A couple of weeks ago I had a visit from a relative on my husband’s side of the family. She had just received news the week before that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Horrible news, especially since her husband is presently undergoing an experimental treatment for Stage IV Lymphoma. She is a strong woman, but even strength can wear down when dealt too many cards at once. This is not her first experience with cancer. Her first husband died from cancer related illness and her son went through surgery/treatments a few years back and fortunately is now doing fine. Through it all, she has been the strong one ... the caregiver. What now?
During our conversation, the subject of their little dog came up. I’m sure you’ve heard of studies where dogs have been shown to have a sixth sense when someone has cancer? Well, it appears that their little pooch had been trying to give her a message prior to her diagnosis, but unfortunately, they hadn’t put the clues together. Over the last little while, the dog has been staying close to her – sitting on her knee every time she sat down and pushing its nuzzle into her chest – an action that was unusual in itself since the dog has been loyal to her husband since they first brought it home. Now, after her diagnosis, she understands why the change in loyalty .....
After they left, I started thinking about how Rocky, my dog for 16 ½ years, used to push his head into my abdomen. I always thought he had itchy eyes! Little did I know that he was trying to bring my attention to the Ovarian tumour that was growing inside.
I wish I had known then what I know now. Rocky's persistence may have been a very useful insight into what was wrong with me, saving a lot of unnecessary tests requested by the docs who were looking for everything but cancer.
So, the moral of this story? Pay attention if your dog (or cat) is showing signs of over-friendliness and pushing their heads into parts of your body that dogs normally don't stick their noses. Take note of where they are focusing and see your doctor, pronto!
Until next time ....
~ B-Optimisitic ~
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