A Sad Anniversary

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^JACK^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Today marks the one year anniversary of the passing of my friend and fellow red sibe, Jack.

Jack was no ordinary Siberian. He was 100 lbs of pure love with crystal clear blue eyes that allowed you to glimpse in to his soul. He was a mythical Sibe with extraordinary powers. His Human Mother Beth shared a very special bond with Jack. He was her world.

In July of 05, his mother received the devastating news, Jack had cancer. It was a form of anal gland cancer that was very aggressive. With chemo and radiation, Jack was given only 4-6 months to live. Jack's Human mother felt as if the world was crashing in. She wasn't ready to say goodbye to Jack. Yet with the recommended treatment of chemo and radiation, Jacks remaining days would not be good days.

That's when she discovered Dr Marty Goldstein. Jack had surgery to remove the growth but was treated holistically by Dr Goldstein. Although Jack never met Dr Marty, he managed Jack's care from afar. Jack was put on Artemisinin and other supplements to boost his immune system and switched to a homemade diet.

After 6 months, Jack was not only still alive but was doing REALLY well. His story was featured in the "Whole Dog Journal". He was famous. He was acting his normal playful self and going to the dog park with his pack mates every day. His HuMom realizing how amazing this all was never took one moment with Jack for granted. In her heart, she felt she had this cancer beat. We were all truly amazed and thought it was a miracle. We really thought Jack would live forever.

Just before his second anniversary of the diagnosis, Jack fell ill again. He stopped eating and had a hard time walking. The cancer was back and Jack was fading. His Human mother didn't want to give up the fight, but eventually Jack told her it was time for him to go so she helped him to the bridge. It was a very sad time for all of us but especially Jack's Human mother. My Human mother was worried about her.

But Jack and his human mother Beth taught us so much about love and beating the odds. Jack wasn’t supposed to live past four months. But he knew his HuMan Mother needed more time to adjust to a life without him. Not only did he live almost two years, but those years were good healthy years and that’s what counts.

Manly sibe hugs to you Jack at the bridge. You really were a super star.



Simcha