Lacey, my special one, passed away as end of life came quite swiftly. She was a 3-month-old rescue when I brought her into my home to share with my other rescue dog, Gunner. Together they brought energy and love to my quiet home. The later part of her journey was not an easy one, yet you would never know that from her actions. Her joy of life and will to live was a lesson I shall cherish more and more when my days come to an end. A strong independent creature, she did not allow adversity stand in her way. She loved life and shared it unconditionally. As I look back on her life I remember when finding out about the cancer that would reshape her world and how she would live the remainder of her life. The day I sat with the veterinary professionals we discussed what lay ahead. Due to the location of the cancer, surgery was not an option. Due to the DNA defined source of the cancer, radiation or chemotherapy would have limited success, if it could be called that. I asked for the hard facts and the conclusion was “she’ll live about 6 months if we do nothing except prepare her for the pain at the end. She could live up to 1 year if we go with Chemo”. I never thought twice as I replied “let’s go with the chemo” and we did. The results were that she continued to live an alert, active, normal, natural life during the process, as if cancer was not a restrictive overbearing demand on how each day would be lived. In the last couple of months aging slowed her down and during this last week she could not carry on. We planned and prepared as it was time to let her go. Yet as I sit here and write this in the Spring of 2022, I look back to that day I sat in that meeting with the Veterinary professional; that meeting we took in January of 2019; January of 2019. Lacey those 3+ years were worth everything committed to you. I will cherish you and miss you. I shall see you again when my time is due. Recently there was a story in the news about excessive expenses and whether chemotherapy should be considered for one’s pet. Some researchers opine that such a commitment is not recommended. I presume the thought goes to the amount of benefit vs the financial investment. What do we value? I value the blessings time gives us, the joy of bonding, the love, trust and respect the living share with each other. Healthcare is not cheap on any level and it is not my place to direct others as to which path to travel, but take time to consider what one values. Simply noted, you don’t know unless you try. Our pets are family and the gifts they give us are precious. The Love You Take Is Equal To The Love You Make.