For three years I've been updating the whole world on Facebook what you've been up to and, yeah I admit it, it was pure laziness on my part. So let's try and catch up and I promise to do better from here on out.
Covid-19 was one big pain in the tail. It robbed you of nearly two years of your career. One thing we have in common, though, is that we're both comfortable at home and enjoy being here. We took a few short road trips, just the three of us, enough to keep us from getting cabin fever. You sure do love going for a ride, long or short. We did get to Tucson last November to hunt for fall colours up on Mt. Lemmon, followed by a visit to Reid Park Zoo. I don't know what it is with lions and Goldens ... Sophie was worshipped by a lion in Las Vegas, and you made friends with this big kitty in Tucson. Such fun!
All those months of having absolutely nothing to do gave me time to hone my Golden-grooming skills. As fast as your hair grows, I got in plenty of practice, made my share of goofs, figured out the best way to do things, and now I'm really not bad if I do say it myself. It takes 3 days, though ... I'm an old lady now.
In February this year, you began developing lumps and bumps so fast we couldn't keep track of them all! Even though you had no symptoms at all, it was alarming enough to haul you in to the vet. Then in March, we were delivered devastating news. You have cancer. I was ready to retire you on the spot but Daddy said no, that it would break your spirit. We did, however, retire your harness since some of the masses were underneath it and it might be uncomfortable for you. We were offered a few different options including surgery, but something in our hearts told us not to do that. We went home and would just watch for any changes. And then something strange happened. Some of those masses started disappearing! We took you in to your dermatologist who ran another whole panel of tests and, after we ruled out valley fever, it was the general consensus of her and your general vet that, if this is indeed cancer, it's dormant. Had we opted for surgery, it would have been horrible mistake!
You turned 9 years old on April 5th and, as I had every year, I wondered where all the time went. You've slowed down, you spend more time sleeping, and you've put on a bit of weight from inactivity. But when we're ready to roll, you're not only eager to work ... you get downright excited about it! We work on your tasks and exercises every day and you haven't forgotten a thing.
One thing I really must write on is the family reunion in early September. I just wasn't comfortable taking you with me this time. You're not a young dog anymore and being crammed into a little space for 4 hours just wouldn't be ideal for your achy, creaky joints. Once again, the Lord was looking out for us. I wasn't there two days before I fell and broke my ankle. Oh, my, how much more complicated it would've been in urgent care and the emergency room to have you with me. And getting home with a huge splint on my leg ... it's the first time I actually gave thanks that you stayed home this year. It would've been terrible for you! I got home and was using a huge clunky orthopedic boot and a walker to get around ... a walker with tennis balls on two of the legs. Oh my goodness, it was so funny!! You just couldn't understand why I took two of your tennis balls and chopped them up. You tried so hard to deal with that but it took a few days before you accepted it and got on with life.
Because you were doing so well and still working well, we halted discussions about getting another puppy to raise as your successor dog. That could wait a couple of years, we thought. But about the time I got home from Tennessee, Joyce let us know of a breeder who was looking to donate a puppy for service dog work. It came totally out of the blue but, with a little nudging from my Lord, I applied anyway and was approved the very next day. I heard Him speak so clearly to my heart that night. "The puppy I chose for you is on the way now; this is happening now, not in two years." I'm so thankful He has taught me how to listen to Him. So, my darling boy, you're about to have a new brother or sister in about 8 weeks, chosen by God Himself, just as you were.
My dear Cubby, I'll try to do better with keeping up your blog, and now I have another one ... Dear Puppy for now. I'll work on them often, I promise. I love you so much, Cub. I pray you'll love our new baby and be a great teacher. I'll need your help for sure. Remember how Sophie took care of you and showed you the ropes around here? That'll be your job now. And you'll shine at it!
Photo Descriptions: Bewildered dogs during the covid outbreak wondering, "What's happening? Why are all the humans wearing muzzles?" ... video of Cubby and the lion ... 7th birthday picture ... dog grooming practice ... 9th birthday picture ... a very confused Cubby with my walker.
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