Oddly enough I started this blog almost exactly one year ago. My intentions were to document my life with my Muse, Teva Jo. As days turned to weeks and the business of life got in the way I realized that blogging about Teva wasn’t a priority. My uncertainty about my grammar, flow in writing etc always a concern. Until last week.
Exactly two weeks after Teva’s 4th Birthday ‘TevaPalooza’ celebration I recieved the call from her veterinarian Dr. Greg Benoit. “It’s Lymphoma”. And then my world stood still.
Golden Retriever/lymphoma it seems to go hand in hand. But not for a four year old, healthy, and happy Golden.
TevaJo is fortunate enough to have a team of amazing veterinarians by her side. Dr. Benoit, Dr. Suzanne Coulson, and Dr. Janet Crosby. They are all dear friends of mine and friends of Teva.
Teva started her treatment at WSU, with Dr. Kevin Choy- a kind and gentle Golden Retriever loving soul and a true professional. She will continue her treatments at Southcare in Spokane.
In telling you the story of Teva I certainly don’t want you to feel sorry for us. We all deal with cancer every day with people we love and animals too.
Teva Jo brings joy to my life every day but I also know that she brings happiness to others with the photos I post and the stories of her seemingly perfect existence as a canine companion.
In the months to come I will post here, on the Tail Wagging Muse site, about Teva’s battle with Lymphoma. With some of the best veterinarians on her side taking care of her I will do the best I can to keep her healthy and happy.
Facebook will continue to be her place of humor. Follow her on this blog if you would like to hear more a about her health. because I know many of you will ask.
Teva and I believe that laughter is the best medicine so we promise to keep it light and continue to post the humorous life of her whenever possible. (Oh, and as for the mohawk in the picture above. You can thank the wonderful, caring vet staff of Inland Empire Vet imaging for what we call ‘Teva’s Sunroof’. They saved us a ton on grooming! Thanks Dr. Seims and staff!).
Special thanks to friends like Janet. We took the road trip down to WSU together. Her friendship and role as Teva Jo’s “Pet Advocate” (DVM credentials to boot) helped ease my mind in retaining all important data. Thanks Dr. Janet- Teva and I are forever grateful. (and to ‘Peach’ for consulting…love her too.) And to Dr. Suzanne Coulson for responding to the my ‘worried mom texts’ while spending quality time with her family over the weekend.. love you…
On a personal note. Mark and I are handling this the best we can. With spells of sadness and tears we know that every day/moment with Teva is more special then the last.
We are spoiling her more then most days with extra treats and pets. She essentially gets away with anything… but mostly we just enjoy her a little more then we ever did. (That itself seems like a ridiculous statement because she is pretty much the head of the house).
Teva still loves all the things she always did: She wakes us the same with her grunting for food, on hikes she still requires us to kick pine cones and just before dusk a game of football is necessary. Our hearts ache that she might not be here for another 10 years like we’d hoped. Every day is precious…and we celebrate them all.
Thank you so much for sharing your heart… what an amazing
family you are… brings tears to my eyes just to read it, but
want you to know we are here for you and I think you just may have
those 10 more years you are hoping for..
Thanks Carolyn. Having such a huge family, with people like you, makes it all the easier to talk about. I know you understand. XOXO H and Teva Jo
Hey Sweetie! Thank you so much for sharing this. I have been thinking of you and your family EVERYDAY. Knowing what it’s like to have a family member with the big C makes my heart hurt for you. You guys will be ok, but not without some tears. I hope the treatment goes well. If Teva feels well enough, your family is invited anytime to come up and visit. We have TONS of balsamroot to romp through and lots of cow pies to roll in. Not a lot of water, but a few big mud holes which are Tango’s favorite. Teva and Tango would become the best of friends since they are such awesome dogs..oh…family members
Chin up..Give that Teva Jo a big HUG..Love You!!! Deb
Heather, I’m sorry if this posts twice, my computer just “hiccupped.”
I read your blog and thoroughly enjoyed it. Keep writing. It will be a great release for you and you’re right, we will all want to know what’s happening.
I have always enjoyed the pics you post on Facebook of TevaJo and I was HOOKED once I saw the series of pics with TevaJo and TevaJo Christmas. Not to mention, seeing TevaJos Christmas’s leg surgery being documented.
Our dogs certainly are our muse. Meisha has been my inspiration for 10 years. She refused to leave my side when I was the one fighting cancer several years ago. I don’t know how my attitude would have been without her there consistently. I knew then she was an extension of myself somehow, or as you put it, a soul mate.
TevaJo knows how loved she is and has the best Mom in the world. There is no doubt how much you love her and we all see it through your photos.
Hang in there, honey. We love ya! HUGS!
Heather, wow! Definitely a shock but at the same time your strengh for Teva is amazing. Wishing you hope and strengh to get you through the tough times and prayers for recovery. Thanks for sharing!!
Heather, so glad to have had the opportunity to work with Teva at the blood bank. She’s been a cheerful lifesaver! Let us know if you guys need anything.
Heather, I am saddened to hear the news, but Teva is a trooper and I know she will receive the best care possible. Good luck to both of you!!
Thanks Brandy! We need lots of luck to add to her lots of Love bucket.
Kate,
Teva was a proud donor, not always thrilled to sit still for it all but hopefully her doggy do-gooder side will give her blessings.
Thanks Kris. Next time Teva and I are in ML we’ll call for a visit.
Thanks for sharing your story as well Julia. It’s nice to have so many dog lovers out there who understand. Hugs back from TJ.
Teva and Tango has a wonderful ring to it! Look forward to seeing you soon!
Ooh Heather & Teva ~ this makes my heart so sorry, but Teva could not ask for a better mom! She truly brings much joy on FB and I am sure she will continue to bless us with her antics. You are both in my prayers because I believe to the bottom of my toes, that God does hear-answer and love all creatures! God bless. xo
Thanks Sandy. Teva appreciates all the prayers and head to toe beliefs that all will be well. Hugs from us both for your sweet message.
Hey Heather, I am so sorry that Teva Jo had this bad news, that is no fair DAMN IT! She is so lucky to have you & Mark as her family thru this difficult time. I know that the love & joy she brings into your lives has been such an incredible gift! Hugs and prayers are with you from me XOXO
Thanks Lisa we plan on her being here for a while- just gotta get through this little snafu
. XO to you.
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Heather, My own sweet girl was diagnosed with cancer. I was so thankful for my veterinary friends who gave me honest advice on what to do. And thankful for my blog where I could “think out loud.” After her surgery we made the choice to not do chemo and radiation because we felt it would adversely affect her quality of life. The oncologist gave her 6 months. And for that 6 months we spoiled her and catered to her and made sure it was the best damn 6 months of her life. She lived for another 4 years! We cherished every single minute we had with her. It was an unexpected gift from God.
Do what you’re doing: seek the advice and consul of your veterinary friends (Dr. Janet is awesome!) Keep writing about it in your blog. Make your decisions based on her quality of life. And cherish every single moment with Teva. You guys are in my prayers.
Bev, Thank you for sharing YOUR story. I smiled big when I read that you had another 4 years! I have all the hope in the world that the amazing support and prayers of my friends and family do amazing things and this is just a moment in time. Again, thank you.
Heather, I am beyond heartbroken with this news as well! I just cannot tell you how sad this made me (probably because I had Cody the wonder Golden who was also given bad medical diagnosis at a young age as well). I just want to let you know that I am thinking of you and my prayers are with Teva as she goes through treatment with your wonderful group of friends (vets!). Love from Indiana!!!!
Kelly, I’m hopeful that Teva’s early diagnosis will save her life. Thank you for your love and hugs. Hope to see you in the midwest one of these days! Love from WA!
Heather, I’m glad to see you’re able to write about this experience, despite how truly lousy and unfair it is!! Throw caution (and grammar, if necessary) to the wind, and keep us all with you… we’re here if you need us!
Heather, I was so sad when I heard about Teva’s diagnosis. It brings back painful memories of our beloved Solo. But I know that you and Mark will help Teva fight through this and I am hoping and praying for many more years of FB posts! In our jobs it is comforting to know that so many of our friends in the industry understand and can relate to what you are going through. There will be many tears in the upcoming months but keep your laughter coming and know that we will be thinking of you every day.
Hi Reg,
Thanks so much. I have thought of you and Solo during these last few weeks. I know you are there for us and we so appreciate it. With hopes for many Teva Jo FB posts and laughter to boot. Cheers, H.
I lost my male Rottie at five years of age so I can understand the pain of dealing with a beloved furry companion that gets an unwelcome diagnosis. You and Teva are in my thoughts as you soldier through this difficult time. *paws crossed* for Teva.
Positive attitude, early diagnosis, and lots of prayers – a great combination for a speedy recovery. We’ll be keeping you all in our thoughts. Now, I’m off to give Ty and Buster a doughnut. You never know when we could be on the receiving end of this kind of news.