June 9, 2015

A Tribute To A Cancer-Fighting Warrior

I have some sad news to share.

Last week we lost a cancer-fighting hero - Charley, the chocolate Lab.
Photo courtesy of Ellen Venturella-Wilson
You might recognize this handsome boy since he's on the cover of my first novel, What the Dog Ate. Ellen graciously let me use her fantastic picture of Charley for the cover of my book, and he made a perfect "Kona". I couldn't possibly have found a better photo for the book.


I “met” Charley and his mom on Yahoo’s “Bone Cancer Dogs” support group many years ago. Charley’s amputation was the day before our Abby’s, so they became “amp buddies”. They were both young strong dogs (Charley was 2 1/2, Abby was 1 1/2 years old) who fought their cancer with everything they had in them.

Abby succumbed to her bone cancer 15 months after her amputation and went on to become one of Charley's angels. I liked to think she was keeping an eye out for him, along with some of the other cancer warriors who'd gone before him.
Tri-pawwed Warriors in their cancer-fighting capes
Charley was amazing, kicking bone cancer to the curb not once, but TWICE. He beat it, and it tried to come back but he wasn't having it.

He lived almost FIVE years after his amputation. That's amazing. He was a huge inspiration to so many other people going through the cancer journey with their dogs.

Unfortunately cancer had it's way in the end and Charley was taken suddenly by hemangiosarcoma, a real s**t-head of a cancer that usually attacks with no warning. Since hemangiosarcoma often develops on the organs, there is often no outward sign that anything is wrong until the tumor ruptures. (Unfortunately, we know hemangio too well since it took our beloved beagle from us.)

I'm so sorry that Charley didn't get to stick around longer, inspiring more people and their pups. But Charley had an amazing life and amazing pawrents.

As I like to say about Abby, he may have been cheated in terms of the quantity of his life, but he had a great quality of life.

I like to think that Abby met Charley at the Bridge and showed him where all the best beaches are.
Mini Charley with Mini Abby
Charley may be gone, but he won't be forgotten.

Thanks to BlogPaws for hosting.

53 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry to read about your friend, Charlie. He sounds like a superhero as well as a wonderful and gentle companion. May he rest in peace ...

    ReplyDelete
  2. I was very sorry to hear about Charley. He was an amazing pooch who clearly had a very loving family and a wonderful, but sadly too short, life.

    ReplyDelete
  3. So sorry to read about Charlie, but it sounds like he was an inspiration to those who knew him. I am sure his legacy will continue.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, his legacy will definitely continue. He was loved by many!

      Delete
  4. So sad. Cancer sucks!! That is all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's for sure! I should get my Cancer Sucks socks out.

      Delete
  5. R.I.P. Charlie. He will live on through your novel <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a nice thought. I also mention him in the author's note at the end of my 2nd book, so he'll live on there as well.

      Delete
  6. Sorry to hear about Charley. Love the thought of them frolicking on the beach!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love that thought too. Abby was a terrible flirt, so I'm sure they're having a great time.

      Delete
  7. I'm sorry to hear about Charley and your Abby. Cancer treatments are getting better, but there's still a lot of work to be done. I lost a German shepherd to hemangiosarcoma. It is a terrible form of cancer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, there is still much work to do. It would be great if they could come up with some sort of early detection blood or DNA test. Hemangio is so awful.

      Delete
  8. I am so sorry for the loss. Thankfully, his photo on your book will allow him to continue to bring joy to others forever. That is a lovely tribute ♥

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am so sorry about Charley! He was beautiful. :(

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you for sharing this story with us Jackie ...I think they are playing in the heavens above.
    stella rose

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm sorry for Charley's family and I bet that his passing opens a wound for you too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was really so shocked and saddened when I heard the news.

      Delete
  12. Heart breaking. I did well with the loss of Norbert and tubby because they were old. Loosing a young dog would wreck me. I'm so sorry for your losses. I greatly admire your strength
    Retro rover

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, thank you. That's sweet. It is SO hard to lose a young dog. It just seems so unfair. And I was pretty depressed for about 8 months, so, not really so strong! But you get through it.

      Delete
  13. So sorry to hear about your friend Charley. What a brave boy - hugs and prayers for his family
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & mabel

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh, I am so sorry! The pain of losing our fur friends is just so out there. Prayers for you and his family.

    Linda
    http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
    https://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/sherlock-boomer

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend and cover dog. What an inspirational life.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh, so sad. He was a great cover dog!

    ReplyDelete
  17. That is so sad. He sounds like a tough guy who fought for as long as he could. I can't think of anything to say about cancer that doesn't involve four letter words. I am sure that Abby is showing Charley the ropes now and they are running free and whole again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm with you - cancer always brings out the four letter words in me.

      Delete
  18. I'm so sorry for your loss. He sounded like a amazing dog and I loved your book and "Kona". He will live on from above.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, he'll definitely live on. So many folks loved him and were inspired by him.

      Delete
  19. I'm sure Abby was already flirting with Hobie. Hopefully the three of them - and all the warriors who went before - are having a grand time.

    ReplyDelete
  20. You wrote a wonderful tribute to Charley. His memory will live on in many people's hearts and his story will inspire others to help their pets live life to the fullest.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, he may be gone but he's still an inspiration! The way he beat bone cancer is amazing.

      Delete
  21. I loved the book - I really did. And now that I know the story behind the dog on the cover, I'm endeared to it even more. Thanks for sharing this Jackie.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm so sorry about Charlie. :( I just read your book for the first time a few weeks ago (and made sure to leave review!) and absolutely loved it. It makes me sad to hear about this news. :(

    Jenny & Storm
    www.paws2smile.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the nice words about the book - and for the review. And thank you for stopping by the blog. I wish I'd had happier news to share. :(

      Delete
  23. I saw this on your Facebook page and it's very sad. I bet he is back with Abby playing and having a great time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure they are running wild. I like to think they opted to stay 3-legged though, since they were both kick-ass dogs on 3 legs. Neither of them needed the spare.

      Delete
  24. So sorry to read this. He is such a charmer on your book cover. Maybe the 3 leggers have parties up there. He, Abby and my Bennie are noshing away :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I hope they're all having a huge fabulous party up there.

      Delete
  25. I am so sorry to hear this. Sending hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  26. A beautiful tribute to another true Tripawd Hero!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thank you Jackie for the beautiful tribute to my Charley! We just brought him home today and this brought me a much needed smile to help heal my broken heart. I'm sure Abby has already found Charley and has shown him the best beaches and swimming spots! :)

    Hugs and chocolate Labby kisses,
    Ellen and my Forever Warrior Charley xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome. So sorry you are having to go through this way sooner than you should have to! I remember the day we brought Abby home and it was very bittersweet. It was good to have her back home again, but still so very sad. Hang in there!

      Delete

We love comments - even just a smiley face or a LOL will make my day. (Yes, my days are pretty easily made.)

PLEASE NOTE: Comment moderation is turned on for posts over 2 weeks old, so if you comment on an older post and don't see it show up right away, that's why.