There, I said it.

Jersey has cancer.  There I said it. She has a terminal disease and it is cancer.

That word has such a negative charge around it. When it applies to a loved one, it is even more charged and scary to utter.  Never mind say, it is hard and very scary to admit.  Though I am learning to accept her diagnosis, it doesn't means it easier to live with.  Especially when the only thing we know is that it is malignant.  There are just so many questions - will she respond to medication, is she in pain, are we doing everything we can, did we miss something in the past that we could have acted on sooner? Sometimes there really aren't answers and there will be no understanding and that's part of what has to be accepted.

There are so many things we as dog guardians have to consider. Number one is to continue to protect her and keep her safe. Whether this means taking her outside through the basement where she doesn't have to navigate stairs or where to put her water. Do we keep it in the regular place because she knows where it is or in easy proximity to her when she's lying on her favorite bed?   It may seem trivial to some but it is part of the equation. Do we treat her the same as always or give her special consideration - is she still allowed free reign of the house or should we isolate her so she doesn't hurt herself trying to get around?  There is so much second guessing, it's enough to become overwhelming very quickly.

Research and prevailing wisdom say dogs live in the moment and don't necessarily have any degree of self awareness.  She doesn't know she has cancer, she doesn't know how sick she is, she isn't afraid.  She only knows that right now, at this moment, she doesn't feel well. However, she does know something is going on with me and Alexa and that the atmosphere around the house is different.  Jersey's very intuitive this way.  Thankfully though, she doesn't wonder why, she only knows we are sad about something and wants to give us comfort.

She is a great example to us of being present, here and now.  It is so important not to get wrapped up in what was or what will be; it only leads to crazy making behavior.  There is no room for craziness here. Be here, be here now and the past is done and tomorrow will take care of itself.