what's going on with Daisy

and dreams coming true

Hi everyone. I want to share about what is going on with Daisy’s health while we are in the middle of the mystery. While so much is still so unknown. While we are piecing together small bits of information and possibilities. While my heart holds acceptance, tenderness, sadness, fear, absolute joy ~ devastation and enchantment.

Last week I got a call from Daisy’s veterinarian to review some routine bloodwork. In short, there were very elevated liver enzymes. Enough to cause concern for the possibility of something like hepatitis or cancer in her liver.

I always wondered how I’d respond to the possibility of one of my dogs having cancer and it was strange. I sort of left my body. It didn’t register until we got off the phone. And then the tears came. The shock. The disbelief. And all while I still really don’t know exactly what is going on. Whether cancer is present or not, this was a reminder that everything is temporary. That everything and everyone we love we will lose. That, unfortunately, my dogs won’t another 20, 30, 40 years alongside me. At least not physically.

So after taking some time to process the initial information, I set a plan in motion. I took the recommendation of our veterinarian to schedule an ultrasound of Daisy’s abdomen. And also scheduled an appointment with a holistic vet who helped me immensely when Ari was having chronic ear infections (she doesn’t get them anymore!).

And through this all - loving on Daisy and playing with her and laughing at her sass.

One of my friends reminded me: Daisy doesn’t know she is sick, so don’t treat her like she is. (Thanks Molly at Dog River Pet Supply in Hood River!). Animals are like sponges and they will absorb and reflect the energy we are putting out and directly AT them especially.

Yesterday we had the appointment with the holistic veterinarian (Dr. Keith Weingardt in Portland) and it was SO HELPFUL. He was so glad to hear that I have the ultrasound scheduled for next week and the summary of our appointment is that even if Daisy has the most aggressive, worst type of cancer ~ there are still ways we can help and support her body.

At this time I am feeling really well resourced and am NOT looking for suggestions for Daisy’s plan of care. We are asking for your love and care and energy for sweet Daisy. And for me and Ari as we navigate this. It all came as a shock because Daisy has been acting like … Daisy! Today when I took the dogs to the off-leash spot on the river they both ran around, got the zoomies and played with other dogs.

This whole experience has called me back to mama death and the choices I want to make for my beloveds at the ends of their lives. And I am not one to avoid the hard conversations. Especially when it comes to death and dying. I want to take the information we receive as it comes. To accept what may be. Daisy and Ari are at the center of my universe. They are soul dogs. They are familiars. They are family. I can’t imagine life without them and this has just been such a reminder that I will one day experience life without them here physically.

The unexpected tests, ultrasound, possible biopsy, and vet appointments are going to cost at least $1000 and I’m hoping Daisy’s insurance will reimburse me for part of it after I meet my deductible. So far folks have already sent in $650 and it makes SUCH A difference so that I can keep saying YES to these tests and gathering information. If you are able to help soften the financial toll this is taking, any amount is appreciated. Please put “Daisy” in your note.

🌀 Venmo - @Maggie-Converse

I will continue to share more as I know more. Thank you for being here 💜

with care,

Maggie

PS. Another way to support this journey is to become a paid subscriber of my Substack, Listen Curiously!