Canine Friends

Joy

(Click on pictures to enlarge them)

Joy was the first puppy born in the Loving Paws Assistanace Dog breeding program, in December 2000.  She even has the number 1 tatooed in her ear.

She came to Montana in March 2001, the sweetest puppy ever! 

  Kim II was still here, in her puppy raising phase and becoming Joy's pal.

 Kim II returned to CA and Advanced Training and Tarka came to MT to start her puppy raising with Joy now her mentor.

Shortly after Tarka came to MT Tring joined her and Joy had two puppies to keep track of but by now she was a super sister.   

At 10 months of age Joy went back to CA for Advanced Training.  Her brother Dasher was also living in MT and they returned to CA together.

However, being a service dog was not in Joy's future and she became very depressed in Advanced Training.  The trainers tried everything to get her to just eat and play let alone try to learn a few advanced skills but she was too sad and was finally released.  As her puppy raiser I got first choice of getting her back and I readily agreed to have my Joysie back. 

With the help of Angel Flight we got Joy back to Montana, just shortly before Tarka and Tring returned to CA for Advanced Training.  It was a great reunion the first day home with Jack, Calli, Tarka and Tring when Joysie was home again.

On June 2010 Joy was diagnosed with lymphoma.  She began chemotherapy the next day.  She had her 5th treatment a couple of days ago.  While you odds are good because we caught it early and lymphoma is one one of the canine cancers that responds well to treatment, the chemo sessions take a lot out of her.  The drug she had on Friday is one of the strongest in her regime and she spent most of Friday afternoon, Saturday and today sleeping.  Her appetite goes down or away and these are scary days to keep her hydrated and with enough food without getting nauseous or having diarrhea.  It is a real roller coaster of emotions for us; and is so sad to see our special girl not feeling well and knowing she has a killer inside her body.  With luck, she will respond to the chemo and go into remission and be with us for another year or 2.  Prayers would be appreciated.