Her smile is kind and warm
And with her laugh she could calm a storm
You know I find peace in her eyes
And oh the things I’ve learned from Jasmine
And oh the things she could teach man
– “Jasmine”, by Doc Bonhomie
It has been nearly a year and a half since Jasmine Blue was diagnosed with cancer. Just making it past the one-year mark with a fibrosarcoma tumor is a milestone. She was given just three or four months to live by doctors at UC Davis in August 2010, but Jazzy’s love for life, strength and determination, and pure, joyful exuberance helped her to beat the odds.
This column is about a year behind, and many of you have written to find out how Jazzy is doing currently. Here’s a quick update:
As soon as Jazzy recovered fully from the radiation side effects, we began taking her to Los Angeles once a month to visit renowned holistic veterinarian Dr. Richard Palmquist for cellular and immune-system-boosting therapies. Like Dr. Palmquist, who started his career as a western vet, I believe there are benefits to using both western and eastern medicine to treat cancer. And so we embark on the next chapter in our journey.
She has a bump on her nose (the fibrous remnant of the dead tumor) and no teeth on the front top left side of her mouth. Her adorable brown patch has turned mostly white from the radiation, and her muzzle is pink and nearly bare because the fur never grew back – but to me, she is still the most beautiful dog in the world. More important, Jazzy’s energy is better than ever: her obsessive compulsive squirrel disorder is in full force, and she relishes her long walks at Stow Lake, running and playing with other dogs, and swimming for hours in the ocean.
I’ve learned a lot from Jasmine since that fateful day I adopted her just over five years ago, but the biggest lesson she’s taught me is how to find joy just living and loving in the moment, and the importance of cherishing every single second of it.
As we head into 2012, Jazzy and I want to thank all of you for your prayers and words of kindness, love and encouragement. Your support has helped us through some very tough times, and we wish all of you and yours the same health and happiness you have wished for us in the New Year.
Best wishes and big pittie kisses,
Susan and Jazzy
