It was warm (and light) enough for some outdoor Rope, and I am just heartsick that I screwed up this picture. Even missing most of her head, it is still hilarious, but perhaps only to me because my imagination fills in what is not framed--the sassy ears, the wiggling butt, and the sound effects. She is growling at me. Me! The deliverer of food, Stick, and Rope! Well, as documented in the previous post, she has never been a good retriever. She only chases down whatever you throw, and then taunts you with the treasure. Her voice is part of the taunting, as if the sound is going to warn me away...no way, Sister! That only works on Ansel, who is not present. Giving up the treasure was all part of her early training, before she was such a brute. Even now she'd give it to me immediately if I asked, because she knows her reward for obeying would be to receive it right back.
The University called this afternoon, to confirm tomorrow's radiation appointment. I had some questions ("I read I should cut back on carbs in her diet, as they may help the cancer cells' rapid growth...."), which the technician patiently answered ("Lots of information is available on the web, that may not have clinical proof supporting it") and it boiled down to keeping her routine (and her food) as close to normal as possible. The tech did make a note for the doctor to view the tumor and let me know if he thinks the radiation is just not going to help fast enough, at this stage. How can I look at this Rope playing face, at this dog who just does not give up, and even contemplate giving up on her?
...
We will fight this disease by playing stick, and rope, and teasing Ansel. We will go for our "runs" in the cold weather, and REAL runs when warmer weather arrives. We will eat our normal food, play our normal games, and if all goes well, we will live every day, to the last day.
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