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.
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53 comments:

  1. The Daily Pip June 10, 2015 at 3:57 AM

    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 ...

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  2. khantenJune 10, 2015 at 5:05 AM

    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.

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  3. 2browndawgsJune 10, 2015 at 5:23 AM

    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.

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    1. Jackie BouchardJune 10, 2015 at 12:34 PM

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

      Delete
  4. Mary HoneJune 10, 2015 at 6:49 AM

    So sad. Cancer sucks!! That is all.

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    1. Jackie BouchardJune 10, 2015 at 12:33 PM

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

      Delete
  5. Talent HoundsJune 10, 2015 at 8:28 AM

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

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    1. Jackie BouchardJune 10, 2015 at 12:33 PM

      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. Tenacious Little TerrierJune 10, 2015 at 10:41 AM

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

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    1. Jackie BouchardJune 10, 2015 at 12:35 PM

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

      Delete
  7. Lessons From A Paralyzed DogJune 10, 2015 at 10:42 AM

    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.

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    1. Jackie BouchardJune 10, 2015 at 12:36 PM

      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. M. K. ClintonJune 10, 2015 at 12:04 PM

    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 ♥

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  9. zoepheedogsJune 10, 2015 at 12:53 PM

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

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  10. stellaroselongJune 10, 2015 at 12:58 PM

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

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  11. AnonymousJune 10, 2015 at 1:20 PM

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

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    1. Jackie BouchardJune 10, 2015 at 4:12 PM

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

      Delete
  12. tubby3pugJune 10, 2015 at 2:00 PM

    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

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    1. Jackie BouchardJune 10, 2015 at 4:13 PM

      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. Idaho PugRanchJune 10, 2015 at 2:09 PM

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

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  14. Terry and LindaJune 10, 2015 at 2:32 PM

    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

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  15. AnonymousJune 10, 2015 at 3:16 PM

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

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  16. My GBGV LifeJune 10, 2015 at 3:20 PM

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

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  17. jank1961June 10, 2015 at 4:41 PM

    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.

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    1. Jackie BouchardJune 10, 2015 at 7:32 PM

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

      Delete
  18. JoAnn StancerJune 10, 2015 at 7:07 PM

    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.

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    1. Jackie BouchardJune 10, 2015 at 7:34 PM

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

      Delete
  19. Jackie BouchardJune 10, 2015 at 7:33 PM

    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.

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  20. FurriesJune 10, 2015 at 7:53 PM

    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.

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    1. Jackie BouchardJune 11, 2015 at 10:15 AM

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

      Delete
  21. Groovy GoldendoodlesJune 11, 2015 at 8:14 AM

    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.

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  22. UnknownJune 11, 2015 at 9:47 AM

    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

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    1. Jackie BouchardJune 11, 2015 at 10:16 AM

      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. LetterstoAndrewJune 11, 2015 at 10:47 AM

    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.

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    1. Jackie BouchardJune 11, 2015 at 11:24 AM

      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. Talking-DogsJune 11, 2015 at 2:06 PM

    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 :-)

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    1. Jackie BouchardJune 11, 2015 at 4:00 PM

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

      Delete
  25. Kim {Hope Whispers}June 11, 2015 at 4:47 PM

    I am so sorry to hear this. Sending hugs!

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  26. Jerry DawgJune 11, 2015 at 5:15 PM

    A beautiful tribute to another true Tripawd Hero!

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  27. Charley's momJune 11, 2015 at 7:20 PM

    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

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    1. Jackie BouchardJune 11, 2015 at 8:04 PM

      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

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