Rocky, a high-spirited Golden Retriever will forever live in the memory of pet parents Jacqueline and Steve Hansen. Though she died of hemangiosarcoma, a common type of cancer that claims many lives, Rocky’s zest for life is celebrated with photos, candles and a Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) memorial card that recalls happy times.

Proceeds from MAF’s pet memorial card fund research to treat, cure and prevent disease in pets, horses and wildlife. And they provide comfort to grieving pet parents.

 “Receiving that card was a concrete acknowledgment that people cared,” says Jacqueline. “It gave me comfort to know that Rocky was remembered. She was extra special. The spirit of puppy naughtiness stayed with her. She was playful to the last minute.”

For Rocky, every day was an adventure. Known to grab bagels from the desks of Jacqueline’s coworkers, and to dart out the back door at home to chase animals in the backyard, she was always in search of ways to stir up trouble.

A fighter to the end, Rocky battled hypoglycemia and pancreatitis, endured two surgeries and rose to each challenge. She was ten-and-a-half years old when she died of cancer.

Throughout her medical ordeal, Rocky’s high energy levels and enthusiasm convinced her family and veterinarian Robin Downing that she wanted to live. It was the trusted consultation with Downing, a pain consultant and owner of Windsor Veterinary Clinic, that bolstered the Hansens’ confidence during difficult times.

“Dr. Robin always treated Rocky like she was her own,” says Jacqueline. “I knew I could trust her to help us make the right decision for Rocky’s care.”

Despite the fact that Rocky had only 10 percent of her pancreas and required a special diet doled out every three to four hours, her exuberance never faltered. 

“It was like she had a watch on,” Jacqueline recalls. “She knew exactly when she was supposed to get her next meal, and she’d start whining.”

People questioned Rocky’s prolonged medical treatment, but Jacqueline explains, “We wanted to give her the best, most comfortable life she could have, and she kept bouncing back.”

However, when they learned about the fast-moving cancer—a disease that kills one in four dogs—the Hansens knew they had reached the end of borrowed time provided by advanced medical care and Rocky’s strength of spirit. 

“It was devastating because she had fought so long and hard to conquer the other illnesses, but she didn’t have a chance with this cancer — it killed her very fast,” Jacqueline recalls.

Rocky no longer wrestles with Maggie, the Hansen’s seven-year-old Golden Retriever. Her antics no longer prompt Jake, the Hansen’s eight-year-old son, to giggle, but her memory lives on within the hearts of those who loved her and donated to the Canine Cancer Campaign in her memory. The campaign, spearheaded by MAF, is a concerted research effort to prevent, treat and cure cancer.

“Cancer makes people feel helpless,” Jacqueline says. “Making a donation to Morris Animal Foundation makes you feel like you’ve done something. It helps you heal to know that you can maybe help someone else avoid this situation.”

Receiving memorial cards from friends, family members and Dr. Downing provided the Hansens with hope at an emotionally trying time. “It was so uplifting. It made us feel like, ‘wow, maybe she’ll live on in the body of another animal that can be cured or get a better treatment,’” Jacqueline says.

Reviewed by Amy I. Attas, VMD

Comments

Disclaimer: If you believe your pet is suffering from a health-related problem or if symptoms are recurring, please contact your veterinarian immediately. The comments and other content in this portion of the WebVet Site are submitted by WebVet Site users and visitors and are not generated, edited or reviewed by WebVet. WebVet disclaims all responsibility and liability for this content. Please refer to the Terms of Service, Posting and Submission of Material by Users, for the terms and conditions applicable to user generated content.

Sign in or register to leave a comment