Endings and Beginnings

It's been almost a week since I lost my Maggie. Each day is a little easier but it's still hard to accept that she's gone. While my time with her has ended, my memories of all the happiness, companionship and unyielding devotion she gave me will live forever in my heart. I picked up her ashes from Kettering Animal Hospital today... that was an incredibly difficult drive home.

Then, a couple of hours ago, I received a phone call that could very well be a new phase of my career. I am close to accepting a new job, and may start as soon as next Monday, March 3rd. I'm going to be leveraging my skills and experience in a different type of software company, and I'm very fortunate to have this rare opportunity.

What a strange sensation... simultaneously feeling the pain of losing my best friend while being excited about starting a fantastic new job.

A very sad day

I lost my best friend, my true companion of the last ten years. At 6pm today, Maggie's battle with mast cell tumors came to a swift and quiet end. Thankfully, her last days were happy and playful, with very little suffering. I will never forget the boundless love, patience and joy she gave me every day.

Some good news to start the new year

As you may know, Maggie's fight against mast cell tumors (MCT) on her chest, legs and in her spleen has been taking its toll on my little trooper. Although chemotherapy helped her last year, her treatment this November was not a success. Her blood platelet count decreased from 94,000 in late November to a low of 40,000 at the end of December. (A normal count is anywhere from 200,000 to 400,000.) The day after Christmas, her prognosis was grim and we figured that she had only a few weeks left. Her oncologist doubled her dose of prednisone, and I doubled her dose of Milk Bones and rawhide. Throughout the process Maggie has been content and active, and the goal all along has been to simply maintain her comfort, minimize her suffering and maximize her happiness.


On Monday, Mom and I took her for what we thought would be her last CBC (blood count). Given the consistent rate of decline, we expected a platelet count around 15,000 to 20,000 and there wasn't much point in subjecting her to more tests in her final weeks. However, thanks to the increased dose of prednisone and Benadryl over the previous week, her count is now UP to 60,000. Quite simply, this means that the MCT isn't advancing as aggressively as before. The increased platelet count isn't a guarantee of anything, but it's sure better than another decline. Her regular vet is pleased with the results, so we're going to continue the 40mg prednisone regimen and, as always, enjoy every day we have with her.


For Maggie, 2008 truly is starting out a happy new year. Each day with her is one more happy day of barks, bones, kisses and naps. If you had asked me a year ago how I felt about the sound of her playing with her squeaky toys, I would have grunted a negative response. These days, those squeaks are music to my ears.

I hope your year is starting well. And don't forget to enjoy each day.