10 Reasons I’m thankful for Buddy

10 Reasons I’m Thankful for Buddy

Buddy, our beautiful 150 pound, six year-old baby, is not doing well. What we thought were kidney stones is a tumor in his prostate. Eric and I sat listening to the veterinarian talk of malignant tumors and options and all I could think about were the kidney stones we came to have removed. Options.

We are taking it day by day. Buddy’s home on his favorite bed. He’s filled with medication. Tomorrow he will spend Thanksgiving with his family. Friday we will see if chemo is one of our options. I want more time with him. I want the tumor to shrink but I must weigh my wants against Buddy’s suffering and quality of life. I wish he could tell me what he wants. Buddy came to live with us fourteen months ago. He has brought so much happiness into our lives. My love for him is deep. My sadness at the thought of losing him is deep. He’s my Buddy.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I believe that even in times of sadness there’s always something to be thankful for. Being grateful doesn’t take away the pain it just makes it more bearable.

1. I’m thankful for all the hours Buddy spent by my side as I wrote blog posts and worked on my stories.

2. I’m thankful for Muza’s beautiful illustrations of Buddy.

3. I’m thankful for the laughs I’ve had over watching Buddy open all the doors in our house searching for me.

4. I’m thankful for all the funny reactions I’ve witnessed from people seeing Buddy for the first time.

5. I’m thankful for the days Buddy sat under a tree in our yard–simply enjoying the outdoors.

6. I’m thankful for seeing Buddy change from a dog who would hardly look at us when we first adopted him into a dog who greeted Eric with excitement every evening after work. Some days almost knocking him down.

7. I’m thankful for our adventure to the dog beach.

8. I’m thankful I bought Buddy a Halloween costume even if it was ridiculous.

9. I’m thankful for the vet that is taking such good care of Buddy.

10. I’m thankful for the 14 months we’ve shared and for each day we have left together.

This is such a sweet video showing how much love dogs bring to our lives. I’m thankful for that too!

Happy Thanksgiving!