Dusty's Page

Weight: 47
Breed: Golden Retriever
Age when diagnosed: 11

Tumors:

I met Dusty on February 13, 2002 at the local Humane Society. I finally allowed my then-husband to get a dog. I had a very long list of criteria. There was a little retriever type dog that was approximately 5 years old. "He's good enough, I guess", I said....and Dusty came into our home and into my heart.

Between then and today Dusty and I have trained and competed in AKC and UKC obedience, where together we've earned CDX, U-CDX titles, and Canine Good Citizen recognition. We have visited elderly in nursing homes and fostered other goldens needing to find their forever home.

He has rescued me from chipmunks brought into the house from his brother "cat", proving to me that he is surely a "Utility dog" despite having never earned the title from AKC, and definitely my "hero!"

Together we have hiked many miles in the mountains, on the beach, and just around the block.

A few weeks ago, xrays showed that Dusty, now age 11, most likely has bone cancer. Circumstances will require me to keep Dusty comfortable as long as possible through medications, and learning together how to answer his heart's call to chase a ball in a safe manner. Probably just dropping it at my feet and having a party each time he reaches down to pick it up!

Meeting Dusty and getting to know him has changed my life forever. Together we will take this journey to the bridge, however short or long the journey may be.

I know that together we will find the courage to walk the path.

Pictures