We thought he was just getting old, after all he is more than thirteen years old so the fact that he was slowing down wasn't surprising. Then one morning he refused to eat. Whoa. That's like the sun not rising in the east; Dingo never misses a meal. Fast forward a week and we had a diagnosis; lymphoma. After a number of consultations; one with our veterinarian, one with a veterinary oncologist and one with our bank account, we made the decision to treat it.

Much is known about canine lymphoma and it's one of the most treatable forms of cancer while also being a well-tolerated protocol of four months of four weekly treatments. The first month was a little tough on him (and us watching him struggle to eat and not bark for his morning walk) while they were adjusting the dosage amounts but he sailed through his second month and is now half way through the protocol and we can tell is feeling so much better. He's been running around like a young, thirteen year old dog, eating like a horse and has actually gained weight.

For all of this, we are beyond grateful. We used to say "Dingo, quiet" when he barked for his morning walk and got the other three dogs barking along with him - that was until he didn't bark when he wasn't feeling well and it was like a knife to our hearts. Dingo barking for his morning walk is like a barometer for how he feels.  

After all the veterinary phone calls, the next one was to my friend, and wonderful photographer, Sylvia Elzafon for new family photos. The last time she photographed us was in 2017, but we have a new family member with Rooney and the thought of having a new family portrait that included him, but not Dingo, was more than I could bear. For her friendship, I am grateful. 

Thanksgiving is next week and it might be hard to think of what you're grateful for in this crazy year that is 2020, but week 47 in the Pet Photography 52 Week Project is themed "gratitude" so for me it was easy. I can't think of anything that I'm more grateful for this year than to have our sweet Dingo still with us.