Second Battle, Same Me

Tag: #cancersucks #sassythewonderdog

  • The Bell, the Mood, and the Great Treat Injustice

    By Sassy (obviously)

    Something weird is happening at my house.

    The air is lighter. People are laughing more. Mama hums while she walks around instead of sighing like a broken accordion. Daddy smiles like he knows a secret. And—this is important—we are no longer sitting around staring at each other like sad houseplants.

    Instead… Mama keeps ringing a doggone bell.

    I don’t know what the bell officially means, but every time it rings, everyone gets all emotional and happy. Mama says it’s a celebration bell. I say it’s loud, unnecessary, and should probably dispense treats. (It does not. Rude.)

    Now here’s where things take a turn.

    Mama looked at me the other day, put her hands on her hips, and said,

    “Sassy… you’re getting a little chunky.”

    EXCUSE ME.

    First of all, I prefer the term “well-loved.”
    Second of all, she immediately followed that up with,

    “We’re cutting back on treats.”

    We.

    Reader, allow me to be very clear: she did not cut back on her treats.

    I have personally witnessed her enjoying snacks while announcing my new dietary journey. She eats. I watch. This feels legally questionable.

    So now I get fewer treats, more walks (which I do enjoy, thank you very much), and a front-row seat to Mama celebrating life with bells and snacks and joy and zero accountability.

    But… here’s the thing.

    Even with the injustice.
    Even with the treat betrayal.
    Even with my kibble-only future.

    The house feels good again.

    Mama laughs. Daddy relaxes. The bell rings. We move, we go places, we live instead of waiting. And honestly? I’d trade a few treats for that any day.

    (But not all the treats. Let’s not get crazy.)

    Love,
    Sassy 🐕
    Still fabulous. Slightly less fed. Very hopeful.

  • Leaving On a Jet Plane…

    Yes, With a Carry-on or Two

    Guess what, folks? The numbers were great. Like, “pack your bag and go live a little” great. And let me just brag for a second: for the first time ever, I packed in an hour. An HOUR. And everything actually fit in the carry-on. (Airline baggage fees, you will not be getting me this round.)

    I’m giddy to meet up with friends and see new scenery. The thought of laughing, eating, and soaking up joy that doesn’t involve a hospital chair feels downright luxurious. Sometimes, life throws you a bone—or in my case, a boarding pass—and I’m running with it.

    Thank you for all the prayers, good vibes, and cosmic wishes you keep sending my way. I swear the universe must be listening, because occasionally things actually line up just the way you want them to.

    Now, don’t get it twisted—the battle’s not over. Chemo comes calling again next Friday, the long-haul kind. But until I get back? I’m going to play hard, laugh loud, and live like I never got acquainted with the uninvited houseguest we’ll just call “You-Know-Who.” (And no, not Voldemort—though frankly, cancer’s got the same level of evil.)

    For those of you are wondering, Sassy did not get to go. She is going to her favorite home away from home at Serenity K9 where the best people take the best care of her. And teach her things too. If you are interested in learning more about Lauren and Serenity K)9. https://www.serenityk9.org/