Last of four parts

The responses to my request for pet stories from readers of “Bud’s View” in the Lehigh Valley Press newspapers and web sites was wonderful. I believe there were more responses for this topic than when I asked my readers to share their squirrel frustration stories.

The final installment of the readers’ pet stories series was sent in by Gloria Hieter:

“Hi Bud,

“I read your articles all the time and was so emotional when I read your article about Bear, Blue and Charcole.

“I worked in an animal hospital for 39 years and have rescued so many cats and dogs. They appreciate the homes they acquire after abandonment. I now have a rescue cat and an Amstaff [American Staffordshire Terrier].

“The Amstaff, Trooper, just turned 10 in June and is the love of my life. He came in as a cruelty case with rubber bands around his two back legs. He was about five months old at the time. The person who took him to Lehigh County Humane Society said she found him on Fourth Street in Allentown. We had to amputate his left hind leg because of gangrene.

“I decided to foster him, so he would not have to go into a kennel following his surgery. Well, the foster thing did not last very long. I signed his adoption papers less than 12 hours after bringing him home. It was the best thing ever.

“A year ago in April, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer). I did all the necessary testing to confirm, visited an oncologist and started the chemo treatment. He was never sick and had no symptoms of this cancer. It was found by accident in a urine sample that led to many other tests.

“Starting in April, he had bloodwork drawn every three months to confirm he was able to continue with the treatment. His lab work was perfect after the second treatment.

“I continued to treat him at home and in September, after eight treatments, he was in remission. He continued with monthly blood work, but in March his cancer came back.

“He is acting like a normal healthy dog with no issues. He is back on chemo and he will probably do eight treatments and then go off again. He is by far the happiest dog ever. Not sick a day in his life. If he had to get cancer, which is horrible in dogs, I am glad it was bone marrow because it is easier to treat and the treatment is usually successful.

“I had his health going for me from the beginning. He also had a small mast cell tumor removed from his stump. It was low-grade with good removal so that should not appear again.

“Trooper has given a lot back to the community as he was a therapy dog for nine years and enjoyed making people happy. I was not able to renew his therapy certification because, due to his health issues he cannot be vaccinated for rabies. That really angered me.

“He was also a blood donor for five years, but I retired him from that. He is very friendly and loves life; especially food. He continues to do great and it appears he will be the longest, healthiest dog to survive with bone marrow cancer. That’s my hope! The oncologist said a year ago she sees a long future for him.

“Keep up the good work, Bud.”

I’m finishing this series of pet stories with a short excerpt from one of “Blue’s Views.”:

“Hi, Kids, it’s me, Blue. Bud told me a story about a family who was about to euthanize (that means put it to sleep cause it is very sick) their 12 year-old dog, Bumper. The parents wanted to teach their six-year old son about death through the loss of their beloved pet. Their son was used to Bumper being around his whole young life.

“The vet came to the house to do the euthanizing. The adults discussed the reasons behind parting with the dog in this way. The boy was totally silent.

“When the vet left, the boy explained to his parents why his best friend had to leave the family behind. The boy said everyone wants to be good, to love and be loved in return. It takes people many years to accomplish this, but dogs get it right the first time and do not have to stay around as long to get it right.

“Wow, the boy really understands why we dogs often leave before our loved ones are ready to part with us.

“Love and biscuits,

Blue”

I want to thank the readers for their stories and take this time to thank Bear, Blue and Charcole for the many hours filled with love and devotion each one contributed to our household.

That’s the way we see it!

To schedule programs, hikes and birthday parties: 610-767-4043; comments: bbbcole@rcn.com

All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2017 Bud Cole