Pet Blessings
One of blessings in my cancer journey has been my pets. We have three Maltese: Mikey, Wesley, and Angel. Yes, at times they have been extra work, but we have an excellent groomer who has become a friend, and she has kept them when the going has gotten rough.
As crazy as it sounds, I think Mikey knew my lump was malignant when I came home from my very first lumpectomy. I could see it in his eyes. Before you discount it, let me share that in a breast cancer research magazine, there was a report that dogs are sniffing out cancer with accuracies of 88-99%. So, perhaps something smelled amiss, and it translated to his eyes, but I hope I don't forget the look on his little face when we got home. It was true canine concern.
And, not to make light of my husband and girls, my puppies have been my favorite resting buddies. No squirming, snoring, or kicking. They hit the bed and are out for count until I am ready to get out. They are a warm snuggle and a breath of life beside me...fuzzy companionship! During my chemo, sometimes it was nice to just lay there quietly and stroke their fur, enjoying the silky texture.
Then there was the photo-shoot with my precious pooches. That just make me smile. Once I got better from my masectomy, a couple of them needed some medical attention. There was something healing in being able to care for them...in being on the caregiver end.
Related to my pets, but not about my pets directly, was a huge blessing that happened on the day we left for my surgery. Our groomer had come to pick up the dogs, and noted that our back gate was open. The mowers had been there the night before, and I guess it didn't get closed properly. We still had 2, but Mikey had decided to take himself for a walk.
And, walk he did. Around the corner--actually three corners--and across a major boulevard to campus. Without a word, my groomer and her husband took out looking as soon as we realized he was gone. They happened to catch just enough people to show them the way. Eventually, they caught up with him, and he bolted--into a drainage area of a new pond the university is building. Our groomer says she did her best "Steve Irwin" impression, and dove in after him. They both returned to our house, covered head to toe in mud. Literally.
While I am still a little miffed at my ungrateful, independent fur-kid, I am deeply touched by the picture of what my groomer-friend did. She sacrified her comfort, lost a shoe, and jumped into the grunge to save our puppy. I think it is a great example of what Jesus did when He came to earth to rescue us.
I cannot imagine how I would have felt leaving for surgery with Mikey missing, and am so grateful I did not have to. I am also so grateful that I don't have to figure out what to do with the mess of my life when I am pondering the life-questions that cancer bring. Jesus jumped into the picture, rescued me, and is taking me home. I am safe...muddy at times, but safe!
As crazy as it sounds, I think Mikey knew my lump was malignant when I came home from my very first lumpectomy. I could see it in his eyes. Before you discount it, let me share that in a breast cancer research magazine, there was a report that dogs are sniffing out cancer with accuracies of 88-99%. So, perhaps something smelled amiss, and it translated to his eyes, but I hope I don't forget the look on his little face when we got home. It was true canine concern.
And, not to make light of my husband and girls, my puppies have been my favorite resting buddies. No squirming, snoring, or kicking. They hit the bed and are out for count until I am ready to get out. They are a warm snuggle and a breath of life beside me...fuzzy companionship! During my chemo, sometimes it was nice to just lay there quietly and stroke their fur, enjoying the silky texture.
Then there was the photo-shoot with my precious pooches. That just make me smile. Once I got better from my masectomy, a couple of them needed some medical attention. There was something healing in being able to care for them...in being on the caregiver end.
Related to my pets, but not about my pets directly, was a huge blessing that happened on the day we left for my surgery. Our groomer had come to pick up the dogs, and noted that our back gate was open. The mowers had been there the night before, and I guess it didn't get closed properly. We still had 2, but Mikey had decided to take himself for a walk.
And, walk he did. Around the corner--actually three corners--and across a major boulevard to campus. Without a word, my groomer and her husband took out looking as soon as we realized he was gone. They happened to catch just enough people to show them the way. Eventually, they caught up with him, and he bolted--into a drainage area of a new pond the university is building. Our groomer says she did her best "Steve Irwin" impression, and dove in after him. They both returned to our house, covered head to toe in mud. Literally.
While I am still a little miffed at my ungrateful, independent fur-kid, I am deeply touched by the picture of what my groomer-friend did. She sacrified her comfort, lost a shoe, and jumped into the grunge to save our puppy. I think it is a great example of what Jesus did when He came to earth to rescue us.
I cannot imagine how I would have felt leaving for surgery with Mikey missing, and am so grateful I did not have to. I am also so grateful that I don't have to figure out what to do with the mess of my life when I am pondering the life-questions that cancer bring. Jesus jumped into the picture, rescued me, and is taking me home. I am safe...muddy at times, but safe!
posted by Beverly @ 5:28 PM
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