After many years of quality time spent as a "family of three", Bob and I have learned that our baby girl, "Christy Joy" has terminal cancer. This came as quite a shock to us recently, as she wasn't demonstrating any physical signs of being ill. She had undergone some serious problems with her overall health in the the last few years, but she's been very brave and tolerant to the individual concerns and necessary treatment and surgical procedures that had come her way in the course of the last 4 years. I know it may be odd to spend some time blogging about our "four legged furry one" that we call our child. But she's been the closest "little person" that we've shared our lives with and I felt that she deserved some verse before she becomes "someone we used to love dearly." She was diagnosed with an external cancerous tumor on her front paw 4 years ago, which after being surgically removed, was determined to have "messy margins." This term is used frequently in describing a given situation when it is unlikely that all of the cancerous site was removed successfully. So, after listening to our very few options as to what should be done for Christy's welfare- Bob and I decided that we would make the sacrifice to take our "Christy-Baby" to The University of Penn Ryan Veterinarian Hospital where she braved radiation therapy three times weekly for more than 6 mos; making these weekly trips with her "mommy" and joined by her "daddy" on Mondays. As soon as she became a "regular patient", "Christy" won the hearts of all that attended to her treatments. She was a delight and well loved by her Oncologist, "Dr. Duda" and the feeling was mutual. Bob and I would mention to "Christy" on Sunday that we would be seeing her doctor the next day, and "Christy" wouldn't forget the "appointment". She'd be ready to go first thing in the morning to make the car ride; to see her "Dr. Duda" and as her doctor said, "she loved her drugs, too!" (This is in reference to the slight anesthesia needed to keep her calm during treatments). Once this costly treatment was completed, Bob and I were informed that we could anticipate "Christy" having an extended life expectancy, but would most likely face another cancerous situation internally in the coming years, possibly anywhere from 3-5 yrs. At the time, we were happy to have our "little one" healthy, happy and completely well adjusted as ever. After a few bad "hair days"- since we decided to shave her all over to help the fur grow in evenly (her belly was bare; exposed by necessary shaving for ultrasounds and such)- things went on uneventfully for some time. Then unexpectedly a year ago in December, when all the hype was going on with the tainted foods for animals and other equally scary news- we found that "Christy" was "full" of bladder stones and had to have them removed surgically- instantaneously learning that she was now diabetic as well. Once again, "Christy" came thru the surgical procedure and not only tolerated her insulin shots twice a day, but actually looks forward to receiving them. Her tail wags the entire time and she feels that she's getting "special treatment" from the added attention! Now with a special prescription diet to follow to impede any further bladder stones from developing, insulin needles and insulin, Bob and I were given false hope that Christy wouldn't have a care in the world for awhile. In the sense of the situation, that much is true. When Bob and I learned of "Christy's" current health concerns, we were devastated and feared the only choice would be to put her down. But, "Christy's" knowledge of her situation is blessed. Animals don't struggle with the same concerns of knowing the severity of bad health, or that having "terminal cancer" means being sick or fear of dying. Our "Christy" is nothing more than full of love and life and so happy all of the time while being with the people that she loves so much. Bob and I will have to come to that unfortunate moment when we understand that "Christy" can't be with us any longer, but for now- she continues to be a source of light and hope for us and we could not do any better than by having her with us in our lives.