The Good-bye to Milo

We had kind of been keeping a secret at our house. Several posts were started telling about it, but I never published them. I just couldn't. That secret was that in June of 2024 Milo was diagnosed with nasal cancer. I'd noticed a slight swelling, and hoped that it was maybe a bee sting, but when it didn't go away, I knew what it was. 

~The day we met Milo~ 

A visit to my vet a week or so later, and an appointment with specialists in Baltimore in early August also confirmed the diagnosis of nasal cancer. The specialists (there were 3 of them) all agreed, and gave us treatment options. Treatment involved a very invasive surgery to remove the tumor by removing the entire bridge of Milo's nose and upper teeth. The chances of success were not guaranteed. Recovery would be a long one, and even with radiation, the possibility of it being curative were slim. Not to mention what his quality of life would be - Eating and playing ball (his two favorite things) would be a challenge. In the end, I just couldn't do it and wouldn't do that to Milo. The specialists told us that without any treatment, Milo would only live 3-4 months, taking us to the end of the year. 

Of course I was heartbroken. Milo had such a fun and playful spirit, and I don't think he was ready to give up either. So, I looked for other options that took me to our holistic vet. Milo was put on Chinese herbs, and we hoped for the best to slow down the cancers progression. 

The end of the 2024 came and went, and May came marking one year since the lump on Milo's nose appeared. We silently celebrated that Milo was still with us and doing well. And I guess I was superstitious, because I still didn't want to put it out into the cosmos that we were past the time the vets had said we'd have with Milo.

But by the end of May, the tumor on Milo's nose was noticeably getting bigger, and I was feeling a few more lumps on his body, indicating that the cancer was spreading. Below is a photo of Milo taken in April -- It is one of the last photos I have of him. I chose not to take many because it's not how I want to remember him. 

~A rare 'last' photo of Milo~

Through it all, I kept telling Milo that he was so brave and stoic. He really was. But a couple of weeks ago, it was easy to see that it was getting harder for him -- even with more pain medications, he was slowing down, and his spirit was dimming. 

Getting him to eat was becoming a challenge, and when Carl had to go out of town, Milo stopped eating all together, even refusing treats. But when Carl returned 2 days later, Milo perked up and even ate his dinner. Even with his eating again, we both knew that it was time to say good-bye to Milo. I have to add here that Milo of course loved everyone. But his heart belonged to Carl. The two had a strong connection and Carl needed (and he wanted) to be there with Milo when he left this life for the next... We're both thankful that they were able to be together. It was how it should and needed to be. 

We're both beyond grateful that Milo's previous owner trusted us to give him a good home and love and care for him. We really loved having him as part of our lives - The 2 years and 7 months with Milo went way too quickly - He really had a way of reminding us about living in the moment and finding fun and something to smile about -- and to maybe even 'woo-woo-woo' just like he always did, about something in each day too. And like all those before him, Milo taught us about love – pure, unconditional, and boundless like his energy and enthusiasm for life was. Milo was a true treasure. 

Run free over the rainbow bridge, sweet Milo. Chase those endless tennis balls, enjoy infinite treats, and know that you will forever be in our hearts. Until we meet again, our faithful and fun friend ~ Your spirit and the memories of you are now and forever a part of us. ❤

Staying Positive - Moving Forward

Confession about something we all know, I'm a terrible blogger. But I've so appreciated hearing from a few of you who have stopped by to check on us. That gives me the nudge to keep blogging. Thank you for that as well as your concern and your blogging friendships too. It means a lot. ❤

I will say that I've just not been feeling like myself. Its been a hard start to the year on a lot of levels with losses in my family and Carl's too.  Added to that are changes that are coming for us in the next few months, ones that I've been reluctant to acknowledge and talk about..... Carl's retirement .... I hate change .... But we have no choice but to try and stay positive and to keep going forward, plan accordingly the best we can and see where life takes us. 

Thankfully the weather is better as summer has pretty much arrived and that is definitely lifting my spirits. Flowers at a local greenhouse helped on a sunny afternoon not that long ago. 

And if the flowers didn't, seeing and smelling the freshly baked pies on the inside certainly did! I treated us to an apple and peach pie that was worth every penny spent! 

To keep me distracted, and to keep me going, there is of course the dogs. 

We are catching up on vet visits. First up was our outdoor kitty, White Boy, and our boy Jack. 

White Boy who has a wild and feral side to him, spends most of his days outside, and comes inside at night. He is living life on his own terms and so having him up to date on vaccines while he lives his life is important.  

I don't post much about Jack. He always does what he's asked and there is no doubt his heart belongs to Carl, which is of course totally okay. He can be a bit growly towards the other dogs when they get too close to him, but he is very much respected by the other dogs. And they say that dogs don't judge, but trust me, Jack judges -- Just look at his expression. I see it mostly when I'm not getting the meals fixed fast enough. 🥰

We did pass a bit of a milestone a few days ago - We've had Noodle for a year. And what a year it has been for him. From a grim diagnosis ...

To finding out that it wasn't bone cancer, and that his surgery was curative. I still don't know what Noodle's story is going to be, but I'm grateful that he is enjoying life and feeling good. I love how straight and tall he stands now on his 3 legs. 

Two of our foster boys - Jack Jack and Marley--  also went for vet visits, and both got a pretty good report. We'll just stay the course with them as well, and see where it goes. 

~Marley says hi!~

~Jack Jack says hi too!~

I hope all of you are doing well in your lives. Thank you all again for your friendship, support and cheering us and me on! You all are the best! I'll be back very soon!