Jasmine

The next few months, the Dog Farm will live through something it's never been through before. Dear Jasmine's cancer can't be fixed. The vet estimated Jasmine will live one to three months. We will be diligent monitoring her health and making certain Jasmine doesn't have pain. So far, she's given no indication of discomfort and the vet said some cancers don't cause pain until the very end. That is what we are hoping for.

In the meantime, Jasmine has developed quite a taste for sirloin and roasts for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A friend brought cans of tripe dog food (yuk!) that her dogs love and another friend is on the lookout for dog ice cream. Tomorrow we'll be strolling through Cody Park so Jasmine can see the geese, ducks and donkeys - they make her tremble and drool with excitement. From now to however long she has, Jasmine's life will be a big celebration! As Husband Bob and I were indulging Jasmine, we laughed to think if the diagnosis was wrong and Jas would survive, how would we ever get her back to being a normal dog after all this fun!

Last evening, we met a Boston Terrier and two German Shepherds who were first-time visitors to the dog park. There were 17 dogs at the park while we were. Keegan-the-heeler and Drake-the-border-collie are such fun to watch as they run and chase. It seems my pack has become more interested in the smells in the bushes than socializing with other dogs. As they searched, you can practically see them fantisizing finding a squirrel or rabbit!

No Word

To my blog friends who have called and emailed: thank you for asking about Jasmine! Still no word on the biopsy but we hope to hear by Thursday. In the meantime, Jas doesn't show any sign of discomfort and her energy level is the same as always. Jasmine's getting fed like a queen and she thinks she's already gone to heaven! I read that dogs with cancer need lots of protein so over the weekend I crockpotted sirloin steaks, T-bones and a roast. Every meal Jasmine gets lots of meat and gravy. Of course, the rest of the pack is getting special treatment too. :0P

Two Weeks

The past two weeks have been fun and anguishing so I suppose that combination is what's made the time so exhausting.

The beautiful fall weather compliments the daily trips to the Bark Park. Trees and brush at the park are in full color and the cooler weather makes for lots of running. All the dogs get along well and when a new friend arrives quite a few dogs run to the gate as self-appointed greeters.

It was two weeks ago today that Lab Jasmine had a tumor removed from her upper jaw. The University of NE biopsy identified four kinds of malignant cells but couldn't pin-point the kind of cancer. Jasmine's biopsy was forwarded to Colorado State University's oncology department and it will be next week before we hear the diagnosis. Thankfully, Jasmine acts fine and she's given us no indication of pain. It's very concerning that the tumor has begun growing again and we've been told the cancer appears aggressive.

We've had fun on the Dog Farm and with Paws-itive Partners. The softball game last Friday evening was a blast. A great crowd turned out to support Tornadoes and Police/Fire teams as they fought it out on the field. Paws-itive Partners hosted a concession stand that put out the aromas of grilled brats, sloppy joes, fresh popcorn, etc. Lots of hard work, camaraderie and activity for Raising the Woof!

At Wednesday evening's Paws-itive Kids meeting, the group put final touches on cat nip toys they're making. The kids did such a nice job making toys for the animal shelter a few months ago that we put them to work again. This time they assembled and stuffed candy cane cat nip toys that will be sold at the upcoming craft show. Paws-itive Partners is selling homemade dog treats and cat nip toys at the Dog Barkery.

North Platte's Downtown Merchants Association is hosting a kid's walk and dog costume contest on Halloween weekend. Paws-itive Partners will be helping but Maxwell's FCCLA has really stepped up to take charge of the dog contests. With FCCLA in charge, we know it will be a huge success. Last year 1300 kids attended the downtown event!

Thanks, friends and family, for your calls/emails regarding Jasmine. The support and encouragement has been very much appreciated. :)

October

Paws-itive Partners has sponsored all kinds of activities in recent weeks and fund raising for the shelter's quarantine area is progressing. Individuals, organizations, businesses, and now, one of the elementary schools have stepped up to help with the fund drive. We have a long way to earn, but it's coming along and it's gratifying to see the community help.

Besides the work and fun of Paws-itive Partners, the Dog Farm is keeping me busy. It's nice to have Granddog Kirby visiting for a few days. Annie's become very food motivated and she's willing to try new experiences in exchange for treats. Maggie is a continuous wag. Brandy and Pennie spend lots of time fence racing the neighbor dogs. Then, there's Jasmine. Jas is the "gentle soul" of our pack. Thinking they were abcessed, Jasmine had two teeth removed a couple weeks ago. After the swelling went down, the large lump on her cheek was still there. One thing led to the next and we will find out tomorrow if Jas has cancer. She's scheduled for tests at 8:30 in the morning. Of course, we're praying for good health and good news.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Tomorrow Rape and Domestic Abuse Program/Paws-itive Partners will host their second walk against violence. People and their dogs will meet to walk and take a stand against violence toward pets. Saturday will be a good awareness-builder and a nice stroll with our fur friends.