To continue on my thoughts. I decided to get a puppy since I had a big yard now. I decided on a Boxer breed after meeting a friends dog-Max that always greeted me with the enthusiasm of a long lost friend. I feel in love. I didn't want one from a puppymill, so I finally found an ad and drove to the country. Of all the pups, she was the one that came running toward me. At only 6 weeks I felt bad taking her from her family. Especially when she cried the entire drive. Her exhausted little body climbed up on my chest and nestled in against my heart.She stole my heart that very night and we've been buddies ever since.
Unfortunately, on 9/15/03 I was diagnosed with 3rd stage breast cancer.During the entire year ahead I had 3 surgeries,6 months of chemo.,45 days of radiation Mon.-Fri. over 6 weeks. Debt prevented me from the luxury of not working.So I maintained my usual 50 hours a week schedule as a training Supervisor. I used my 5 days a year vacation for the 1st main surgery.After that, I'd do my chemo. on Fridays and back to work on Sun. nights. My little boxer was there for me every trip to the bathroom licking my forehead as I prayed to the porcelain Gods for relief on my knees 10-12 times a night. A better care taker you could not have found. For the chills, she kept me warm. For those lonely days when your friends felt too ackward around you to call or come by, she was there to offer herself for petting and love.
My one friend Meghan decided that she, [my dog], needed a companion and possibly a distraction for me ,she got me a male Boxer puppy about 5 months old. Thank God he was housebroken, as I doubted my ability to take that on. As it turned out he was the perfect fit to our family and a more sweet-hearted dog you'd ever find.
So, here we are 5 years out from the end of treatment. One happy family. I consider myself to be their mom and they are my substitute children. We are together 24/7 now and closer than ever.
Tags: Boxers
