Abbey Don’t Go

Short story about my lab Abbey.

“She has cancer.”
The words echoed in my brain.
My beautiful lab, Abbey,
was given a death sentence
before she turned the age of 3.

So many questions…
Was it something she had been eating?
Were the vaccines given to her as
a young pup poisoning her system?
Did I not feed her enough dog compatible
fruits and vegetables to keep her healthy?

Sadly, removing the tumor was not enough.
The oncologist’s solution:
spend thousands of dollars on chemo
and radiation involving multiple
trips back and forth to a clinic that
was over 30 miles away.

I had to ask myself, what would it do
to the quality of her life even if I had the money?
We were also told that there
was no certainty of a cure.
Devastated beyond words I saw
Abbey’s situation as being hopeless
and imagined her life slowly
slipping away.

After contacting other sources
I discovered it was possible to
undergo chemotherapy at home
in the form of a pill.
The pills are affordable and easy to use.
Supplemented with a powder filled
with immune boosting ingredients,
I decided to give it a try.

Now, however, the waiting begins…
I wait to see if the pills keep
the cancer from spreading.
I wait and watch for signs
that she is having adverse effects
from the chemo.
I wait and hope that the simple
treatments give us more
quality time together.

Although the image of the ‘Rainbow Bridge’*
looms in the back of my mind,
I am not ready for her to go,
not by a long shot.
I hold on to her with all the strength
and love I can muster.
I pray that these simply remedies
will keep her here for a while longer.

My beautiful Abbey, who I fell in love
with as a puppy, will not grow old with
me as I had planned.
Instead we will live each day to the fullest
and hope for the best.

Author's Note

The ‘Rainbow Bridge’ is in reference to a poem about a mystical place pets go to when they die.

Reviews

[Bhuyanshi Talukdar]

Your words are a touching tribute to the love and devotion you have for your dog, Abbey. The way that you describe her cancer diagnosis is heartbreaking, and the questions you ask yourself about what could have caused it are a testament to your deep love and concern for her. The fact that you were able to find a more affordable and manageable form of chemotherapy for Abbey is a testament to your resourcefulness and determination to do everything in your power to help her. The lines "Now, however, the waiting begins... I wait to see if the pills keep the cancer from spreading. I wait and watch for signs that she is having adverse effects from the chemo. I wait and hope that the simple treatments give us more quality time together" are a poignant reminder of the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with caring for a beloved pet who is battling a serious illness. Overall, I think your words are a beautiful tribute to the love and devotion that we feel for our animal companions, and a reminder of the strength and resilience that we can find in the face of adversity.

[Dara]

A thousand thank you’s for taking in my story and relating to my angst. Writing is often therapy for me and this situation really needed it. Again, I am beyond thrilled to have you visit and share your thoughts as well!

[Ken Simm.]

I know all about this with many animals but I couldn't say it like this.

[Dara]

I often wear my heart on my sleeve and Abbey has it completely. Thank you so much!

[Coyote Poetry]

A sad poem shared Dara. It is so sad when we lose our animals. You are right. We must enjoy the time with the animals who loved us. Thank you for sharing the amazing words and thoughts.
Coyote

[Dara]

Your words are comforting and very much appreciated! Thank you my friend.

[Dara]

If only they could live longer. :-(

[Kelly Scheppers]

Oh Dara, this breaks my heart. I've often wondered why their lives are so short, in comparison to our own. I empathize with the heartache this is putting you through. I've dealt with everything from diabetes, to kidney failure to epilepsy in cats, even down to my last hope for a medication that simply "had" to work. I shall hope for the best with you. You and Abby are in my prayers. Please keep in touch! Much love my friend!

[Dara]

Dear Kelly, I can imagine the love and care you gave to your fur babies as well. They are like our children and try as we might to put it in perspective the fact that they live for such a short time is devastating, especially when the already short lives are cut even shorter. Thank you for your very kind words and prayers. They mean the world to me! Will keep you posted.

[emmajoygreen]

Dara, such a sad but compassionate poem.. no wonder you feel as you do. Seems you have a fine vet and that matters. He or she knows you and the love you have for Abbey and you take notice of his or her respect. I truly hope and will pray that the treatment helps.. that is what matters, dear (Dara),

'Instead we will live each day to the fullest - and hope for the best.' Of course you will, and knowing you, will do your very and loving best. You can't do more, luv. x

[Dara]

Thank you so much, Emma. It was such a shock given her age. Your thoughts and prayers mean a lot to me. Time will tell but so far she is doing great. We take one day at a time. I hesitated to post this but the love and support of my fellow writers is very comforting. Your words always make my day as well. Take care!

[emmajoygreen]

Dara, times when we're sad ab out something - anything, is when we discover what friendship means. By all means share such a sad time. xxx