Sammy My Westie Full of Life and Love

by Debi
(Chicago)

Sammy my Westie was diagnosed with TCC in March of this year (2011) and was basically given 6 months to live.

Being that he is so full of life and still was acting like a puppy (he is 10.5) I made a promise to him that we were going to fight for his life. Sammy has the cutest personality - he turns his head from side to side when you talk to him and is always eager to share his favorite toy for you to throw for him. He loves to be held and his favorite spot to sleep is on the arm of the couch. He enjoys sitting in the window watching the birds and rabbits running around.

Each day when I come home from work he follows me and sits and waits patiently for his afternoon treat...he sits handsome and offers me his paw in exchange for his treat.

I was devastated when I learned of his cancer. Every day I am worried that I will see that he is starting to fail. It's now 8 months since he was diagnosed and I pray for as much time as I can get. I have used a variety of pills because I don't want to do the chemotherapy. The only real problem he has is the control of the bladder. He pees quite often in the house and sometimes I'm fully exhausted from cleaning up from him. I have a bucket of water with a disinfectant in it to clean my floors... I have pee pads on my carpet and I put a waterproof cover on my bed just in case he has an accident - none so far.

I'm eager to hear from others that may have ideas for how to deal with the peeing in the house. I am not ready for him to cross the bridge just yet... remember, we have a promise! I am not ready to let him go on that final walk because he is still active, although sometimes he seems like he is giving up. When he wants to play he grabs his baby (little stuffed animal) and wants you to play with him and runs like a maniac when you throw it. He gives the best kisses every night at bedtime and right now I cherish them more than anything.

Debi