My Dog, One Life-Loving Animal
The word “Animal” seems to fall so short.
Here’s an update about Max for those many of you who expressed concern, support and love when I last blogged about his heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.
First of all, he’s alive and happy, constantly at my foot in the StartupNation World Domination Headquarters (in the spare bedroom). He has proven to be incredibly resilient, this “animal.”
I’ve opted not to give you play by play reports on how his condition is evolving. After all, this blog is mostly about business-related stuff and i don’t want tough news about Max to overtake the incredible sense of optimism that so many of us share and foster here at StartupNation.
Trust me. There’ve been some close calls, including two events that apparently were internal hemmhorages. Each time, though, his spirit pressed on and his body recovered. He’s bounced back quickly each time and remains FULL of life force. His spirits, in a phrase, are “Game On!!!”
Recently, dreadfully, his tumor ruptured externally. It was a blood everywhere situation. Like some kind of horror movie taking place in my home. The vets had warned me that this would happen eventually as the tumor swelled so much that the pressure would basically cause it to explode. It happened at night and I stayed with him through the next morning under the coaching of my vet who’d given me her cell phone. “Pressure, bandages, cold packs,” etc., was the advice until she was able to stop by in the morning. That was last Tuesday and I thought Max was nearing the finish line.
But don’t sell him short. Ever. After a couple of days of rest, 24/7 nurturing, and crash course lessons for me in wound care, Max was back. I mean COMPLETELY back. All he wanted to do is get in the back of the car and go to the farm (where I ride in the evenings). Day three he was back protecting the perimeter of the yard, barking at nearby coyotes. He was packing 3 tennis balls in his mouth, lock-jawed. And just to keep me on my toes, at every possible chance, he was and still is trying to roll to work off his wound dressing, which wraps around his back and tummy.
Here’s an account of yesterday that I emailed to some friends. It’s a take-off on a favorite poem of mine, “Otherwise.” It might make you appreciate the little things today… and the big ones, too.
We woke.
We walked in the old cow pasture, frost crunching the grass.
We dug for gophers.
It might have been otherwise.
We ate a big meal with fresh meats mixed in.
A nice sleep ensued.
We woke for a long walk into town, Salmon Tandoori at the Himalayan restaurant.
Drank water from a take-out container and ate a bowl of basmati rice and peas.
We got a lot of scratches and “what kind of dog is that?!”s.
It might have been otherwise.
It was hot, like summer, so we came back and napped for a while.
We groomed a paw or two, rotating sleeping sides on the cool wooden floor.
The sun set golden, a confused breeze in the house.
It was another good day.
It might have been otherwise.
As always, I deeply appreciate the love you folks have expressed for Max, me and these beloved best friends.
Rich
January 13th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
I just recently began following this website, and this is the first that I have heard of Max. I’m glad that he is feeling like himself regardless of the details you revealed. It is amazing how close you can become with an animal.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Rich,
I am touched your optimism and undying love for your friend, Max. I have three dogs, all of which are a part of the very fabric of our family One of them is nearly 12, and he is ill also. I feel your pain, yet sense the joy that your beloved friend Max gives you each additional day that God gives you with him. I am sure that you have many, many more wonderful memories with him! I pray that he is pain free. Take care.
Brenda Dronkers
January 13th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Timothy and Brenda, thanks.
Timothy, glad you’re frequenting our site now. Did you take a look back at the previous posts on Max? the link is in the first paragraph of this post.
Brenda, thanks so much for the love!
Rich
January 13th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Oh Rich,
Those are great pictures of Max. Thanks for updating us. I’m so glad that he is doing better. It sounds like Max is right where he wants to be, by your side.
Take care Rich. Give Max a hug for me.
Janie
January 13th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Maggie the beagle sends best wishes.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Janie and Ina, thanks from Max and me! Max is having a sleep in his cushy donut bed right now (as i put the finishing touches on a new feature story on the top women from the 2008 Home-Based 100.
Peace and love,
Rich
January 15th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
I’m sorry to hear about Max’s health. I pray that he is healed soon and IMHO, animal is too strong a word. Let’s just say, family member.
YOU GO MAX!!!!!!!!!
January 17th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
What an incredible dog Max is, he’s lucky to have you! Thank you for sharing your story about Max, it really touched my heart. Dogs are simply the best, we have several and they truly help me to keep life simple. They are my family. Thoughts and prayers to you both!
February 15th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
It is certainly interesting for me to read that article. Thank you for it. I like such topics and everything that is connected to them. I definitely want to read more on that blog soon.
Best regards
December 12th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Bad combo; this story being read whilst listening to Take That singing ‘Want you back for good’. Max you are a hero. Rich you are a star. Looking Ruby at my beautiful healthy ridgeback I suddenly feel very , very greatful. Take good care of each other. Hug’s ‘n’ Stuff from Ali and Ruby in a very cold very blustery and very snowy Wales.
December 12th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Thanks, Ali. Incredible, the outpouring of support and comradery (-sp?) that Max and Me have received.
Wishing you many happy days with your Ruby.
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