Peeps, lets’ take time out from the funny stuff to recognize a canine hero. Reader Laura H. shares this picture of Melody, her brave greyhound battling cancer. Here’s Laura to tell us what makes Melody so special:
It was taken when Melody and Sebastian were taking a breather from their work as therapy dogs. There was one little girl who fell in love with Melody, and spent about 20 minutes just cuddling with Melody, absorbing Melody’s amazingly soothing and healing energy.
Although Laura got some recent good news — a drug that will let Melody live a few months longer — Melody can no longer do her therapy work. “She will be greatly missed by everyone who’s ever met her,” says Laura.
Laura is part of a therapy dog group called Paws for Friendship, a national CFC participant (a program for federal employees). Its CFC group number is 75395.
Thanks, Mike!
Thank you.
To you and Melody. She is a very good girl.
Melody is the Goodest Girl—and so are you, Laura!
What an amazing girl! So glad about your good news. I’ve been having computer problems since last weekend so didn’t chime in on the open thread, but your news broke my heart. You’ve all been in my thoughts this week.
Laura
What a wonderful therapy dog Melody is. Even if she no longer can go ‘out’ to do therapy, she’s doing it within your home for you and your husband. Blessings and love to all of you. Please remember all the love she gave to others during her active therapy visits. She made a difference in many lives. Those are precious memories you’ll treasure forever. And Thank You to the vet who gives her the new medication to keep her going and giving love at home.
Okay, Mike, now you’re gonna make me cry. I didn’t know Melody is not only a cherished and beloved pet but she’s also given so much to so many who have needed her. You go, girl! ❤❤❤
Laura! Your Melody is such a lovely, lovely lady. Please give her an eye smile and a gentle nose-boop for me. Thinking of you guys.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
What a beautiful, beautiful, very good girl! I’m so, so glad she has more time.
As someone who as a kid has taken comfort from furry pals, Melody is truly a hero in my book. I’m glad to know she will have more time to be loved.
Tearing up over here. Melody is just a beautiful dog, both outside and inside. Fight the good battle Melody and may your remaining days be filled with lots of treats and soft spots to curl up in. Hugs to both of you, Laura. I think you still have Sebastian. How’s he handling the situation?
Sebastian stayed with a neighbor while we took Melody to the oncologist. They were also dogsitting another cocker spaniel, and Sebastian played so hard that he developed a pinched nerve in his neck! Poor little guy. We’re going to try to find someone who does good acupuncture and acupressure to get him back in shape. Silly dog!
He hangs around Melody in particular at meals, hoping to get some leftovers. Unfortunately, her appetite is as good as it usually is, so he doesn’t get much, to his disappointment!
Oh, Sebastian! Much love to you, too!
I had an acupuncturist who helped with Ricky’s arthritis; although the gains were smallish, they were still gains, and made a happy difference; I thought it was well worth it. Good luck with it!
Oh She beautiful! Thank you for sending us a pic of your gorgeous girl. Thinking of you all and I’m glad she has a bit more time with you. xoxoxo
Thank you Goodest Melody, for all you do! And thank you Laura, hubby & Good Friend Sébastien for sharing your thoughts with us.
Special place in my heart for therapy doggies. When my father was dying last Christmas, and I was sitting with him feeling very hopeless and sad, a therapy dog happened by at just the right moment, dressed up for the holidays. I can’t begin to express how much it helped in a difficult moment. I will never forget it.
Awww. I love the longness of Greyhounds! It looks like they are walking on stilts. And their sleek heads! The longness of the snoot!
A truly exquisite girl. I’m glad your time together is extended even a little bit. ❤️
Thanks for the nice things you all said, everyone. But don’t give me the credit for taking the dogs on therapy visits. With my very bad back, I simply can’t walk that much so my husband is the one who takes them out. He and they have, for the past couple of years, put in 8-10 hours a week at the VA hospital and a couple of nice nursing homes, one a state-run home for veterans. They’ve also done special events, including fundraisers at a local Macy’s that are usually also attended by Tabasco the therapy tortoise! I promise to get a picture for you all someday.
The picture was taken at the local children’s museum, incidentally. Both dogs adore children! It’s very sweet, as you can imagine. I got one photo of Melody with a darling little boy and the parents gave permission for the group to see the photo, but I just am not comfortable putting a photo of someone else’s child on the internet. So unfortunately you’ll have to just imagine his huge, proud smile!
Well, I’m a mess over here – what a lovely dog is Melody and I am happy for your being able to enjoy her loveliness for a bit more – it’s never enough but it gives you time to come to terms and to spoil her silly. I wish you peace with all of it, she is a lucky dog and you are lucky to have such a grand gal.
I love the therapy dogs that come to my hospital. The kids collect their photos like another generation did baseball cards. And oh, how sad they are when for some reason they have to miss the visit of a favorite dog (sadly, some of them are in the hospital long enough or often enough to have a favorite). And sometimes, when one of us on the staff need puppy love, they’re happy to give us some licks too. Such fine upstanding canine citizens. Thank you for sharing Melody’s love with so many who really needed her.