Ozzie's Lymphosarcoma Blog, Week of Mar 30, 2007

Ozzie's Lymphosarcoma Blog for Week of March 30, 2007 (post chemo, now in remission)

Friday was the nicest day we've had yet this spring. Ozzie and I got in a nice walk on Friday; he's a little tired after the walks, but then we haven't had long ones for some time. I hope the walks improve his endurance and reduce his weight. His fur continues to grow back in, but it sure has a different look and feel from his old fur; his new fur is darker, curlier, and very dense; he feels like a shag carpet from the 1970s, and he looks like a lamb.

This week's web log is dedicated to our good friend, Maddie, who passed away from cancer this morning, Sunday, April 1st. Maddie and her owner Deb contacted Ozzie from this web site and we all soon became good friends. Maddie and Ozzie had so much in common, Maddie was a retriever, she was born also in June of 1995, she was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma also in August of 2006, and both dogs went through the same Wisconsin chemotherapy protocol. Maddie "graduated" first from the chemo protocol in February, and Ozzie followed two weeks later. We exchanged e-mails regularly, but Maddie's remission only lasted three weeks. Maddie's cancer was "mean," she battled for her life. That's one thing I've learned, cancer is not fair. Maddie and Deb still had several good weeks together. Maddie was quite the ball fetcher, she could outrun anything on two or four legs. We are very sorry to lose our friend Maddie, we will miss her very much. Maddie is now at Rainbow Bridge, where we'll join her later.

Rainbow Bridge Maddie Maddie Rainbows Bridge

Our hearts are so heavy with the passing of our friend Maddie on Sunday. Even though we only met through the internet, sharing stories about chemotherapy and exchanging photos, we felt so very close to Maddie and her family. Cancer takes away loved ones way before their time, but we have to cherish the time we do have together.

The week's weather started out very nice, but Monday brought snow. It was too cold and windy to get in a walk. It seemed that when Ozzie and I went for a longer walk (20-25 minutes), he was quite tired from that; maybe his endurance hasn't built up, or maybe I'm just overly sensitive to his every little thing. We took a short walk, maybe just 10 minutes, on Sunday and he wasn't tired from that. Maybe the weather will warm up and we can walk some more. Ozzie also needs a bath, so I'll give him one later this week.

Tuesday turned out to be a pretty nice day, so Ozzie and I got in a short walk; he also got a bath, so he smells nice and fresh, at least for a while.

The remaining two days of this blog's week ended well; Ozzie continues to be happy and playful. We still mourn the loss of our e-mail buddy Maddie; life goes on, and we treasure the memories we have.

Link to Week of April 6th Blog