Guest Blogger: Samantha C.
March, 2024
After reading the blog, please watch this wonderful family’s testimonial here.
Cheech was born in Colorado in October of 2015. I adopted him in December of 2015. After taking him home to Summit County, CO, we decided to move to San Diego, CA for a few years. Although Cheech found a new appreciation for the beach, especially the warm sand, he moved back to Colorado with me – right before COVID hit. After a few months of isolation, we moved to New Jersey to be closer to my mom. My mom was never interested in small breeds, but spending time with Cheech quickly changed her mind. She was so proud of Cheech that she constantly bragged to her friends, coworkers, and strangers about her ‘granddog’. Although I wasn’t quite sure that Cheech would like Jersey, he quickly found his nose back in the sand.
When I began working again, I decided that we belonged in Colorado, so I started planning for our big move back to Cheech’s birth state. On our drive from Jersey to Colorado was uneventful, but then Cheech started to howl once we crossed the Colorado border. Cheech learned to howl at a young age, sometimes repeating phrases back, but this howl was different. He knew he was home!
Although Colorado can’t offer Cheech the sandy beaches and salty waves that he learned to enjoy in the coastal states, he has found plenty of activities to love here – especially if it involves spending time with his human mom! Cheech enjoys riding in bike baskets, splashing in shallow streams, trotting around disc golf courses, hiking, digging holes in the dirt (and sticking his head in it afterwards), making blanket forts, and taking naps in mom’s sweatshirts. While snow may not be his biggest ally, Cheech continues to display curiosity when he sees those ‘little cold, wet, frozen things’ falling from the sky.
Cheech has always been extremely friendly with other animals and people, sometimes exerting extremely submissive behavior that enables bigger dogs to dominate him. He knows that mom will always come to the rescue, so he goes into each situation with confidence. In the few times that Cheech has felt threatened, it has been to protect me. Regardless of his size, Cheech does his best to showcase his loyalty and protection.
Though Cheech initially chose me, he reminds me daily why I chose him. I’ve always looked at Cheech as having human-like qualities. He is goofy, kindhearted, intelligent, compassionate, empathetic, and a genuine companion. Cheech has helped me through some of my worst days, but he’s also been alongside of me through my best days. Out of all of the things he’s taught me, I am most thankful for learning how to love. I’ve always struggled with fearful avoidant attachment style, but Cheech makes loving easy. The unconditional love that I’ve received from him has been unmatchable and unforgettable. The days I don’t believe I deserve love are the days Cheech goes out of his way to ensure I receive it.
Cheech has demonstrated courage, forgiveness, resilience, and growth in all of the ways we wish a companion would. He continues to inspire me daily, especially after observing him change a stranger’s mind in under 30 seconds. He may be a small dog, but his heart, personality, (and appetite) are bigger than they appear.
Cheech was scheduled for his annual shots and dental exam at his home vet in Dillon, CO in early February 2024. During his exam, the vet team noticed swollen lymph nodes that I failed to recognize. The vet came in to tell me the hypothetical suggestion of Cheech’s diagnosis. Completely blindsided and numb, I began to think the worst. After a few days, I learned of Cheech’s Stage 3 Multicentric Lymphoma diagnosis. I immediately scheduled an appointment with a Vet Oncologist to learn more about Cheech’s condition and treatment options. After our Vet Oncologist visit, I felt unworthy of having Cheech as my companion, as I could not afford any of the options they offered me. Knowing how aggressive chemotherapy can be, especially for a smaller dog, I didn’t want to sell my car to put him through that – especially knowing this wouldn’t cure him. After a few minutes of mulling over the options, I decided to pursue the L-spar shot and oral steroids, as this was the most ‘affordable’ option. That visit totaled out to be $876.48, after just spending $609.13 the following week at his primary vet. I quickly came to terms that this is not something I can continue to pursue, as I do not bring in a large sum of money each month. Once I got home, I looked through my Excel spreadsheet to see what I could cut out of my life to ensure Cheech received the medical care that he needs. With the cut expenses, I still could not afford to pay for Cheech’s care monthly.
I felt like I failed Cheech as a mom. I told myself that I was a terrible person knowing that I would continue living my life, paying my bills, and basically ‘allowing’ my dog to pass away. This destroyed me, beginning to consume me. Luckily, my boyfriend has been a huge emotional support, continuously reminding me to show up for Cheech like he has for me all of these years. While my boyfriend is unable to monetarily contribute towards Cheech’s medical bills, he has been a great reminder on who I need to be for Cheech during this time.
After changing Cheech’s food to a more holistic, well-balanced meal from Dr. Harvey’s, continuing to monitor his daily vitamin, and giving him his daily steroid, I decided to apply for financial assistance with KarmaSue. Although I did not want to pursue an aggressive treatment, I decided to continue with the L-spar shots, as his first (and only) shot that he received has made a huge difference. Additionally, I found a holistic vet that reviewed Cheech’s records and is willing to do what she can to make a difference in his life. I understand that Cheech will not live as long as I will, unfortunately, but I also understand that this disease is not curable. With KarmaSue’s help, I am able to continue palliative care for Cheech. I will also work with the holistic vet on prolonging his life as best as we can – as long as he is not suffering.
Cheech has been such a blessing in my life. He’s my best friend, my fur baby, and my other half. After 8 years together, he continues to choose me, so I am doing what I can to reciprocate.
KarmaSue 