Let’s Talk About It…

Cash has now had his second round of chemo.

Greg stayed home with him yesterday after treatment and just like round one, there wasn’t any real aftermath. No drama. No immediate crash. Just Cash being Cash… quietly brave and mildly annoyed.

But day two? Day two is the rude awakening.

Today he is less than zero. Puny. Pitiful. Sporting that classic Basset Hound “woe is me” face like he’s been personally betrayed by the universe. And it is hard to watch. It’s hard seeing a dog who normally lives at full tail-wag capacity just… deflate.

Have I mentioned how much we love this good boy? Because we do. Deeply. Fiercely.

The good news is that if round one is any indication, this won’t last. By Monday he’ll be back zooming with Shelby like nothing ever happened. That’s the thing about Cash… he feels it, rests through it, then bounces back like a tank with floppy ears.

Now I know what some people are thinking. Chemo… for a dog?

To some, that sounds extreme. Too much effort. Too much expense. Too much emotion for “just a dog.”

But Cash isn’t just a dog.

Our pets are so much more if you let them be. They become part of your daily rhythm. They are the first hello in the morning and the last warm body at night. They are the steady presence when life is loud or messy or overwhelming.

People understand service animals. But most pets are doing that job too, just without the vest.

They take care of us.

Yes, we feed them. Take them to the vet. The groomer. Keep up with the responsible adult checklist. But what do they give back?

They know.

They know when we’re sad. They know when we’re tired. They know when we’re sick. They read the room better than most humans ever could. They don’t need a speech. They don’t need context. They just lay beside you. Or press into you. Or offer that reassuring lick that says, “I’m here.”

When we’re sick, they stay close like tiny furry nurses… except their pay is treats and compliments.

So yes… to me, it feels crazy that some people don’t feel this way about animals. I can’t imagine a home without one. A cat. A dog. A bird. A hedgehog. Furry pets, feathered pets, scaled pets, shelled pets… they add soul to a house.

And back to Cash…

He is my very good boy.

I love those long ears. That perfect Basset face that always looks like he’s personally offended by something. Those short stout legs with the massive paws. And that tail that never ever stops wagging.

So keep the love coming for our sweet boy.

Prayers. Good vibes. Positive thoughts. We’ll take all of it.

And of course for Shelby as she navigates whatever drama she’s invented today… and for Bean. Just because.

XOXO, Jani w/ Cash, Shelby and Bean!