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Saturday, December 31, 2011

Savor the moment

This morning, we all lay in bed for a long time, listening to the howling wind, watching the horizontal snow, and hugging with our K.
As I ate breakfast, one thought kept going through my head - "Damn the rules". The "rules" include keeping K quiet so that she isn't at risk of breaking the bone with the biggest tumor. However, her bones aren't ever going to get stronger. The radiation will actually make the bones weaker because it will kill healthy bone cells along with the tumor cells.

So, K and I headed out into the hellacious winter weather for a hike on the trails. When we reached the well-packed trail, I unclipped the leash. I have decided that K will truly live for whatever time remains, no matter how short or long it may be.
In the photo above, you can see that K has quite a haircut right now. If she could describe her week, she'd probably say that she was deprived of breakfast every day, and then, during the day, she kept falling sound asleep and then waking up in a different hospital room with a new section of fur shaved off. Her belly and left front leg are bare. And, she has patches shaved where she received infusions or had blood drawn. Despite the ferocious wind and cold, the naked patches didn't seem to bother her. Her eyes still shined.
She seemed to appreciate being back on her familiar stomping grounds, gazing out at the shrouded mountains. She's a lucky dog - she's lived in the same place with the same family for all of her life.
We ran into her brother and the Runner on the trails. Seeing R made me realize that K is a bit sedate right now. But, I guess that almost any dog in the world is sedate compared to R.
R is at his physical prime, bursting with power and grace. I love watching him run.
I talked with my vet today, and she's okay with us breaking the rules, as long as we make sure not to go anyplace too remote. She wants me to be able to get help if K fractures her leg. We can handle that constraint.

Today, I was simply happy to have my girl back by my side on the trails that we love so much. I tried not to think about the future and just savor the moment.

43 comments:

  1. I think you're doing the right thing!

    Poor K! We had a cat once that loved to get his ass kicked. We'd take him to the vet, and they would shave the random places where he was bitten. We used to say he looked like he got put in a blender. So does K!! Kinda makes you want to shave her all over just to match!!

    I hope she stays with you a long time. We are still hoping for a miracle.

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  2. God create the moment. When we remember, we remember the moment, not the day. Cherish it.

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  3. I know Mango Momma will smile at The Cracker Dog pic ;-)

    K looks so happy in her element -

    I'm sure it reflects on you as well -

    After seeing a post on The Bleu's FB wall, I had a Heatwave song earworm today - Always and Forever. Well, I think it has been replaced by Tim McGraw's tune -

    We all need to live like we were dying -

    With a glass of red, I lift in a cheer to ALL of you -

    Thanks for sharing these painful yet happy moments with the world -

    H&K,
    Khyra and Phyll

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  4. I believe you have exactly the right attitude...the best for you and the best for K.

    I can't remember where the quote came from, but I used to have it on my desk: "Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure."

    Fingers and paws crossed here for more quality moments with dear K.

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  5. P.S. Nothing says SMILE like freshly hatched LabraDorks (black ones)

    http://labtails.blogspot.com/

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  6. Jamie said to tell you, that is exactly what she would want me to do.

    So I will follow in your footsteps

    Happy New Year to the whole family

    Bert and My Vickie

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  7. I think what you are doing is what makes both your hearts soar. So fly on my friend. And as always we hold you and K in our hearts.
    Blessings,
    Goose

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  8. I think you've found the solution that best suits K! She'll be very happy to keep living life on her terms, regardless of how many days that means.

    My grandpa was diabetic, and was supposed to be very careful about what he ate. My sister and I often went to stay with them in the summers after they moved back to Alabama. I remember often waking up in the middle of the night to find him sitting in the kitchen, in the dark, eating my grandmother's peach cobbler right out of the pan. I'd chastise him because I knew I was supposed to, and he replied that living forever wasn't any good if you couldn't enjoy it. I didn't understand it then as a kid, but I understand it now as an adult! :) And he eventually died of a heart attack that had nothing to do with his diabetes (that I know of). You never know what life will bring you!

    P.S. I loved seeing R today! I can't ever look at him without smiling!

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  9. We are glad K got to spend some good quality time with you! R looks like such a silly goose!!

    Licks,
    Ruthie

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  10. it makes me happy that you and K are living life, despite the knowledge that you now have. live while you can, don't miss an opportunity just because you are not suppose to do something....all the years i have followed your blog this has been your mantra...to see the beauty through the pain...
    xoxo

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  11. Hi KB,
    For days now we have been thinking about you.
    And then this post came with your words.
    You reminded me that we are all only blessed with this one breath we are breathing this very second. All the rest are gifts.
    I think Mother Earth was speaking to your heart through K, and you are doing the right thing.
    The glow in K's eyes shows she is definately living for the moment.
    I know you are too.
    We are right along side you and K on this journey.
    The photo of R, shows he is living in the moment too.
    We send love and we are still asking for a miracle.
    Tonight we go out to the crescent moon again, and speak to Mother Earth.
    love
    tweedles and moms

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  12. Damn the rules! Best words I've heard since this all began. Enjoy the moment and live it, just like it is meant to be...with you and K. :)

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  13. We believe your decision was a good one :)

    We can't have beloved dogs in our lives and not learn about the quality of life. With my first big dog, I learned it all to quickly and she was taken from me within 2 1/2 weeks (not cancer). Prior to her illness she had never been sick a day in her life.

    I didn't expect to so quickly have to live through it again with Lucie. We were told by the best Vet's in the U.S. to not allow her to run and play due to her condition. I couldn't do that to Lucie, then age 1 year. So, we let her enjoy her life as she wants to live it. To run and play with Addie and Hailey. To chase her favorite ball. To deny her of the fun in her life wouldn't be fair to her.

    We are blessed with every day that we have our wonderful pups with us.

    Please give K and extra snuggle from us and know that you are not alone :)

    Lots of Luv & Kisses
    Addie, Lucie, Hailey and Staci

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  14. Did you ever read John Steinbeck's Travels with Charley in Search of America? Steinbeck's Doc told him he wasn't going to last too long, so he loaded his truck and took Charley to meet it all on his terms. Not just wait for it to come to him. Sounds like you might have!

    Cheers to you and K,

    JO, Stella and Zkhat

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  15. You're doing the right thing! PAws crossed
    Dachshund Nola

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  16. We think you are doing the very best with your beautiful K. She knows how much you love her that's for sure. We just LOVED seeing her back in action. Enjoy every precious moment. Hugs to you all. No worries, and extra love, Stella and Rory (and Carol)

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  17. To truly live . Even for a moment . Could dog , or human , ask for anything more ?

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  18. We know that you're doing exactly the right thing. (((hugs)))

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  19. It is great to see you letting K live in the moment. May all her days be happy ones.

    Oh, and that R, what a nut.

    Mango Momma

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  20. Thank goodness Kay has the family she does. She must be silently thanking you for being back in her own enviroment! Unconditional Love!

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  21. Sounds like the perfect way to live, for you and K. It's so unfair how nature short changes us with our fur kids.

    Man, R reminds me of our cracker Loki. The doofiest of smiles, but such amazing athleticism!

    Hoping you and K find the peace and strength you need...
    Love and hugs from all of us at WD.

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  22. I think it's best to follow your instincts on what's best for K and fits the life you and she have always lived. I've watched people with cancer do things to prolong their lives and wondered because it didn't seem like the life they had left was anything worth prolonging.

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  23. What a lovely way to end the year. Good luck and best wishes to you and K in 2012.

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  24. I read and read this post several times last night with tears flowing and no words. Having been where you are today, I so understand how you feel. You are so doing what is right for you and K. Cherish every day and do what makes you both happy for as long as you can. I wish I had some great words to share here but my heart is with you.

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  25. Good For YOU! I think you are exactly right to enjoy what you have.

    Totally ditto Browndogcbr!

    ~B~

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  26. Everything you do you do with such Grace

    You inspire us all

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  27. You seem so marvellous at coping, K, and I'm sure, from the pix, that K enjoyed her outing with you as much (maybe more? - freedom from all the med. procedures?)as R in her way! Love that "cracker-dog" pic of R!
    Hugs to you xoxoxo
    Sammie and Avalon

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  28. I am so glad to see you and K back out in the wide open of Colorado! R is having a grand time also! Keep it up.

    Barks and hugs to you both...

    Baylor

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  29. Tears in my eyes...but I am so happy that you and K are living in the moment. Your K would have it no other way I'm sure. Take care and indeed savor every moment. Bless ya

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  30. Thinking of you all. Savor each moment indeed.

    Much love,
    Sierra Rose and family

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  31. Perfect! We're waking right along with you. Enjoying each step for the gift that it is.

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  32. I am so, so sorry. We have lost some of our best greyhounds to osteo. It has to be one of the hardest diseases to go through.

    You are doing the right thing, enjoy your time with K, I promise you that memories of joy will outweigh the sadness.

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  33. Make the most of each day, K! You are really so special and we are glad that KB is giving you all the best. We are here beside you with paws crossed for the best.

    Happy New Year to you and KB!

    Love,
    Piappies Fudgie, Princess,Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Max, Wai-Pai & Forgie

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  34. OK, first of all, I *cannot* believe you went out in those winds. They were CRAZY. ;o) But, I'm glad that both of you can get out and enjoy your days as close to normal as possible for as long as you can. Is there some sort of brace or support she could wear on that leg to protect it?

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  35. YUP...savour the moment...and enjoy LIFE!!!!

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  36. I posted this at my site, but don't know how this works (I'm new at blogging), so I wanted to re-post so you know we are with you.

    After keeping up with your blog for quite a while, my mom feels guilty not getting out with me! If you and K can stand the cold, she has to find a way to deal with the heat!

    My person loves to see your pictures...probably why she doesn't want to go out and about with me! Nothing near that beautiful here! But maybe she just needs to look a little closer??

    My best K, R, KB and the Runner. Always know, we are here for you whatever you need.

    Say hi to the "wild' gang while you are out and about K..

    Baylor....
    January 1, 2012 2:01 PM

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  37. I wanted to first thank-you for taking a moment at what I know is a difficult time for you to leave such kind, caring words of support for what we are going through. It reconfirms what I already felt about you, and that's that you are a kind, caring and compassionate person. I admire your strength that you continue to show and finding the balance in doing what is best for K, and making those days the ones that are treasures. I've done that as well, letting them set the pace, and savoring each moment in the journey. You and K will get through this because you have one another. And in your moments of doubt, look into your heart and K's beautiful eyes, and in those moments you'll feel that love for her and your connection will surpass and erase them. I can promise you that because it's happened to me. Take care and know that I hope and wish you and K many, many more beautiful sunrises and adventures together in 2012.

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  38. Way to go! Sometimes you have to say "screw it" and go out and live! Sending you hugs!

    Sam

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  39. Live a life of quality, no matter how long or short. Be exhuberant and let your souls soar together... and you are right, rules be damned! The White Dog Army sends joyful energy, hope and love.

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  40. I think that's the right decision, too. Let her have quality and fun for the rest of her life (that will be ending much too early anyways) instead of restricting her to leash walks only and having her a bit longer perhaps. You never know what would have happened otherwise... Enjoy your remaining time together!
    Hugs, Tina

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  41. You made the right call by heading for the hike

    Stop on by for a visit
    Kari
    http://dogisgodinreverse.com

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  42. I love how you're allowing K to live life to the fullest even if it may bring the end of it quicker. I gave thought to this after reading the diagnosis and I actually considered what I would do if given the same options for Ches. I hope I would be doing the same thing. What I love most about my time with Chester is watching him be a dog - which means running free and sniffing and all that it entails. (Although the rolling in stinky animal remains I could live without). I think if K could voice how she prefers to live out her days, I truly believe she would want it this way. Bravo!

    This is my first time meeting R and he looks like he also lives life to the fullest. I am looking forward to seeing more of his gorgeous Black Lab energy!

    Chester's Mom ;0=)

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