I have no idea what I am doing. I have no idea why I want to set myself up, potentially, to fail and suffer horrible heartbreak. All I know, for a fact, is that I was instantly, cosmically connected to a dog via a picture on the internet. I saw her on flickr.
A dog in terrible shape, lacking in fur, and located at the Philadelphia Animal Care & Control.
I later found out she was a senior, she didn't have demodex mange(which would have explained the hair loss), and has "mammary tumors".
She weighs 4 pounds. The shelter is calling her "Skinnie".
I know next to nothing about canine cancer. I do know, however, that where they are located is not good in terms of necessarily being benign. My friend Denise, who I met through rescue, who is also a vet(best friend to have for a rescuer) gave me a "50/50" term when I casually asked her about the chances of benign vs. malignant tumors 'down there'. In gambling terms, those are odds I'd definitely play. In cancer terms, I'd normally fold.
I am attempting to promise to myself that if the problems are fixable that she is adoptable. If they are not fixable, I will give as much hospice care and quality of life as is humane. Don't hold me to either of those statements.
What am I doing?
Right now, I'm reading the hell up on canine cancer. I'm going to keep this blog to chronicle our trials, triumphs, and failures. I'm going to use it as a back reference for myself about this whole process.
I'm picking her up on Sunday morning. I think I'll call her "Hope".
Thank you for sharing this adventure...obviously Hope is lucky to have such an amazing rescuer in her life.
ReplyDeleteI send, and will continue to send, every positive thought I have on to you guys. Good luck and good health <3
Half her battle is already won, she found you.
ReplyDelete~M