Survivors and Celebrations

Harley's Story

When I was 17, Harley came into my life very suddenly. And, at a time when I was entering remission for Hodgkin's Disease stage II. This little 8 week old puppy wondered into the yard after narrowly missing the wheels of a big rig truck. From that day on she was my baby. And in retrospect, helped with my recovery and other hard times in life. 10 years we had together and she was the best! The model of a calm dog. So smart, playful, and caring. And photogenic! I love to take pictures and she loved to pose for them. I'm so glad too, because now I have many to look at and remember her by. During late December 2009 I noticed some changes and we made a vet visit. A week later things suddenly worsened and I already knew. All signs pointed to cancer. It broke my heart. Having survived cancer myself, now my baby was going through it. But, not for long. On January 13, 2010, it progressed to the point of no more options. No drug, surgery, or any other treatment on Earth would save her. The decision to let her go was tough, but clear. Harley was my sidekick...my shadow...always there. And if she weren't right there, she'd come at first call. My life felt very silent and still. I have great family and friends, but for the first time in 10 years I felt alone and it was quite a scary feeling. The cats were searching and calling for her. The past few months have definitely been different and things get better as I go along. One of the poems on her urn reads "Gone but not forgotten, although we are apart, your spirit lives within me, forever in my heart". I will always love that silly girl.