Meet My Therapist: My Dog
The seventeen months between July 2012 and December 2013 wore me out to the point that I almost lost my mind and ended it all.
While my husband supported me as much as he could when he was home, it was during the long hours when he was gone that the anxious thoughts and panic attacks crept into my mind. In those times, the only other diversion from myself was my dog.
In those seventeen months, she witnessed me being slammed with eye cancer (melanoma), eye tumor surgery, eye chemotherapy drops, eye cancer re-occurrence, more eye surgery, radiation, bad PET scan, breast cancer diagnosis, bilateral mastectomy, 4 months of chemotherapy, losing all my hair, losing 10% of my body weight, reconstruction surgery, hundreds of doctor’s appointments and countless meltdowns. While I thought I would never see the light at the end of this twisted tunnel, she reminded me that even though I was going through all this, I should also:
Take long walks:
Lounge by the pool:
Play in the ocean:
Be silly:
Climb mountains:
Take hikes:
Play hide and seek:
Go outside in a blizzard:
Play in the snow:
Take a break to enjoy the day:
Take a break to read:
Take naps:
Enjoy my special day despite of being a week post-op:
Take more naps:
And most importantly, never, EVER, forget my therapist anywhere we go:
- Posted in: Breast Cancer ♦ Eye Cancer
- Tagged: anxiety, breast cancer, Cancer, coping, depression, dog, german shepherd dog, GSD, melanoma, panic attack, surgery, therapy dog
storytotellya 
So beautiful!
Thank you 🙂
What a beautiful dog, inside and out.
Thank you!!!:-)
Ahhhhhh! No one will ever understand the unconditional love a dog brings into our lives until they have one. What is her name? I have a small Doberman Pincher called Nina. I used to hate small purse dogs until I saw her. I had decided to take home a Siberian Husky until I saw Nina in a small box with a sign that said “please do not touch”. I asked the lady why that sign was there and she told me that this minuscule dog was depressed since she was separated from her mother, that it had been two weeks that she did not want to eat and that she will be euthanized since she did not even move not responding to any human contact. The lady tried to hold her but she did not move, even my boyfriend insisted to hold her but she did not even blink. I put the Husky back and took Nina in my arms. I kissed her and whispered how prescious she was. She started licking my face and wagging her tail like crazy. I did not choose her, she chose me. I am so glad your dog is there for you unconditionally. There is no greater joy than having this loyal friend next to you. The pictures you shared are lovely, my favorite is the one from you wedding day. I hope this furry friend continues to bring happiness to your life 🙂 (sorry for the long reply) 🙂
What a great story about Nina!! That is so wonderful – you saved her life. My dog’s name is Sunny. I like the name because of its reference to the Sun. Thank you for the comment – no worries about the length – write as much as you want! Yes, she has definitely helped me in more ways than one. 🙂
Love the name! She brings the sun into your life! 🙂
So sorry for your struggles. What an amazing friend. I love your pictures. Just beautiful.
Thank you!! 🙂
It’s in the middle of the night and I’ve read some of your blogs. Maybe you were supposed to suffer like you did so people would get to read your story and realize what a wonderful writer you are. It’s like I was there with you…I saw, heard and smelled what you did…just the pain…I cannot even nearly imagine what you’ve been through. I’m so glad you have Sunny to support you!!! Seeing and hearing about your therapist encouraged me to pick up my own therapist…Vector. Keep on writing and posting pictures…you might be a therapist yourself. A big hug from Germany for you and your German Shepherd.
Mel, thank you so much!! I really appreciate your comments 🙂 You have been through some crap too so I know you understand. And you always say how it is. I hope Vector brings you what you need. He is a beautiful dog. 🙂
Hello 🙂 Your story I truly understand having gone through brain surgery for a tumor several years ago. The recovery at times was an uphill climb, but I was lucky enough to have therapists in the canine and feline form!! Sunny is an absolutely beautiful soul, inside and out. I wish you peace and good health.
Thank you so much for your comment. I wish YOU good health as well and no more issues. Animals are like a balm for the soul 🙂