Blue the Dog
Donation protected
I often think of Blue as the perfect “storybook hound doggo.” From his flippity-floppity ears and shining blue eye to those loooong, skinny legs that end in four white socks… his goofy grin makes it look like he went frolicking thru wet paint before bouncing off the pages of a children’s book and into real life… my lanky, mischievous, blue/brown-eyed Bug! I never imagined I would write this story for him:
A few weeks ago, we noticed a lump/bump on Blue’s chest… nothing too exciting. We kept an eye on it and did our best to keep him from licking and scratching, resorting to his “hat” and “socks” for help. Initially we suspected allergies were causing him to repeatedly lick/scratch the spot. Over the next week it began to change in appearance, quickly growing larger and becoming ulcerated. Finally, during a pivotal Air Force One scene… when the zealots take control of the President’s plane, Blue clawed it open, prompting our first visit to the vet.
It’s been a long few weeks of waiting between vet visits and keeping the spot clean— comically, the best way to keep it dressed is with a sports bra, padded with paper towels and gauze. Blue tolerates it, but he definitely knows we are laughing at him and doesn’t find it quite as amusing as we do. In efforts to keep a lighter tone, Sean and I have been referring to this spot as Blue’s “nip” or his “coondis.” (“It’s a coondis!”) I think we’ll keep using those words even if his surgery team now calls it a mast cell tumor. We don’t yet know what grade or where else it might be, but it often metastasizes to the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Blue has imaging, biopsies, and removal scheduled.
I’m once again amazed by how patient and gentle this dog of mine is. He’s a trooper! I know it’s not his favorite, but he willingly allows us to help him into his hat and socks each day. I’ve been hesitant to share this information and to ask for help, but seeing as how great Blue has been at embracing the uncomfortable … I’ll take his lead and try to do the same. COVID brought an unexpected and abrupt end to our travel nurse endeavors. I’m very grateful to be welcomed home by my work family. They’ve been so supportive as I’ve picked up hours as a “casual” nurse, but the relatively few hours I’ve worked aren’t enough to cover the estimated cost of Blue’s latest adventure, so here we are!
We welcome your good vibes, love, and support in whatever form it takes. Blue prefers chimpkin (chicken) flavored treats. I dig on text check-ins, and Sean’s just content when I’m not endlessly ugly crying. If you feel inclined to send financial love, please know we are grateful beyond words.
I’m not quite sure how to describe what this rescued hound dog means to me. I’ve written and erased so many things, not able to adequately express myself. A dear friend pointed out that “a picture speaks a thousand words,” and since I love pictures so much… you’ll find many thousand word essays about Blue on FB and IG. He really is the best dog, and definitely worth fighting for, so that’s what we are doing! I hope he knows how much he’s loved.
With hope and gratitude—Anna, Sean, and Blue
#bluebattlesback
#itsacoondis
A few weeks ago, we noticed a lump/bump on Blue’s chest… nothing too exciting. We kept an eye on it and did our best to keep him from licking and scratching, resorting to his “hat” and “socks” for help. Initially we suspected allergies were causing him to repeatedly lick/scratch the spot. Over the next week it began to change in appearance, quickly growing larger and becoming ulcerated. Finally, during a pivotal Air Force One scene… when the zealots take control of the President’s plane, Blue clawed it open, prompting our first visit to the vet.
It’s been a long few weeks of waiting between vet visits and keeping the spot clean— comically, the best way to keep it dressed is with a sports bra, padded with paper towels and gauze. Blue tolerates it, but he definitely knows we are laughing at him and doesn’t find it quite as amusing as we do. In efforts to keep a lighter tone, Sean and I have been referring to this spot as Blue’s “nip” or his “coondis.” (“It’s a coondis!”) I think we’ll keep using those words even if his surgery team now calls it a mast cell tumor. We don’t yet know what grade or where else it might be, but it often metastasizes to the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Blue has imaging, biopsies, and removal scheduled.
I’m once again amazed by how patient and gentle this dog of mine is. He’s a trooper! I know it’s not his favorite, but he willingly allows us to help him into his hat and socks each day. I’ve been hesitant to share this information and to ask for help, but seeing as how great Blue has been at embracing the uncomfortable … I’ll take his lead and try to do the same. COVID brought an unexpected and abrupt end to our travel nurse endeavors. I’m very grateful to be welcomed home by my work family. They’ve been so supportive as I’ve picked up hours as a “casual” nurse, but the relatively few hours I’ve worked aren’t enough to cover the estimated cost of Blue’s latest adventure, so here we are!
We welcome your good vibes, love, and support in whatever form it takes. Blue prefers chimpkin (chicken) flavored treats. I dig on text check-ins, and Sean’s just content when I’m not endlessly ugly crying. If you feel inclined to send financial love, please know we are grateful beyond words.
I’m not quite sure how to describe what this rescued hound dog means to me. I’ve written and erased so many things, not able to adequately express myself. A dear friend pointed out that “a picture speaks a thousand words,” and since I love pictures so much… you’ll find many thousand word essays about Blue on FB and IG. He really is the best dog, and definitely worth fighting for, so that’s what we are doing! I hope he knows how much he’s loved.
With hope and gratitude—Anna, Sean, and Blue
#bluebattlesback
#itsacoondis
Organizer
Anna Tan
Organizer
St. Paul, MN