DAY 11: Breast Cancer Journal

Our Health

Discussion

October 10, 2009

Anonymous The Meadville Tribune Sat Oct 10, 2009, 05:00 PM EDT

Duke

Duke is not the beans dog but he is my dog.

He is a beautiful 65 pound Golden retriever that is a gentle spirit and a big fraidy cat. He is not the Alpha male - my Cavalier that is about 30 pounds and a year younger dominates the Golden. Duke has always needed hugs, pats and loads of love and eventually attached himself to my youngest son.

The two would wrestle(yes, I did say wrestle) and play and sleep together.

I am not sure who the bigger beneficiary of that arrangement was!

During my period of treatment, after the daunting trips to Pittsburgh and back, I would find myself heading to bed more from the car sickness and exhaustion than anything.

Duke was always by my side.

He would steady himself as he would slowly ascend the bed. He would carefully and strategically move until he was on my unaffected side and snuggle in and place his head on my thigh.

This dog would not move even a muscle until and when I would move.

If I left the bed, he would follow and then stealthily return to his position of observance and comfort.

Now who would ever think that a 65 pound dog could do that for you, but he did.

He stayed for hours by my side and always knew the days I needed more attention.

When the household was busy and everyone leaving for their different jobs and activities, Duke stayed.

When the flurry of activity came into the bedroom, he stayed ever vigilant. This dog was my keeper.

When the excitement died down and the house was quiet and it was just he and I starring into each others eyes, he remained steadfast. He has heard my cries, my laughter, my shouts, my despair, my frustration, my happiness, my joy and he is keeper of them all.

My secrets lie safe within him and yet he does not judge. He is my own therapy dog and I would be lost without him.

He has filled a part that no one else could fill as his constant companionship did more than words could ever say.

No, he is not the beans dog but he is far more valuable than any dynasty including beans could offer.