Ellie was found at a local shelter. We think she had been a breeder dog that lived her life in a cage. She had been at the shelter for a few months and people would take her home, but return her. She had previously broken her jaw, so she could not chew properly. She had reoccurring bouts of bowel problems, and no body wanted an elderly (maybe 9 years old) ill dog. My parents thought they could manage her problems, and had her spayed, and her teeth cleaned.
A few months after they adopted Ellie my mother found out that she had breast cancer. Ellie was a comfort and constant companion for Mom, and good friend for dad during this trying time. Her favourite outing was when dad took her out to the top of the hill for her to do her business, running next to the golf cart all the way up, (actually faster) and then jumping on to ride back!
My mother recovered completely, only to have Ellie have breast lumps appear. She very patiently let mom wrap her with a castor oil pack every day, and she lived much longer with mom's loving care and specially prepared gourmet mashed meals. They had almost 3 wonderful loving and joyful years together before Ellie succumbed to systemic cancer. She was a gift to them and they to her!
Winnipeg, Canada
