Jessie's Page

Weight: 90
Breed: German Shepherd
Age when diagnosed: 9

Tumors:

This is my dearest companion, my family, my work partner - Jessie. I'm an Occupational Therapist and Jessie has been coming with me to work all of her life, to different states, different jobs... always producing the most amazing response in patients with disabilities. Bob speaks outloud to her, when he rarely speaks aloud to anyone else. Carl throws her a ball without falling, when otherwise his balance is poor... whenever I leave a job, staff and patients beg me to leave her... there is something so personal, so unique about her... I love her with all my soul, and am traumatized at the thought of losing her. She has been a text book case... the fracture, the dx of osteosarcoma,(with mets to the lungs), the amputation, and chemo. I've spent thousands of dollars in a week and a half, to get her out of her immediate pain and to have some quality time left with her. I am trying hard to develop the frame of mind that some of you have - I do appreciate how wonderfully blessed I have been to have her... but I am unable to snap out of my grief. I do not want her to be a memory, I want her to stay here with me. But I will try... I will continue to read your stories and remind myself that I am not the only person who grieved for the love of a dog... and that Jessie is not the only dog capable of giving such love. My name is cj / carole... and I live alone with Jessie in Northern Michigan. I would appreciate any notes of support.

Pictures

Day after amputation, at MSU ca. center Day after amputation, at MSU ca. center