The Wizard of Oz
 

     My golden retriever, Astro, is very special in more ways than can be described in words. Sometimes, I think he has magical powers, like the Wizard of Oz, bestowing gifts and solutions on all those around him. To begin, Astro, who will be ten on April 9th, is a cancer survivor. In the summer of 2000, he was diagnosed with a rather large sarcoma in his mouth, which I was told would surely kill him. Weakened by the thought of loosing him, I became physically ill, unable to sleep or work for several weeks. I would sit and cry over him, knowing that his days were numbered, but he would try and comfort my sadness, staying close to me at all times, licking away my tears as they dropped from my eyes, until suddenly, I realized that it was I who needed the strength to be there for him.
     So with his help and courage, I took action. I took him to a cancer specialist who told me he had a very small chance to survive, but that we could try to cut the cancer out from his mouth. This lengthy and costly procedure would involve also cutting away a part of his mouth and removing his teeth. Since he had always been a bit chunky, it seemed to our family that we should take the risk as it would mean his survival and presence in our lives for months more to come.
     Each day of and after the surgery seemed like forever. I am happy and most of all grateful to say that Astro is still alive and well today. He appears to be cancer free. His illness and treatment taught me the best of all possible lessons about living: to be brave and to stay present, in the moment, to take each day as a precious gift and be grateful for what it brings.