get my head straight. I spent that weekend on a rollercoaster of feelings: Disbelief, sadness, anger, guilt, numbness. Guilt consumed me. I blamed myself for not finding this mass sooner…for not finding a way to get a look in Lager’s mouth…for not seeking help. It took some deep reflection for me to remember that I am no good to Lager when I am wrapped up in myself. I looked back on my past blog entries when I was faced with a cancer diagnosis (not once, but twice) with our beloved Margarita to help me remember that my first priority is not finding the right treatment for Lager – but rather dealing with my emotions in order to clear my mind and be able to focus energy where it is needed…on Lager. I also knew I had to adjust my mindset and find the strength to be hopeful and positive. Living with Margarita’s cancer diagnosis – watching her go through chemo and then beat Lymphoma and maintain remission – only to lose her to hepatocellular carcinoma forced me to change my mindset altogether. Through it all, Margarita lived each day in-the-moment and enjoyed each second. She wasn’t worried about dying – she was focused on living. Even while she was sick, she encouraged others and spread positivity – and is still doing so in spirit to this day. As humans, when we hear that cancer diagnosis, we tend to start mourning our dogs who are still very much living. We have a lot to learn from dogs – live in the moment and enjoy the NOW. Lager has no idea he has cancer – he’s as happy and bouncy as always … and if anyone picks up on human emotion efficiently, it’s a dog (I swear they have super powers!) I am Lager’s guardian – it is imperative for me to maintain optimistic and in good spirits (no matter how difficult it may be) in order to preserve Lager’s emotional well being during his journey.

The next step was scheduling a consultation with the oncologist. I have secured an appointment and have begun to create my list of questions in preparation for the consultation. When we meet with the oncologist, he will advise us at that time on what direction is recommended for Lager.

Effective immediately: Get moving! Although Lager is an active 10 year old in general, I have been slacking lately in the “taking each dog for a daily walk” department. Studies have shown that exercise is beneficial for cancer patients – both human and canine. Exercise can enhance your mood, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and boost energy… all of which is much needed for both Lager and myself at this point to ensure we are mentally and physically fit for his journey. Lager and I will be starting a daily walk regimen and may even choose to start doing virtual 5K’s for charity again. There is always strength in numbers… join Lager’s Legion…we’d love your company walking with us either in person or virtually!

Oral Cancer awareness ribbon with an American Flag behind it… the perfect choice to support Lager!

United We Stand

We are almost certain at this point that we will not attend the DockDogs World Championship. We are a team…we play together, we stay together, and we fight together. No dog left behind…If Lager has to sit-out, we all sit-out. It is uncertain at this time if Lager is still in any discomfort – or if he will be at the time of the competition. These masses typically cause discomfort, yet Lager showed no signs of pain while competing, chomping down on bumpers and toys with enthusiasm during his last competition before the mass was discovered. Lager will do ANYthing you ask of him, which makes it near impossible to observe if he is in pain. We still need to be careful and make sure Lager isn’t aggravating his surgical area, as it is still in the healing process, and we won’t know if that area will be fully healed by the time he would be at the World Championship. Until Lager is further evaluated by an oncologist and we have more answers, we won’t feel comfortable with Lager participating in competition or traveling 1,039 miles away from his medical team. We look forward to the World Championship every year – we work all season toward the goal of getting all dogs qualified…so we will be greatly disappointed if we miss the World Championship and miss the opportunity to see competitors – extended family – that we haven’t seen since last year or even before Covid… but Lager’s health takes precedence.

Guardian Angels Up Above Please Protect the Ones We Love

September 17, 2022
The night following Lager’s diagnosis, Brian and I went to dinner with my sister, Casey, and my 9 yr old nephew, James. On the way to dinner Casey asked how Lager was doing (we had not told James anything at this point). James asked what we were talking about and Brian gave him the gist of the story, which made James sad. We forgot to make reservations so when we arrived to the busy restaurant we had a short wait. As we stood waiting for our table, Casey spotted a penny on the floor and pointed it out to James. I said to James “Pick it up!… You know what they say – ‘pennies from Heaven’…Someone is sending us a message!” James picked up the penny and without looking at it, put it in his pocket. Later at the dinner table, James bet me the penny on something. I won, and James turned the penny over to me. My eyes immediately filled with tears. The year on the penny was 2016 … the year we met Penelope…who we called PENNY… and adopted as Margarita!! Sweet Reet was letting us know that she’s going to be alongside Lager through his journey!

A good friend sent me this book when Rita had passed away:

Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier

Hey Cancer, you picked a battle with the wrong dog. Lager was a soldier in Iraq …He is known as Captain America in the DockDogs community…And he has an army of amazing people (if you are reading this, that’s YOU!) behind him…so I hate to break it to ya, “big C, ” but you better be ready for the fight of your life.

Death smiles at us all…oral cancer warriors smile back.
Lager is pictured here on 9/20/22 with a “f*ck cancer” bowtie his Aunt Jackie made.

2 Years in Remission: Gratitude is the Best Attitude

Posted on March 19, 2021 by Cello's Corner | Leave a comment

“Through the eyes of gratitude, everything is a miracle” ~Mary Davis

Two years ago Rita was diagnosed with stage 4 sub-stage A Large B-cell lymphoma. If left untreated, she was given 1-2 months to live. Two years ago on this day, Rita began the CHOP-based chemo protocol. Her oncologist said with this treatment Rita would hopefully survive 12-18 months. However, with her existing intestinal and liver diseases, it was uncertain she would even make it through her 16-week chemo plan.

Chemo produces remission in 80-90% of dogs, with the remission period typically lasting 6-9 months. Healthy dogs that do well typically have an average survival time of 12-14 months. Dogs that have underlying health issues (as Rita did) or have involvement of organs other than the lymph nodes (as Rita did) generally have shorter survival times. Despite the fact that Rita’s other health intestinal and liver diseases gave her a lesser chance than most, Rita not only made it through her chemo treatments, but she also defied the odds and reached every remission milestone following her CHOP protocol that research said she most likely wouldn’t: 6 months, 12 months, 18 months…and today…TWO YEARS!

Margarita at 2 years in remission from Stage 4 Lymphoma. The lime green balloons are for lymphoma awareness, and the 2 pink balloons represent Rita’s remission years. The scar under her right eye is from a growth that was removed.

I made a cake for Rita’s 2-Year-Remission Celebration! Click HERE for the recipe.

“The more you recognize and express gratitude for the things you have, the more things you will have to express gratitude for.” ~ Zig Ziglar

Through this unplanned journey, the most important lesson I learned was that gratitude is the best attitude. An attitude of gratitude forces you to focus on the bigger picture. It turns chaotic worrisome thoughts into calm, orderly actions. Even on days that may seem awful, find the silver lining and give thanks for what IS going right that day.

It is normal to be sad and grieve when you receive a cancer diagnosis for your fur-kid. However, keep in mind that YOU are the most important part of your dog’s journey. Negativity does nothing for your emotional or mental well being, and it certainly doesn’t help your dog. Dogs are intuitive – they sense your mood before you even realize how you are feeling or acting. Your mindset can be your best friend’s …well … “best friend”… or their worst enemy. Keeping positive and being grateful will help your pup feel happy and secure. For a pack animal, that security is key for their happiness and overall well-being.

But HOW do you bring gratitude into your attitude…especially during a time like this?

Journal your gratitude. Although my initial intention was to celebrate Margarita during her journey, this section of the blog has essentially also been my Gratitude Journal. Documenting the special treats, gifts, and activities that Rita enjoyed along her journey helped me realize that the little things mean A LOT, and I should be grateful that I had the opportunity see Rita delight in all the positivity. Keeping a journal (blog) helped me to focus on the good – the positive. I love that I am able to revisit Margarita’s Journey and relive the happy memories of the new experiences and adventures that came about along the way.
Celebrate your gratitude. Be thankful for the small things… even the the most minuscule things. Everyone likes a big win, right? But if you don’t slow down and acknowledge the little achievements, you will quickly lose focus. This type of journey isn’t only about the end goal, but what you make of it for you and your pup along the way. Ideally, chemo will help put your dog into remission for as long as possible. However, the reality is you truly don’t know how long you’ll have with your fur-kid. Take the time to find fun things for you and your pup to do together. Watching your best friend have fun will be a gratifying experience. Remember that your pup doesn’t KNOW they have cancer…instead they happily continue on, living life in the moment despite the fact they may not feel 100%. Take note of that and celebrate…every…little…thing.
Express your gratitude. …Not only to your dog (yes – your dog – – after all, they are a precious gift in life!) – but to all those who walk alongside you and your pup during the journey. Your dog’s veterinarian, oncologist, veterinarian technicians and nurses, family, friends….Thank them!!! It costs $0.00 and only a few seconds to show your appreciation…and there are many ways to say thank you. Say it in person, or send a text/email/private message/card, give a small gift… whatever way you choose – SHOW them your gratitude! Tell them how much you appreciate what they have done for the well-being of you and your best friend. Then – pay it forward… uplift, inspire, and help someone else in need. You don’t have to go crazy or spend any money – just a simple message could be exactly what someone needs as they set out on a similar journey with their pup. A simple act of kindness can make someone’s day, and even change their entire outlook. I can’t tell you enough how much Margarita’s Journey – something thought to be so awful – brought so much positivity and love into my life, thanks to others’ support, prayers, and kindness. I was overwhelmed with an outpour of generosity, and thoughtful gestures from friends, family – and even strangers. I hope that I can pay it forward to as many people as PAWsible.

Have you thanked your pup yet?!

The Past 6 Months

Primary Veterinarian

12/24/2020: Margarita visited Dr. Campbell at Old York Veterinary Hospital for her routine annual exam. Blood work showed elevated liver values. A recheck of blood work was scheduled.

Abdominal Ultrasound Check-up

1/7/2021: Abdominal Ultrasound with Dr. Sandy MacLeod at Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

Over all, Margarita’s abdominal ultrasound showed mild liver enlargement with a few small faint nodules consistent with benign vacuolar change and nodular hyperplasia. There were no additional abnormalities in the abdomen. Dr. MacLeod recommended a recheck with Rita’s Internal Medicine team to discuss the increased liver enzymes on her recent lab work, and a 6 month recheck abdominal ultrasound to monitor for recurrence of lymphoma.

Liver: Mildly enlarged, few small faint hypo-echoic nodules in the left liver lobes measuring 5mm-2cm, similar to previous exams.
Gallbladder and Biliary Tree: No abnormalities identified.
Spleen: Absent.
Kidneys: No abnormalities identified.
Adrenal Glands: No abnormalities identified.
Urinary Bladder: No abnormalities identified.
Stomach: No abnormalities identified.
Intestines: No abnormalities identified.
Colon: No abnormalities identified.
Pancreas: No abnormalities identified.
Peritoneum: No abnormalities identified.
Mesentery: No abnormalities identified.
Lymph Nodes:No abnormalities identified.

Primary Veterinarian blood work re-check

1/28/21: Dr. Campbell did blood work to recheck Rita’s liver values. Results displayed that the values increased even more. An abdominal ultrasound was scheduled.

Cardiology Check-up

February 2, 2021: Margarita’s cardiologist, Dr. Bossbaly, did a routine echocardiogram and reported that her heart showed improvement! Her chemo-induced Dilated Cardiomyopathy is stable on her current medication. Margarita does not have to have another echocardiogram until January 2022! Dr. Bossbaly also confirmed that Margarita was healthy enough to undergo her liver biopsy.

Laparoscopic Liver Biopsy and Facial Growth

By the time we made the liver biopsy appointment with Dr. Chapman at Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital (formerly VSEC), a strange growth appeared under Rita’s right eye, and grew at a rapid pace. Luckily Dr. Chapman was able to have Dr. Lauren Deahl, one of Blue Pearl’s surgeons, remove and biopsy her facial growth during her laparoscopic liver biopsy.

The findings of biopsies showed no evidence of Lymphoma in the liver, and only benign tissue in the facial growth! To say I was grateful was an understatement.

Margarita with Internal Medicine Specialist, Dr. Peter Chapman, and Internal Medicine Veterinary Technician, Carina Rosario-Fleishman at Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital after her biopsy procedures

Birthday Celebration!

Margarita celebrated her 11th Birthday this month as well! Each day with Rita is a blessing, but being able to observe a big milestone such as this is was a definitely a reason to be grateful! I hold on to the faith and hope that Margarita will continue to beat the odds and celebrate many more birthdays.

Brian and I have strictly followed Covid Quarantine restrictions and social distancing guidelines, so we weren’t able to do too much this past 6 months. However, as Covid restrictions continue to be lifted, and it is deemed safe to do so, I intend to work toward the completion of Margarita’s Adventure List (she only has two adventures left to complete her list)!

Thank you to ALL of Margarita’s medical staff, our family, friends (old and new) and followers…Rita could not have achieved this without each and every one of you! Stay safe and healthy – – and remember … Be grateful for every day you are gifted with the love of your pup!

Too Blessed to be Stressed

Posted on April 18, 2019 by Cello's Corner | 2 Comments

Week 4 Recap and Oncology Visit #5

“Count your blessings, not your problems.” ~ Roy T. Bennett

Week 4 Recap

We have so many blessings in our lives, but our problems tend to cloud our eyes and our heart to all of the special people and moments we have to celebrate. Even during life’s most difficult times, we need to make sure we focus on the blessings in our life and celebrate every day.

We are blessed to have a loving, supportive, and understanding family, and a large network of amazing friends and extended family… all who support us in our wild adventures and our passion for 4-legged children.

This week we are grateful for a particular family member who was able to bless Margarita. Reverend George Deutsch (pronounced “DOYTCH”) is my soon-to-be 90 year old dog-loving great uncle. He is still saying mass and doing confessions! I called him when Rita was having an awful week and asked if he would be willing to bless our Sweet Reet. Not only did he say yes, he insisted on driving an hour to meet us after he finished confessions last Saturday! Of course he also brought his beloved dog, Lady, with him! Lady and Rita were fast friends!

Rita loved Uncle George!

Uncle George blessing Rita:

Blessed with Holy Water:

We are also thankful this week to the special people we have met because of our dogs. Some we see often, others we have never even met in person. It amazes me how many truly wonderful people there are in this world, and it fills my heart with peace, joy, and hope to know that they not only support us, they also truly love our fur-kids as family too. The messages, advice, and prayers we have received is what energizes us to press on, and stay strong to help Rita through her journey. We have also received very thoughtful gifts for Margarita. It was because of Margarita that we began volunteering for Pointer Rescue, Org , where we met Jackie, also a PRO volunteer. This week, Jackie sent Margarita a hand-made quilt to help comfort her during her treatments!

We have our pack to thank for our extended family members, and we are truly blessed to have every one of them in our lives.

Health-wise Margarita had a GREAT week. She was in good sprits, ate well, and was more active than we’ve seen her in quite some time! She did, of course, make sure she still set some time aside for porch-sittin’ with Limoncello.

Oncology Visit #5

This week Margarita was scheduled at VSEC to have an an ultrasound and more blood work to make sure she was able to handle the next treatment.

We received the awesome news that Margarita’s ultrasound looked normal! We were also very happy to hear that she had rebounded from that super-low white blood cell count she had last week! This meant she was also cleared to receive her next treatment.

Today Margarita received Vincristine intravenously. Her oncology nurse said she was an absolute angel, and her oncologist, Dr. Risbon, said she is pleased with her progress so far! We have to monitor the sight for any inflammation, oozing, or discharge, but there are no restrictions for Rita, which means we can go on our annual Easter camping trip this coming weekend(YAY!!).

Last oncology visit we discussed adding supplements into Margarita’s diet. After further discussion with Dr. Risbon about Margarita’s unique case, we are going to just stick with probiotics for now to help with Rita’s intestinal disease. Dr. Risbon informed us that the other supplements we were going to add need to be carefully thought-out and planned around any Adriamycin treatments, as they are abundant in antioxidants. Wait – Since when are antioxidants a bad thing, right??! Our thoughts exactly. As we researched the answer to this and spoke to our primary Veterinarian, Dr. Campbell, we learned that when healthy cells are oxidized, it is a bad thing…which is why antioxidants are so good for you. BUT…oxidizing cancer cells destroys them…so that’s a good thing…a bit confusing at first! If you provide cancer cells that are in the process of being oxidized (destroyed) through the chemotherapy drug Adriamycin, with something that stops the oxidation process, the cancer cells get stronger again and continue to harm the body. We will continue to discuss our options outside of chemotherapy that can help Margarita with both Dr. Risbon and Dr. Campbell, and will be prepared to adjust our plan if advised.

Margarita is lucky to now have TWO home-made quilts to snuggle with on the way home after her visit.

She took a well-deserved nap on the way home!

This week’s treat

Margarita had to fast for her ultrasound, so I took her to two places to make up for the “absolute torture” she had to endure before her appointment.

First, we stopped at Philly Pretzel Factory where Rita enjoyed (part of) a pretzel dog. We saved the rest for another time so we didn’t “over do” it.

Next, we stopped at K-9 Kakes , a bakery just for dogs!

Dave the Baker greeted Margarita with some samples.

Margrarita had fun shopping and telling Dave the Baker which treats she wanted!

All the treats at this bakery are made on the premises by Dave the Baker, and decorated by his daughter. Ingredients are all-natural and preservative-free, the coloring/dye is all natural, and the icing is made with sugar free yogurt!

Thanks, Dave!

Thank you for joining Margarita in her journey to take a bite out Lymphoma.

Chemotherapy: What to Expect

Posted on March 24, 2019 by Cello's Corner | 2 Comments

Approximately 10-20% of veterinary oncology patients experience side effect after chemotherapy including:

loss of appetite
vomiting
diarrhea (generally 3-5 days after therapy)
drop in white blood cell count (generally 7 days after therapy)

Most of the time these signs are mild and self-limiting and resolve with supportive care (bland diet, anti-nausea / anti-diarrheal medication) at home. Less than 5% or patients require hospitalization after treatment.

Below are the instructions and possible side effects of steroids and chemotherapy that we received from our Oncologist, Dr. Risbon, at VSEC.

Steroids

Prednisone may cause the following side effects:

excessive thirst
urination
panting
increased appetite

Other rare but possible side effects include:

loss of appetite
vomiting
diarrhea
dark/tarry or black stools

****If your dog experiences any of the above rare side effects, you should call your primary veterinarian or your oncologist immediately.

Other very important things to note:

Steroids cannot be given with non-steroidal anti-inflammaroty medications (NSAIDs) such as Rimadyl (Carprofen), aspirin, Deramaxx, Metacam, Piroxicam, and other drugs in this class.
Once started, steroids cannot be stopped suddenly as this can be detrimental to your dog. You must speak with your primary veterinarian or your oncologist for appropriate instructions on weaning your dog from this medication.

Chemo therapy instructions

Do not give the chemo if your dog is not feeling well. For example: vomiting, diarrhea, very lethargic, not eating, etc. Contact your oncologist before you begin/continue oral medication to receive further instructions.

Handling instructions for chemo

Wear latex gloves while handling chemo drugs. Dispose of the gloves into a garbage bag, tie the bag, and wash your hands. If you come in contact with the chemo drugs wash your hands thoroughly. Children and pregnant or nursing mothers should not handle chemo. Keep chemo in an isolated place, out of the reach of children and animals, and away from where other medications or food are stored.

Waste

A small percentage of chemo may be excreted in the urine and stool for the first two days after treatment. If your dog has an accident in the home wear latex gloves and discard in a garbage bag. Clean the area thoroughly with a regular cleaner and try to cover or avoid carpeted areas for 48 hours after cleaning. For waste outside, you should try to avoid the area for 48 hours or spray the area with water. If you are walking your dog on public property, bring a bottle of water and soak the area.

Side Effects

Vomiting/nausea

If your dog is vomiting, it may be due to the side effects from the chemo therapy or the cancer itself. If you have anti-nausea medication, you should start it at the first sign of vomiting. If you do not have this medication call for a prescription. Most of these medications can be called into your local pharmacy. If your pet vomits shortly after this medication is given (for example less than 15 minutes), the medication may not have been absorbed. It may be necessary for your pet to receive an injectable anti-nausea medication. Do not give any over-the-counter medications until approved by your doctor.

If your dog vomits more than 3 to 4 times in a couple of hours or vomits after every meal, take up all food and water for at least four hours. It will help in emptying their stomach of any contents while reducing the catalyst to vomit.
If vomiting continues call your primary veterinarian, or your oncologist
If vomiting stops after four hours of fasting, offer small amounts of water. This will help determine if your pet can hold anything in the stomach without vomiting. If your pet does not want to drink water, consider trying alternate fluids, such as broths, Pedialyte, apple juice, etc. If vomiting continues, you should contact your primary veterinarian or your oncologist for further instructions.
After several hourly trials of offering water with no vomiting you can try to offer small amounts, enough for only a couple of bites, of bland food. For example baby food, chicken and rice, etc. every three hours. If there is no vomiting continue to offer food. Slowly increase the amount offered each time.

****If you notice any blood in the vomit, notify your oncologist or your primary veterinarian immediately.

Diarrhea/Constipation

If your dog has diarrhea, it may be due to certain G.I. cancers, chemotherapy given previously, the body’s malabsorption of fluids, suppressed immune system, diet, or intestinal motility changes, among other possibilities.

Temporarily switch from your dog’s normal diet to a bland diet of boiled rice/pasta/potatoes and boil chicken or boiled hamburger. Keep your dog hydrated and make sure that water is readily available.

Continue this diet until the diarrhea has stopped for at least two days. You will then slowly mix back in your dog’s normal diet with a bland diet.
If diarrhea continues for two days while on this diet please contact your oncologist or your primary veterinarian for further instructions. An anti-diarrheal medication may be prescribed, as well as fluid therapy and a chem/electrolyte panel.

For constipation, consider giving canned pumpkin or Metamucil. Be sure to call your primary veterinarian or your oncologist for the correct dosage of Metamucil for your dog. Your dog may need to be seen if there is no defecation within a period of 48 hours. Do not give any over-the-counter medications until approved by your oncologist or primary veterinarian.

****If you notice black/tarry stools or the presence of blood, notify your oncologist or your primary veterinarian immediately.

Anorexia/poor appetite

If your dog experience has a poor appetite, it may be due to nausea from the chemo, the cancer itself, picky tastes, a pre-existing poor appetite, chemo related scent changes, among other possibilities. Try introducing other food choices, such as

Baby food or canned dog/cat food
Different brand of food, boiled chicken or hamburger mixed in with regular diet, roasted chicken, steak, fish, or cooked eggs
Flavor stimulants such as pet gravy from pet stores, or low-sodium broth
Warm soft foods, or add warm water to dry foods. This can bring out the flavor and aroma
Cottage cheese or plain yogurt, alone or mixed in with the regular diet
Try hand feeding or syringe feeding. Put food into the blender if syringe feeding

If you have any anti-nausea medication start the medication since poor appetite could be due to nausea. If your dog does not eat beyond two days, or if you are concerned, contact your oncologist or your primary veterinarian for further instructions. Certain medications may be dispensed to stimulate the appetite.

Lethargy/weakness/fever

If your dog experiences lethargy, weakness, or fever it may be due to the chemotherapy given, the bodies adjustment to the new chemo drug in the system, the cancer, among other possibilities. Usually this only last for a few days. Your dog may not act like him/herself, may exhibit behaviors not noticed before, and may not be feeling well. In response to this you should keep an eye on your dog for these things and notify your oncologist and or primary veterinarian if it progresses for an extended time or if you are concerned.

In addition take your dog’s temperature rectally with a digital thermometer, and use Vaseline or KY jelly for lubrication. Normal temperature range for dogs is from 100.5° to 102.5°. A temperature above 103.5° should be reported to your oncologist and primary veterinarian.

The Sixteen-Week Plan: PAWsitive Vibes Only

Posted on March 19, 2019 by Cello's Corner | 7 Comments

March 19, 2019

Margarita is a very special and complex case considering she has significant liver and intestinal diseases. This does not allow us to deviate from her special diet, and limits some of our options. After much discussion with our primary veterinarian, Dr. Campbell, (who I would trust with my own life – they just don’t make women/people/doctors like her anymore!!) we have decided that Rita’s best chance of survival is to undergo at least one round of chemotherapy – IF her compromised system can handle the complete round.

We met Margarita’s oncologist, Dr. Rebecca Risbon, at Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center (VSEC).

Based on the tests, Dr. Risbon explained that Margarita has been diagnosed with Stage IV A Lymphoma. Since her bone marrow was not tested, we are unsure if the cancer is present in her bone marrow. Chemotherapy is suggested because of this. The staging chart is below, with Rita’s stages in bold.

Stages:

Stage I: Cancer involving one lymph node
Stage II: Cancer involving more than one lymph node but on one side of the diaphragm
Stage III: Generalized lymph node involvement
Stage IV: Spleen or liver involvement, with or without the previous stages
Stage V: Bone marrow involvement

Substages:

Substage A: Absence of clinical signs of illness
Substage B: Presence of clinical signs of illness

The good news is that Rita has a couple of prognostic factors in her favor.

Her cancer is B Cell (T Cell is even more aggressive than B Cell)
She is not Stage V
She is Substage A
Her calcium is normal

Without further treatment beyond the Prednisone she was on, Rita’s survival time would be about 1-2 months. If we began chemotherapy, Rita has a chance of surviving approximately 12-18 months. There was no question that we were opting for the chemotherapy.

With Rita’s Stage of Lymphoma, research has determined that the best results have been achieved with protocols that combine the 4 most effective agents against lymphoma: Vincristine, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin (Adriamycin), and prednisone. This is referred to as CHOP-based protocols). In most cases, the CHOP-based protocol used on dogs with Stage IIIA or IVa Stage Lymphoma produces an 80-90% remission rate, an average disease-free interval (1st remission) of 9 months, a median survival rate of 12 months, and a 20-25% survival to 2 years.

Margarita’s chemotherapy plan is 16 weeks. The hope is that her liver and intestinal issues are not going to hinder this plan’s completion.

She will be seen on a weekly basis so that she may be evaluated for improvement and toleration of the treatment itself.

Today Margarita received the following:

L-asparaginase @ 400IU/kg
Vincristine @0.5mg/m2 IV
Prednisone @ 2mg/kg PO/day until next week’s visit

Due to Margarita’s other health issues, Dr. Risbon recommended keeping Rita on the prescription GI diet. She also recommended to add fish oil back into her diet. Dr. Risbon told us that fish oil as a supplement has been shown to improve survival times slightly in dogs with Lymphoma.

I promised Rita that we would do something special each week right before or right after her treatments.

This week she got to enjoy a couple of McDonald’s fries!

(Don’t worry – she only had a couple!)

Margarita is scheduled for her second visit with Dr. Risbon next week.

Image result for cancer bites with a green ribbon

Thank you for joining Margarita in her journey to take a bite out Lymphoma.

How We Discovered Rita’s Lymphoma

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Cello's Corner | 2 Comments

One evening this past January, we went to bed not knowing we would wake up to what would lead us to later “accidentally” discover that our Margarita has Lymphoma.

January 7, 2019

In the middle of the night, on January 7th, Margarita jumped-up out of a sound sleep and hopped off our bed. She went to the bedroom door and proceeded to urinate on the floor. This was not like her at all. We questioned ourselves – “Did we forget to let her out before bed?” We took her out into the yard, and watched her urinate several times… “Must be a urinary tract infection!” we said. We also observed that she seemed a bit out of sorts, and just stared off in to the empty yard. The next morning though, she seemed fine, and was not urinating more than normal, so we did not think a call to our veterinarian was necessary. The next night, we were woken up once again by the sound of Rita frantically jumping up and running for the bedroom door. This time, she defecated on the floor! We didn’t know WHAT to think at this point. You may be reading this thinking – “What’s the big deal?” – dogs have accidents, end of story. NOT this dog, and NOT in the middle of the night. Rita lives for her beauty rest. Rita does not EVER get up in the middle of the night, other than to switch sleeping positions. By the end of the night on Tuesday, January 8 and into the morning on Wednesday, January 9, Margarita again began to urinate very frequently – much like the symptoms of a urinary infection. She also seemed lethargic, and less interested in food (DEFINITELY not like Rita at all). Wednesday morning we called our veterinarian, Dr. Campbell, and made an appointment for that night.

January 9, 2019

I drove Margarita to the vet on Wednesday evening expecting for a quick appointment with Dr. Campbell telling me that Rita had a urinary tract infection. A urinalysis was conducted at the visit – and Rita did, in fact, have blood in her urine, and was given Cephalexin. Margarita’s gums were also very pale and tacky, and her temperature was low. Margarita was screened for tick-borne diseases, and this was negative. When I began describing other some of the other unusual-for Margarita-behaviors, Dr. Campbell asked if I would be OK with her doing a quick ultrasound on Rita.

When Dr. Campbell returned to the exam room with Rita, I could tell by her face I was not going to like the news of her findings. What was seen on the ultrasound was what looked to be a mass on her spleen. A full panel of bloodwork was done on Rita.

CBC / Blood Smear In-House
IDEXX Total Health

The bloodwork results showed that her liver values were elevated, and that she was anemic. Dr. Campbell immediately referred us to get an ultrasound with a specialist at Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center (VSEC).

During this time, I had elected to put Margarita on “temporary retirement” from visiting my school as the District Therapy Dog. I had not given any of the details to the students, but I did tell them she was not feeling well. One of my very thoughtful students brought in a gift for her. Inside the bag was a bone and sweet get-well note.

Margarita enjoyed her treat when I went home for lunch that day.

January 10, 2019

Rita was seen for the ultrasound at VSEC on January 10th, where a full abdominal ultrasound was done by Dr. Ana Caceres. A splenic mass measuring approximately 2.5 cm in diameter was seen, but Dr. Caceres felt like the mass was unlikely to be the primary cause of Rita’s symptoms. Dr. Caceres recommended that we pursue further evaluation regarding her urinary tract. The following test were done in addition to the ultrasound:

SNAP-4DX (Lyme/HW/Anaplasmosis/Ecanis)
Sterile urine culture
Urine protein / Creatinine ratio

Dr. Caceres referred to see an Internal Medicine doctor.

January 12, 2019

Dr. Campbell, our primary vet, did chest x-rays on Rita, which thankfully came back clear.

January 16, 2019

Margarita saw the head of the Internal Medicine Department at VSEC, Dr. Alan Klag. Dr. Klag did an exam and ran some blood work and took a sterile urine sample. Although a recent urine culture taken at our primary veterinarian’s office was positive for Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Dr. Klag did not expect that to cause the current clinical signs unless the infection was in her kidneys – but even then he would not expect the anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and increased ALT that were present in her bloodwork. Dr. Klag ran the following tests:

PCV/TS
Mini Liver Panel

Dr. Klag decided to treat the urinary tract infection with Enrofloxacin . Dr. Klag suggested that considering the other symptoms we are observing, Rita could be experiencing some small repeated bleeding incidents from her splenic mass. It was suggested that we consult with a surgeon to discuss the biopsy of the splenic mass and/or a possible splenectomy.

January 25, 2019

Margarita had some more blood work done with Dr. Campbell to re-check her liver levels.

IDEXX Catalyst Chem 10 CLIP
PCV (Packed Cell Volume) / TS
IDEXX CBC, Comprehensive

January 30, 2019

We were still observing a bloody discharge from Rita’s rear-end. Because of this, several stool samples were sent out to Texas for a Fecal Alpha Proteinase Inhibitor test . The concern was that Rita had a GI disease where proteins could be lost into the gastrointestinal lumen. Gastrointestinal protein loss can be associated with a variety of gastrointestinal and systemic disorders such as:

idiopathic inflammatory gastroenteropathies
gastrointestinal neoplasia
foreign bodies
intussusceptions
small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
infectious enteritis
immune-mediated diseases
intestinal lymphangiectasia.

Margarita’s fecal tests came back negative.

February 14, 2019

Margarita was still exhibiting the same symptoms, and saw the surgeon on February 14th. We met with Dr. Jennifer MacLeod to discuss Margarita’s case. Dr. MacLeod felt that it was unlikely that the splenic mass was malignant. However, both benign and malignant splenic masses can appear identical on ultrasound, x-rays and even during surgery. The only way to accurately diagnose the type of mass is with a biopsy.

Dr. MacLeod also felt as though there was a low chance of the mass rupturing, but because this can be very unpredictable, it should still be considered a risk. Both benign and malignant masses can rupture and bleed into the abdomen, which is a life-threatening condition that requires emergency surgery.

Margarita’s lethargy was still a bit of a mystery. Dr. MacLeod felt that a liver biopsy may provide a cause for her increased liver enzymes, which could be related to her lethargy.

Due to the clinical changes and the splenic mass, Dr. MacLeod recommended exploratory surgery to remove the spleen, and do biopsies of Rita’s liver, and intestines in order to obtain a more definitive diagnosis.

February 21, 2019

Margarita had her surgery and biopsies.

The day Margarita went to the hospital for her surgery, a friend of ours sent her a Get-Well-Soon package from Chewy.com!

: Love the name on this package! Haha!

I could not believe this HUGE package of goodies for Rita!

Margarita had to stay the night at VSEC for monitoring, and was able to come home the next day.

February 22, 2019

On her way home from surgery:

Settling in at home after surgery:

Margarita had some difficulties the first few days, but overall, recovered well, and in about 2 weeks seemed more like herself again.

We set up a special “recovery room” so that our other fur-kids would not bother Rita while she was healing.

During her recovery she received gifts, flowers, and well wishes from so many people!

We were overwhelmed with the support, concern, and love our baby received.

Margarita with her card and gift from our neighbor:

Margarita’s “main-man” Mr. Spock the English Pointer sent her a beautiful bouquet of flowers:

February 27, 2019

On the morning of February 27th, we received the news that no one ever wants to hear.. there were malignant cells found in Rita’s spleen. They were round cells, which indicated a type of Lymphoma. Additional tests would have to be run on the biopsies to identify what kind of Lymphoma it was. But that wasn’t all.

Although malignant cells were not found in Margarita’s liver and intestines, she also had concerning diseases in both. Her liver showed inflammation patterns that represented chronic hepatitis. Despite her prior negative Fecal Alpha Proteinase Inhibitor test, her intestinal biopsy showed a severe degree of inflammatory bowel disease, causing the loss of proteins. Without these two significant issues under control, Margarita would not be able to handle cancer treatment, if needed. Margarita was put on steroids, and her diet was changed to a GI-specific diet. The symptoms we had been seeing in Rita were not necessarily from the cancer itself – so we were very lucky in a way to have discovered ALL of this before it was too late.

We ordered the additional immunohistochemistry, for all previous biopsies, and anxiously awaited the results.

March 13, 2019

The detailed results and diagnosis came back to us in the afternoon on March 13th. It was then that we found out Rita has Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma. We also learned her lymph node, liver, and intestinal biopsies thankfully did not show signs of the cancer spreading at this time to those areas specifically. Unfortunately, even after malignant tissue is removed, the cancer may have already spread microscopically to other areas. Since the cancer was detected in the spleen, which filters the blood, there is a concern that the cancer could now be present in her blood and bone marrow.

Dr. Campbell referred us to see the oncologist at VSEC.

Tommy D’s Limoncello “Cello”

Update

Anticipatory Grief

The Struggle Is Real, But So Are The Blessings

Whoah! Hold up, Cancer…Limoncello is calling the shots here!

🍋𝙎𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙯𝙚 the Day

Moments Become Memories…Memories Become Treasures

Weekly PUPdate

September 19, 2023: Three Week Check Up With Primary Veterinarian

The Best Thing About Memories is Making Them

Bike Ride Around Town

Betty White’s First Off Road Adventure

Chillin’ on the Couch with Brother Hooch

Visiting with Friends and Family

With Gratitude

Box of Sunshine

Care Box for the Whole Pack

Cello-Yellow Flowers and Cookies

No News is Good News

Weekly PUPdate

“We Don’t Remember Days, We Remember Moments“

Memorable Moments Made This Week

Lake Time

Family Visits

Breakfast at Evergreen Dairy Bar

Pointer Piles on the Couch

Shopping at Tractor Supply

Walks Around the Neighborhood

Dollar Tree Find

Cheering on the Philadelphia Phillies

Porch Sittin’

Car Ride Around Town

Thank You For Accompanying Cello On Her Journey

Limoncello Profile Pictures

Surprise Chewy Box!

Another Surprise Chewy Box!

Dock Diving Friends Jumping for Cello at Their Dock Diving Competitions

Collection for Chase Away Canine Cancer

Care Package from Amazon

Suture Removal

“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.”

No One Fights Alone

Pathology Reports

November 8, 2022

Post Surgery Oral Exam and Check-Up

November 11, 2022: BluePearl Pet Hospital

Chest Suture Removal

November 11, 2022

We Don’t Know Them All, But We Owe Them All

Things That Make You Go MMM…

Keep on Keepin’ On

Continued Appreciation

October 31, 2022

November 1, 2022

Post-Surgery Photos

“Dogs Are a Miracle With Paws” ~ Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy

Grateful…Thankful…Blessed!

What’s Next?

10/10/22: Lymph Node Cytology and Radiograph Results

10/10/22-10/11/22: Chase Away K9 Cancer’s “Chase Away 5k”

Chase Away 5K: Part 1

Chase Away 5K: Part 2

10/13/22: Surgery Consultation

Quite Frankly the Best Boy Ever

10/14/22: Partial Mandibulectomy Surgery Scheduled

The Rainbow in Our Clouds

Consultation Prep

Oncology Consultation Appointment

October 4, 2022

Tests completed at this visit:

DockDogs World Championship

I Get By With a little A LOT Of Help From My Friends

Eat Like a King

Waiting With Hope

“Take a walk outside – it will serve you far more than pacing around in your mind.” ~Rasheed Ogunlaru

Discovery of Lager’s Mass

Initial Primary Veterinarian Visit

Mass Removal

Pathology Report – Not The News We Were Hoping For

Initial Plan of Attack

“Take a walk outside – it will serve you far more than pacing around in your mind.” _{~Rasheed Ogunlaru}