Henry vs. the big C

The only word which can touch on our feelings of Henry being diagnosed with cancer is devastation.  Ask anyone who knows this guy and they’ll tell you that he’s the last one (not that any dog does) who deserves to be sick.  He’s the most loyal and loving dog I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, and I’ve met a lot of dogs.

When we were told Henry had 1-3 months to live (“30 to 60 days if he’s lucky”) my heart fell and has been broken.  I don’t think you can ever be prepared for the death of a loved one but, my bouncing and loving 9 year old puppy’s illness really caught us off guard.

I’ve tried to wrap my head all around what I could have done differently.  Loved him more, pet him without complaining, never ever stopped throwing the ball?  Needless to say Hen has been swimming, playing catch, and eating more human food then his stomach should probably hold.  I’ll still never feel like I’ve done as much for him as he has for me.

Tomorrow Hen starts his first round with chemotherapy.  Although my hopes are sky high, I am trying to be realistic and keep in mind that Henry’s quality of life is by far the most important thing.  We’ve decided to give chemo a try with him and monitor the progress as well as his overall happiness.  Best case scenario, he remains the happy and healthy bouncing golden I know and love while his cancer is destroyed and scurries away.  Worst case, we’ve tried but, the chemo is too much to put him through, at which point we’ll stop.

I’m certainly hoping to add another 9 years on for my beloved Henry but, I do love him enough to let him go if the time comes.

Hoping for a good day for Henry tomorrow,

Maggie

With Al and Hen in Central Park