On 01.02.02, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Too late for surgery, I had chemotherapy, which failed. In May the chemotherapy was changed and I was soon in remission which was celebrated and welcome and lasted nine years - until October 2011. There was progression in 2011 so more treatment was indicated and I am now back in partial remission. But I'm not only a cancer patient - I also enjoy my family, walk my dogs and am learning to draw and paint. Life is good!

Sunday, August 03, 2008

Not oriented to time or space

I handed Beulie over to her new parents this morning. We know these folks from church and, since we live in different towns, we had agreed to turn her over after this morning's service.

Beulie, you may recall, is the fourth puppy we've raised for Canine Companions for Independence. When she was released as unsuitable for their needs, we decided to give her to another family instead of keeping her ourselves.

I arrived one minute before the processional hymn because I'd gotten lost (!) getting to a place I've been to a thousand times. I used to work a block away, in fact, so getting lost was something of a clue that I really didn't want to tell Beulie goodbye. During the sermon I sketched her one last time as she slept -- and gave the wrong date to the drawing.

We met after the final hymn and discussed her food and other needs. She looked a little confused when I gave the leash to her new mommy -- and then walked off. A few moments later I was driving by as the new family was walking toward their car. They looked so happy and Beulie, I'm proud to say, was walking perfectly.

6 comments:

  1. What a sad and happy story at the same time. I love the image of Beulie laying at your feet asleep. It seems that your mind was really working on something else. But, you know as you passed them that Buelie is going to a good home. :)

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  2. Great sketch! Pets are like children, only they don't talk back.

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  3. I admire you so for having the strength to let go of that sweet Labbie. As to purplepaint saying pets don't talk back, she has never has a Corgi.(grin)

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  4. It sounds like second time around was really hard on you. I sure hope she's found a permanent home now. I bet it's hard on her too.

    You made a great drawing of her that you get to keep.

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  5. Oh goodness Barb. What a sweet and wonderful tribute. I read the whole history of Beulie on your other blog and just love it. She was so lucky to have you.
    Lisa

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  6. I didn't cry when I read beautiful Beulie but I'm crying now - I had a horse that I nursed and cared for while I was going through chemo - then I got better and she did not and I had to say goodbye to my beautiful big Cowgirl - It breaks your heart to say goodbye to an animal that you love I hope yours heals soon-

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