Dogs know

Hi Poppy51,

Firstly I am so sorry for your loss. I honestly don’t know how you manage after something like that, but clearly you are.

I just felt I needed to reply to you. My husband is 51 and was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer xmas Eve. It is incurable and despite trying various forms of treatment he continues to decline. I am trying to prepare myself for what is to come but don’t think you really can.

I have a dog as well and  I am so thankful for her. She gives me a reason to leave the house each day ( I work from home) and is a joy. She is 12 and I can’t honestly say she has a clue what’s going on, silly but happy which has been my family motto. I’m so glad I have her.

take care x

Hello bramblejoo. Goodness I am so sorry to hear about your husband. Stomach cancer is a horrible horrible disease. My husband was diagnosed on 20th December. He was in work the week before just feeling tired. I thought he must have an ulcer. We spent Christmas waiting for an MRI scan to see what the prognosis was. It seems your Christmas was as equally difficult last year. I lost my husband and best friend far too quickly. The cancer had spread and it had reached his liver. He was very confused the last couple of days but I still had no idea it was his last few days. I hope that you can spend time together and talk about everything you need to and want  too. Treasure every precious moment.  I am glad you have a wise dog for company. They are so intuitive and wonderful company and there for you both.  My old dog had been ill but I swear he held on because he needed me. Life is a struggle now and I am still only taking things one day at a time. I struggle to make decisions as we always talked things through together. I have made one good decision tho. I have got a puppy. He is the best company.  I like your saying silly but happy. That’s him. Look after yourself and very best wishes to your husband xxxx

1. Thank you so much Poppy51. I really hope things get easier for you as times passes. I guess you never really get over the loss but learn to live with it. I hope your puppy gives you joy x

My darling old grey-muzzle Chocolate Labrador Oscar died only a few months after I lost my husband of 50 years to lung cancer in 2018, and just before my own mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.  

It's been a tough couple of years, but Im a Jazz Singer, and singing every week with a band (until lockdown, of course), and the support of family, friends and fellow musicians has helped me through to regaining strength and joy in life.  Now I have a darling little Cavapoo Bella, every bit as eager and joyful as dear Oscar was

• Hello Rosieboodle. I am so sorry for your losses and the fact you have had to battle so hard too.  Chocolate labs are just so gorgeous. My old boy was grey round the muzzle too. I am glad to read you are getting happiness back in your life.  I hope I can too. My puppy definitely helps me. X

Hello.  How are you?  How are things? xx