Many of you have been following Coco’s posts on Say Hello Spot that tell us about the meaningful work she does for students and staff at the Robert E. Melican Middle School in Northborough, Massachusetts, where her mom is the principal. Well, we haven’t heard from Coco in a few weeks. This remarkable rescue dog, turned therapy dog, is now starting a new chapter in her life and she’s writing to tell us about it. Read on…
It has been an interesting two weeks for me. On October 5th, I went to the surgeon for an operation. I had no idea what was happening – I LOVE the vet! When I woke up, I only had three legs!
I had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September, and the treatment is amputation and then chemo. And so…I had my right front leg amputated. My thoughts: I have been diagnosed with mammary cancer and have had lumps and teats removed over the past three years. This is just another challenge for me. It will be what it will be.
Surprisingly, I have not been in too much pain. I was heavily medicated the first week, and I rested and slept a lot. I am beginning to resume my normal life, and I am hoping to get back to work at Mom’s school, helping the students and staff there. Of course, my “normal life” consists of lots of resting and sleeping, too…
I am also hoping to work at the Barnes and Noble Book Fair Fun Day with Dogs in Hadley, MA on November 14th as a Bright Spot Therapy Dog. Of course, my mom will be there with me – we are a team.
I have been fortunate that my brother, Toby, and my sister, Sophie, have given me so much support. They have provided me with comfort, company, and lots of love, which all aid in recovery. Mom has been beginning to push me a bit, taking me for rides (which I love), and insisting I walk more. She says if I want to get back to work with her, I need to walk more than I have been.
I am worried that people at school will feel sorry for me, which I do not want. Sure…I do look different than I did. And, yes, it is harder for me to get around. But I am doing pretty well, and I want people to see me as a dog who helps others, not just as a dog with three legs. Animals adapt better and more quickly than humans. We do not experience the emotional and intellectual loss that humans do. Who knows? Maybe I will be an inspiration to people.
My goal is to go to school with Mom one day this week. Mom says the students and staff have been asking about me. I have an appointment with my surgeon on Tuesday, so we will see what he says. Mom keeps telling me to take things as they come, one day at a time. I wonder if she says this more for me or for her… ~Coco