Meet Sassy

“She’s stable for now,” the vet said.  “But since she’s 15 and so frail, we can’t perform surgery to remove the tumors.  She’ll run out of time at some point.”

 Sassy buried her head in my arms and shook until she realized we were heading home.  A second opinion confirmed what I already knew in my heart.  My only goal was to keep her happy and pain free.  I took the pills the vet offered and wondered again how to best care for this precious older pup I had rescued.

 I’d had Sassy for almost two years at the time of the second opinion, and my heart ached for her.  The first vet had also said she was too old for surgery.  When she was rescued, she had several large mammary tumors, cataracts, rotten teeth, hearing loss and only part of her tongue.  It appeared someone had neatly cut off the front half of her tongue.  But she still had sass and spirit!!

 Sassy claimed her place beside our bed within a few days.  She also staked out the end of the couch for naps.  Unable to jump up or down, she does a little dance when she wants to move.  She plays and runs with our other two dogs, and they accept her as part of our family.  She and I spend a lot of quiet time together at night after everyone has gone to bed.  She lets me hold her and whisper how much I love her,  how special she is and how much I’ll miss her when she goes to the Rainbow Bridge.  Sometimes she seems to savor these moments and will lay her head on my shoulder with a sigh.  Other times, she seems impatient to get on with life and doesn’t have time for the mushy stuff!

 Her vision continues to dim and the tumors continue to grow, but her spirit still shines!!!  She still runs and plays, rolling in the grass with delight.  She still eats well and sleeps without nightmares.  She follows me around the house, always wanting to be near.  I love her with all my heart and am amazed that God has entrusted me with her care.  She has taught me much about life and love, and I treasure every moment with this wonderful spirit!

Advertisement