Fan Mail For Harry

Go ahead, call me a sap, but my Sunday column was about our dog, Harry, who was given one to three months to live in November but is hanging there with enthusiasm six months later. I suppose the point was just to say that we have appreciated the extra time. Several readers in similar situations shared their thoughts, their own decisions about what to about ailing pets, and even a photo or two. I have often thought that our end-of-life experiences with our pets give us a chance to work out our thoughts and fears about our own lives...

I can relate as I have a almost 14 year old Maltese named "Morgan" who was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer a year ago last November. I did choose to have his anal glands removed which is where the cancer was, but opted out of any chemo or the like.  So far so good.....I believe in lots of love and prayers and it seems to be working along with milk thistle and flax seed oil... Below is a picture of my beloved Morgan....don't you think it would make a great "July" on a calendar? -- Jane Marinello

[I do. -- Howard]

Our Jasper is also 11, and in a situation similar to that of Harry (he doesn't have any plumbers though).  Jasper can sleep in the bed- He's a Welsh Corgi.  He's busy being a dog.  God bless you- I appreciated the column.  Keep the faith. -- Jean Harrison

You wrote:  'Here is the thing: Given enough hours, and enough days, you cannot spend them all in grief.'  Those words rang true, there are days I simply forget about my cat's illness or what lies ahead for us, and her twin who is well.  It was much the same when my late Mother was ill.  When we were together our lives were as they always were.  Death may overcome us all, but it cannot take the times we treasure away from us. -- Joan Blasi

As a girl my favorite pet was a cocker spaniel who also loved to share my bed. She would lay w/her head on the pillow, put her back next to mine and then begin to "root" trying to push me out of bed! :-) My Dad buried her in our backyard and the next spring dozens of large, yellow sponge mushrooms popped up on top of her grave. My Dad said that Taffy is just letting us all know that she still loves us. -- Mary Smith

I know how you feel as I have a 10 year old female dog with a similar condition. Draco, fears vets shaking whenever she is seeing one, is doing fine at the moment. She enjoys life. Draco is also a therapy dog working with Hernando Pasco Hospice. She loves to work and is continuing her work. For a long time I have agonized about my decision to not give her radiation treatments. After reading about Harry's life, I feel better. Yes, Draco would rather continue as she is than visit a vet every day for 19 days to receive the treatments that will hurt and burn. -- D. Browning