A wonderful "retirement" home ...

[keylargolady100]

Originally Posted by nlappegard

Hi Kevin ,
I am so happy Catrina is doing so well but i new she would she was always a sweet heart for me full of joy and happiness these yorkies are so wonderful. Nothing in the world could ever compare to there personality I think there really human non of mine are dogs they are so smart and they bring so much love and joy into my life there way better then TV at least i think so. Give your mom a hug for me and give Catrina one to I sure miss her but as long as i know she's happy thats very important to me. I always believed that god puts people in your life for a reason. It's so strange because normally i am a very busy person and i don't always have time to read all the threads on Yorkie Talk why is it i decided to read the threads when Kevin needed a dog for her mom is beyond me it just goes to show how God works in out lives. I am so thankful each and every day for the sweet little yorkies he has blessed me with they are such a gift.

You my friend is what makes yorkie talk such a wonderful place.
You are a true Angel.

[kalina82]

what wonderful pictures. Both your mom and katrina look so happy. I'm thrilled for you guys

[kcarey13]

What a wonderful Story!!
If the world could only be like this everywhere....kindness and compassion is all that is needed. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story!!

[Fashionlady]

They both look so happy!!! Glad to see them together finally. This is such a happy ending!!! I love happy ending. gods kniw the world could use a few more.

[YorkieShadow]

Such a sweet story. Im so glad this little one has warmed all your hearts.
She looks like such a sweet heart. Many thanks to Natalie for bringing so much love to your mom at a time she needs it most. I was so happy to see this all end so good, some times you don't know whats going on on the internet. and even though we know there are so many on YT with wonderful hearts. Just so happy to see the pictures and know that another Yorkie has made another person so happy.another YT Happy Story.

Just concerned so
I have to ask was it owed by your moms Dr that she be allowed around a dog during chemo/radiation? I know nothing about this but have another YT friend who is getting chemo/radiation and I could of swore she mentioned that she wasn't going to be around or touch her Yorkies during this time not sure if its bad for the person or the dog. thinking the dog but now sure. But Im hoping Im wrong about this.If I see her on Ill ask her about it. but being your mom is going through this, Im sure she know the do's and don'ts. Im just a worry wart.

[cmgny42]

Thank you so much for posting pictures! I am so glad everything has worked out. Catrina looks very happy (and so does your mom!).

[AngieDoogles]

Originally Posted by YorkieShadow

Such a sweet story. Im so glad this little one has warmed all your hearts.
She looks like such a sweet heart. Many thanks to Natalie for bring so much love to your mom at a time she needs it most. I was so happy to see this all end so good, some times you dont know whats going on on the internet. and even though we know there are so many on YT with wonderful hearts. Just so ahppy to see the pictures and know that another Yorkie has made another person so happy.another YT Happy Story.

Just concerned so
I have to ask was it oked by your moms Dr that she be allowed around a dog during cemo/radiation? I know nothing about this but have another YT friend who is getting cemo/radiation and I could of swore she mentioned that she wasnt going to be around or touch her Yorkies during this time not sure if its bad for the person or the dog. thinking the dog but now sure. But Im hoping Im wrong about this.If I see her on Ill ask her about it.

You have to be careful about germs and infections during chemo because your white blood cell count can drop and it is easier to get sick. When my Mom was receiving chemo the oncologist told her to be very careful around her Maltese. My siblings and I helped her by taking care of his food and water, his baths, and by taking him outside. There are so many things you have to change during chemo. My mom wasn't even allowed to water her plants and we had to move them out of the living room for her. I think it helps if there is someone around to help take care of a cancer patient's pets during chemo, because having Chipper around really brightened her day many times.

To the OP: This post made me so happy. I'm so glad that little Catrina was able to make your Mom and you smile during this difficult time. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.

[Keven]

Evening, ladies ...

Miss Catrina is spoiling Mom again tonight. They are both in nap mode on the sofa right now. It is a match made in heaven.

Chemo and dogs ... as I mention in my first post, this is Mom's round three with chemo and radiation. She's always had a best friend (Yorkie) to cheer her though. Thank goodness and Natalie, now she does again. Her doctor has actually heard about Catrina when all this started and completely supports and fosters their relationship. I'm sure there are oncologists out there that probably would not be in favor, because of dropping white counts, etc., but those I know are all for it. Dogs are good for the health - just reaching out and touching one can lower the blood pressure! Besides, let's face it: some doctors go home to dogs and others don't.

Mom's an old pro at this cancer stuff. My goodness - what a terrible thing to be good at. She's struggled with the white count up and down too many times to count, but believe it or not: she's never once had to have a transfusion to balance the count. That's just this side of amazing for the amount and levels of chemo she's had. A trick she's found: take two teaspoons of Steen's Pure Ribbon Cane Syrup every morning to boost your iron. There must be something to it!

I promise you that I've thought it all through. We realize that this time is different than the past. I have a dear friend that's also my dogs' trainer standing by to pick up Catrina and take her to visit if it's a "bad day" and I'm in Texas - or if Catrina just needs to get out. I have another dear friend about an hour away that is on stand by for "days to weeks" ... in case we are in the hospital or otherwise incapable of taking care of the girl for a little while. I house sit and keep her two little babies and great dane when she takes trips. These ladies and I share the same level of care of our dogs. And, well, I'm the long term plan and my home is and will always be opened to her as her own for all her days.

We lost my little brother to his first bout with cancer. Not a day passes in any of our lives that we don't think of him - with a tear and a smile. The reality is you simply can't always pull through and come out as "a survivor". We have to fight a tough fight and can't tell the future. I can assure you that I'd never have even begun the search for this precious little "best friend", who I now call my little sister, if I didn't have all the ducks in a row. We realized that this is a long term obligation and responsibility.

I'd love nothing more than to celebrate Catrina's 17th birthday with her- no matter where the party may be. No matter where it is, I already know my Mom will be attending - in body or spirit.

Catrina is a blessing in so many ways. I don't kid myself I can even begin to count them all yet.

[jrsygal37]

Keven I'm so happy for your mom and for Catrina. Dogs do make a difference in helping people heal. I'm pretty private so it's a lot for me to come on and line and say this but I had Leukemia and if it weren't for my Bella who literally stayed by myside 24/7 I don't think I could have pulled out of it. I can remember at the time I was diagnosed my Bella being bit by a Brown Recluse. At the time we did not know what happened to her. She had just gone out to potty and I watched her lay still and I ran to pick her up. I can remember my husband driving no flying to get her to the emergency vet and my crying that I did not know how I'd get through without her. She was and still is my best friend. I have five but Bella will always be my angel. We had her since 5 weeks. She was near death when I took her into my home and nursed her and she returned the favor when I become too sick to get out of bed. I think Catrina will do miracles for you mom and I'm so happy that they have each other.

Elaine

[stedmansmommy]

I just read all the updates and what an amazing story it is! Kevin, I am so incredibly happy to hear that little Catrina is getting along so well in her new home - that is absolutely wonderful news! And I just want to say - I wish your dear, sweet mom all the best in her fight with Cancer. You guys stay strong and keep the Faith! Blessing to you and your entire family!

Hugs to you all and God Bless!

[oopsmyhalofello]

I have followed this thread but not yet posted until today. I just have to say that this is one of the most heartwarming stories I have read. What a wonderful giving person Natalie is for offering such a sweet baby to help your mother. Pet's, dogs inparticular do make a difference and it is awesome that your Mother (father and you too) have bonded so nicely with Catrina. I will keep your mother in my prayers, my mother has cancer also and has had to go undergo chemo, it is a very difficult time.

[Keven]

Thank you all, sincerely, for the kind thoughts and prayers. For sharing your stories - my heart thanks you and hope is rekindled to a new high. You have all been so kind and welcoming of the issue that brought me here. That's so rare "these days", and so appreciated every minute of mine.

Just a "settled in" update on our Ms Catrina ... she's doing fantastic. She was recently self promoted to alpha dog in the pack of three. Having a wonderful time - no matter what she's doing at the time. It's with great pride she reports the neighbors' cats have moved back to their own house and she's resecured the area for the doves to feed. The squirrels are in their trees - where squirrels should be - and stay! Outside water bowls are perfect for a quick dip on a warm day and nothing warms the heart like making an entire family laugh that hasn't in too long.

We've smiled so much, our faces hurt. She's played so hard, she's still having two square meals a day and has still lost almost a pound.

I'm heading back to Texas later this week. I'm sure going to miss my new little sister but I'll see her in just a couple of weeks and I'll leave dirty clothes as they still make the best place to sleep, in her humble opinion. You're right ... what is "humble" about a Yorkie's opinion? Hmm. A belated Happy Mother's Day to all!!

Kev and Catrina

[BonBon]

Keven,

I'm so glad to hear Catrina has assumed her rightful place in the family and is taking her new duties seriously. It's reassuring to know those cats and squirrels are back where they belong!!

She looks sooooo happy in that picture that I have to smile when I look at it! What a sweetheart she is!