1. < Cancer

Am I selfish getting puppies while I am in remission?

Posted by isadora2021 @isadora2021, Jul 29 8:45pm

For decades my career was my great love. Absolutely had a ball. I always wanted a dog but knew I couldn’t because of the hours I worked away from home - not fair on a furry friend. I always had a dream of getting 2 puppies when I retired. But stage 4 appendix cancer at 58 wasn’t factored in! I worked from home through aggressive treatments and got to NED in May 2022. On 30 June 2023 with my finances all being in order I decided to retire (or as I like to think of it, to go on permanent vacation), It felt absolutely right. It has been absolutely right.

Yet I’ve put off getting my puppies because in a way I’m waiting for a recurrence.

A year later I’ve had enough of that attitude and am about to get 2 Labradoodle puppies. I’m financially able to have them and also deal with my cancer when it does return - hopefully years from now.

Has anyone else gone through a similar struggle with making decisions like this due to cancer? Putting off going overseas?

How did you deal with those decisions?

Thank you ❣️🙏

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Cancer Support Group.

gisellef | @gisellef | Sep 5 7:21am
In reply to @isadora2021 "What wonderful comments, thank you. I’m so glad Gidget Joy has so enriched your lives and..." + (show)
@isadora2021

What wonderful comments, thank you. I’m so glad Gidget Joy has so enriched your lives and you hers 😊❣️ That mutual love and trust with a fur baby is very special.

You are so right how we are the universe to our dogs - I must admit that’s what scares me so much: That I may get very ill again and sooner rather than later. I’m doing my best to have back up plans in place for “just in case” to help me get more comfortable around the “what ifs”. (Such as a doggy walker, doggy day care for an infusion day and a house sitter if I end up in hospital for any stretch). My nieces will also be able to help.

Thank you for your positive comments, and wishing you and your wife continuing love and activities with Gidget Joy!

Jump to this post

Now that you have a contingency plan you can relax and enjoy, forgetting the ‘what ifs.’ These moments of joy are life extenders and life enhancers.
Dogs are also keenly aware when their loved ones are not having a great health day and they will spend more quality time with their loved ones on those occasions. Best wishes on your journey.

REPLY
1 reply
isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | Sep 5 7:26am
In reply to @gisellef "Now that you have a contingency plan you can relax and enjoy, forgetting the ‘what ifs.’..." + (show)
@gisellef

Now that you have a contingency plan you can relax and enjoy, forgetting the ‘what ifs.’ These moments of joy are life extenders and life enhancers.
Dogs are also keenly aware when their loved ones are not having a great health day and they will spend more quality time with their loved ones on those occasions. Best wishes on your journey.

Jump to this post

@gisellef Thank you for those lovely thoughts. So true. They have enriched my life so much already and I treasure that special bond we’re building already.

REPLY
4me | @4me | Sep 5 11:08am
In reply to @isadora2021 "Just an update! My 2 gorgeous Labradoodle puppies came home today at 9 weeks. Lulu is..." + (show)
@isadora2021

Just an update! My 2 gorgeous Labradoodle puppies came home today at 9 weeks. Lulu is more poodle and Benji is more labrador! Such loveable scamps. My heart is full and I know they need a lot of work and loving 🥰 Thank you everyone for your support.

Jump to this post

Oh my gosh they are beautiful
Congrats and enjoy

REPLY
isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | Sep 5 6:55pm

@4me Thank you! In touch now with a puppy trainer to train the 3 of us 🙂

REPLY
donnajones | @donnajones | Sep 6 6:06am
In reply to @isadora2021 "Oh my goodness!! Toilet training is not going so well so far 😂" + (show)
@isadora2021

Oh my goodness!! Toilet training is not going so well so far 😂

Jump to this post

It never does. Just be patient, encouraging and consistent. Good luck nothing like a furry companion.

REPLY
isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | Sep 6 6:41am

Magic moments like this make it all so worth while 🙂❣️
REPLY
1 reply
gisellef | @gisellef | Sep 6 8:19am
In reply to @isadora2021 "Magic moments like this make it all so worth while 🙂❣️" + (show)
@isadora2021

Magic moments like this make it all so worth while 🙂❣️

Jump to this post

You could also post these photos in the ‘what brought you joy today’ thread. What wonderful memories you will have of these two cuties.

REPLY
isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | Sep 6 8:22am

Good idea! Share the love ♥️

REPLY
jmclemmo | @jmclemmo | Sep 6 8:35am

Absolutely get the puppies! They're great company and are excellent at helping with grounding/staying in the moment. I've found it's hard to give in to a panic attack when my pets are demanding food lol. But, especially if you live alone, have a contingency plan for feeding and walking if you need to be away from them (not just a treatment issue, but a living alone issue). Are there pet sitting services in your area, or family/friends nearby with keys who could get in to take care of the pups if you needed to be away longer than expected?

REPLY
isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | Sep 6 6:17pm

@jmclemmo Good advice. Yes I have a few neighbours with keys (and I have theirs) and if I suddenly end up in hospital or what not, they can get into my home 👍 I must check with them they still have them at hand!! My niece has a baby dachshund who is fully vaxxed and is coming for a play date next week after my pups have had their 2nd vax. My niece is so great with advice and I’m hoping she can also help with tips for toilet training. That is NOT going well!! We also start puppy school soon! I’ve also looked into doggy day care and home pet sitters and walkers for “just in case”. I’ll keep an ear open for other services. Thank you ❣️

REPLY
1 reply
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.