Maisy

Last week, my dog Maisy had surgery to remove a mass that had formed on her shoulder. Maisy had been showing signs that something was not 100% right with her health since this past June/July. I noticed the mass on her shoulder about a month ago. The vet had hoped it was one type of non-cancerous mass that older female dogs sometimes get. She put Maisy on medication and hoped the mass would shrink. Unfortunately, the mass nearly tripled in size over the course of the month, and the vet wanted to remove it immediately.

Maisy after her operation, sporting her Old Navy tee to cover and protect her stitches...

Once the mass was removed, Maisy was acting fine. But on Wednesday of this week, I received the news that I was dreading; Maisy has cancer. It is a very aggressive, quick-spreading form of cancer that will eventually overtake her organs. Based on what the vet told me and what I've witnessed at home, it is most likely already spread to some of her organs. At best, Maisy has 3 months left in her life. Our vet does not think chemo is an option at this point, due to Maisy's age and just how widespread the cancer already is. As of right now, Hector and I plan to enjoy our time with Maisy, with the hope that she will pass peacefully on her own. But we are preparing ourselves to let her go sooner, should the need arise. Maisy has lived a good, full life, and we do not want her final days to be spent needlessly in pain.


Even though I tried to prepare myself before the vet called with the biopsy results, once I heard the news, I was completely unprepared. The vet asked me if I was okay, and I could not even muster up the strength to say no. My desire to not let my time with Maisy come to and end is overshadowing the reality that I need to keep Maisy's best interest at heart. This has proven to be a very difficult few days for me, even more difficult than I imagined it would be. She is still here, but I just can't seem to come to grips with the fact that within a few short months, maybe even weeks, she won't be.

Maisy came to be my "furry child" at a particularly difficult time in my life. She was a loyal companion, providing me with endless hours of unconditional love and affection at a time in my life when I needed just that. It's impossible for me to think about that time in my life and not think about how Maisy came to be a part of our family. She will be greatly missed. I know that there is so much pain going on right now in our country, but I truly covet your prayers that my heart will be at peace when it comes time to say goodbye to my sweet Maisy.