DON'T COUNT ME OUT!

Mast cell cancer is unfortunately not that uncommon in dogs these days. The Internet has endless information about the disease. If you are interested in learning more, just search mast cell cancer.

Mast cells on the skin can be removed surgically and if the vet is able to get good margins (space on each side of the tumor site), recovery chances are very good. If however, the mast cells have multiplied and attached to the internal organs, recovery chances drop considerably.

Our sanctuary resident Willis came to rescue with mast cell cancer already in his organs. Willis also has serious health problems with his eyes. I first met Willis 2 years ago at our 5 year anniversary event. At that time, I assumed he was living out his last days with a wonderful loving foster Mom who adored him. The feeling was clearly mutual. Willis likes to be held by his Mom a lot, so much in fact, he would whine when she wasn't near and basically asked that she return to him and pick him up.

Well that was 2 years ago and Willis is still with us, still loved and still providing endless love to his Mom. His eyes continue to degenerate and he now has the equivalent of middle age baldness syndrome so he is loosing some of his fur. But he is still spoiled rotten and loving life. He does not however choose to play well with those outside his family. He was sent to the dug out at a recent play date at a softball field for unnecessary roughness on a golden retriever. Willis was happy to take to the dug out as long as Mom went with him.

Just one of the amazing qualities that dogs have is the ability not to know they are sick and therefore not to worry about it. The just take one day at a time. For Willis, every day is a gift for him and his Mom.

We won't ever count you out Willis. We hope you stay on this side of the bridge for a very long time.