One of Those Days

My retired guide dog Vidal has cancer. I learned of this last night when my friend Barbara (who adopted Mr. V as a family pet) called to say  that my old buddy is in the vet hospital with some serious problems.

More exactly he has one problem, a big one. He has a tumor that’s constricting his urethra. This is apparently limited to just this location and presumably the tumor can be surgically removed but the issue has to do with the enormity of that operation. To get where they need to go they will have to break his pelvic bone and with an 11 year old dog there’s no telling whether he would recover from that.

So right now we’re waiting to hear whether they think they can just shrink the thing with meds or what.

I know that Vidal has become an inseparable family companion for Barbara and her daughter Zoe. They have been loving him like the prince he is (though he’s naughty and likes to steal food whenever he can grab it) and they’ve learned to love his bark and his eagerness for walks and for romps in the backyard.

I’m just sitting in the University of Iowa library feeling a horrid gray net fall over me. I need to accomplish several tasks today and doubtless I’ll get them done but I want to weep openly and I’m putting the majority of my energies into holding my face tight as a screw.

Vidal I love you.

 

S.K.

Unknown's avatar

Author: stevekuusisto

Poet, Essayist, Blogger, Journalist, Memoirist, Disability Rights Advocate, Public Speaker, Professor, Syracuse University

0 thoughts on “One of Those Days”

  1. Steve, I hope you’ve taken time to cry, a lot. Vidal is one very special pup. I will never, ever forget cuddling, playing and walking with him at PLU a few years back, and then the joy of seeing him with you and Connie at Chattauqua two summers ago. Please know you and Connie are in my thoughts and prayers. — Georgia

    Like

  2. Steve,
    My heart breaks for your beloved Vidal and for you. This is, I believe, one of the most bittersweet things about the strange and wonderful relationship we humans share with our animal friends — that their lives are so much shorter than ours. And yet our grief at their departure is just as intense as it is when we lose a human loved one, as it should be. Your post makes me remember all the dear canine soul-friends I’ve loved and lost over the years and brings tears to my eyes. I wish I could hug you both.

    Like

  3. I’m sorry about Vidal’s illness and hope he’s not in too much pain. One of my dogs lived with a very similar cancer for a couple of years, with initial treatments providing some delays. I hope Vidal still has some good days ahead–he’s young for a well-loved dog to go. This must be so difficult for all of you.

    Like

  6. Steve,
    I randomly checked your blog and saw the heartbreaking news about Vidal. I am so sorry. I have moved to Orlando and am teaching English at a private high school. I love it! I would love to catch up with you. My phone number is (614) 448-6077, me e-mail is kkowars@gmail.com. I’m still doing the website. You are in my prayers.
    Peace & Love,
    Kacey

    Like

Leave a comment