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Wilma & Astro
Astro is a member of our family. We adopted him from Save Our Shelters in March 1997 and he has warmed our lives ever since. He guards the front door, warning us when the mail lady is approaching. When we step out the back door, he races out ahead to making sure the backyard is safe. He and Wilma, our other rescued dog since 1996, love to walk endlessly through the Museum District greeting other dogs and people along the way. They have created a whole new lingo in our house: “Who wants to go for walk?,” “Which dogs want to go to the park??,” “What time is it? It’s dog time!” Astro attended classes at PetSmart shortly after coming to live with us. At home, the words “Astro! Class!” sent him flying to front of the house, sliding across the floor into the front door in anticipation. I think he was class valedogtorian. He and Wilma love the park where they play a game we call “Circle and Fox.” First they chase each other, then Wilma crouches in the grass like a fox and Astro runs around her in big circles or figure eights. Astro is a creature of habit. When he and Wilma go out for a walk, he takes a toy or bone with him and drops it on the front step. Later when one of us arrives home from work and opens the door, Astro runs out, grabs the toy and brings it back in. Astro has the most expressive ears. You can always tell his mood by them. This summer Astro began to have trouble eating. He was diagnosed with Tonsillar Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that starts in the tonsil and spreads quickly the other parts of the throat and eventually the body. He has undergone surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, which have been difficult for him. He is a very hardy dog but the cancer and treatments have taken their toll. Now he has good days and bad days. Medical science has not yet conquered this cancer and we are told he likely has only a few months to live. We consulted a holistic vet and changed his diet to high protein foods. He loves the home cooking. We want his remaining days to be happy ones. We are crushed by the prospect of losing him. We are very thankful for the wonderful care Astro has received from doctors and staff at Cary Street Veterinary Hospital, Virginia Surgical Associates, Richmond’s Veterinary Emergency Center, Veterinary Referral & Critical Care in Manakin, and N.C. State College of Veterinary Medicine. In particular we’d like to thank Dr. Ereio at Cary Street who has counseled us countless times on Astro’s care and Drs. Whitehead and Mahoney at N.C. State who have spent many hours with us reviewing treatment options. All these dedicated caregivers have helped make Astro’s life more comfortable. Ed Street, Robert Lett & Wilma ----- It's with great sadness that we add this update. Astro lost his battle with Canine Cancer on June 3rd, 2008. He will be greatly missed by all and especially his friend Wilma. Survivor Stories Please submit your pet’s story to our web-site. We would love to hear from you and encourage you to share your story so that others may benefit from your situation. Submit stories to info@fetchacure.com |
