Coco's Journey

Today Mom trimmed all the fur between my toes and she cut and filed my nails – she says it is for better traction after surgery. She also ordered the RuffGear Web Master Harness to help with stability. We have another harness but she thinks this one will disperse my weight better.

I can tell something his coming, but I am not sure exactly what. I worked at Mom’s school yesterday, and I am going to work again on Monday. Although I keep hearing the words “amputation” and “surgery” I am not certain what is ahead for me.

Mom said to Dad at some point today, “Are we ready for this?” Dad responded, “Are we every truly ready?” Again, I am not exactly sure what they are talking about, but as long as I have Mom, Dad, Toby, and Sophie, I will be fine.

My name is Coco. I am a therapy dog. I was rescued by my parents three years ago. I came from Indiana. I have been dealing with mammary cancer since I can remember. I have had teats removed and lumps removed from my chest.

This is different – Mom and Dad have been talking lately about osteosarcoma. Apparently the lump in my right front leg is more serious than we originally thought. I have cancer. Mom has been saying that cancer is a word, not a sentence but, even though I am losing my hearing, I heard enough at the vet on Wednesday to understand that it is a big deal.

Mom was given two options: Amputate to eliminate the pain of the tumor in my shoulder and do chemo to help slow the spreading of the disease, or try monthly IV treatments that will help the pain initially but will become less effective over time.

Mom and Dad talked a lot about the options – Mom says she wishes I could talk to offer advice. I am nine or ten, no one seems to know…Mom is very worried about making the “right” decision. I wish I could tell her that there is no “right” decision and that I trust what she and Dad decide…

Yesterday, Mom scheduled my appointment for amputation for next Thursday, October 1st.

As I mentioned earlier, I am a therapy dog. Mom and I are a therapy dog team. I go to work with Mom at her school (she is a middle school principal) two or three days each week. Will I still be able to continue my work after my surgery? I LOVE my job at Mom’s school, and the students and staff members there love me. I have been working there for almost two years now, and I hope I can continue.

Mom says we will take one day at a time. I can tell she and Dad are nervous – I wish I could tell them that I am not. That I have no idea what all the fuss is about. That am not afraid. One day at a time…