It Takes A Village Part 2

Live Like Roo

“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog,

 the world will change forever.”

Karen Davison (LLR)

When Maizey was diagnosed with cancer, John not only faced life and death decisions, he was forced to consider the financial aspects of the suggested treatments. Needless to say, without any kind of dog insurance, the expected costs were astronomical. $250.00 for x-rays. Close to $500.00 for consultation and biopsy. $3-5,000.00 for surgery. We stopped listening at chemo. 

I’m not sure which is harder to take, learning your soul-mutt has a life threatening illness or   learning the cost of treatment could easily wipe out your bank account. How can one put a price tag on love? A friend told John about a Chicago-based organization that offers support to dogs with a cancer diagnosis by providing financial and emotional assistance to the dog’s owners. LiveLikeRoo Foundation was a good place to start seeking help. You can read all about LiveLikeRoo on their website, but here's the short version.

In April 2015 Roosevelt, (Roo for short), a red Pit Bull/Mastiff mix, who had been in isolation for 15 days due to a bout of Canine Flu, was rescued from Chicago Animal Care and Control. Not long after his rescue, Roo was diagnosed with bone cancer. 

“Apparently Roo didn’t get the memo that life would soon be over.” 

Declining treatment (except for pain management) Roo’s rescuers, Kelly Michael and Sarah Lauch, vowed to fill whatever time Roo had left with all his favorite things. He went on hikes and boat cruises, visited the Waldorf Astoria and ate lots of ice cream. The LiveLikeRoo Facebook page garnered over 25000 followers. Roo passed away on September 8. With heavy hearts and a desire to help as many dogs as they can, Kelly and Sarah wanted to continue helping other dogs to LiveLikeRoo.  

In addition to financial support LLR keeps Roo's memory alive by sending Roo Care packages to dogs suffering from cancer. “Each package contains Roo’s favorite items-including a blanket (which has become a favorite of the packages), a gift card for ice cream and McNuggets and burgers, toys, treats, collars and much more. We have found that people and dogs that receive these packages absolutely love them and they lift the spirits of the dog and of the human.” By turning her living room into a one-woman production line, Sarah sends an average of 20 care packages a week. 

Speaking for myself, reading Roo’s story and seeing pictures of other cancer dogs enjoying the gifts his legacy has helped put Maizey’s illness into some kind of perspective. It helps to know others care. It helps to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. Like the eclipse that was seen across the country yesterday, cancer can darken your pet's life, with lots of love and the help of others, your pet's life can still shine.

Speaking for Maizey, the queen of blankets, the LLR fleece blanket has become her favorite.

So thank you to Sarah and Kelly, the volunteers and people who donate, for the work you do. And thank you to Roo for the reminder that when all else fails eat ice cream.

P.S. Unlike Roo, Maizey turns up her nose at ice cream. Her preferences run more towards kitty litter treats and steak. Buddy never turns down a trip to the Dairy Queen.

P.S.S. A blatant Public Service Announcement:
If you or someone you know has been kicked in the heart because of a pet's cancer diagnosis, check out this wonderful organization. If you are so inclined, LLR can always use monetary donations or items on their wish list.