Day 3 - Radiation done !!!!

Jake in recovery room after last treatment

Jake finished his cyberknife radiation treatments today!!! We were prepared that with the anesthesia three days in a row he might be worn down and not respond well but instead he actually got better each day!! He walked out of the clinic just like yesterday, straight as an arrow instead of his usual head tilt and leaning to the left. He was even excited at the site of his favorite tennis ball again. It is nothing short of a miracle!!! We think he may have sent that tumor packing!

Just like with humans, animals also deserve dignity during their illness and treatment. I have to say that before treatment Jake was starting to lose his dignity and quality of life. He was tired all the time, stumbling around the house and couldn't take walks and play. He couldn't even go to the bathroom without leaning on the wall outside the house or us holding him to prevent him from falling over. Jake was too dignified to live like that. I am SO grateful that we found a treatment that was non invasive and able to help give us all more time. He has given so much to us over the years and he deserves every available option.

Another paws up to our AMAZING treatment team at the Animal Specialty Center in Yonkers. We know that it wasn't just the treatment or the medicines that made him better but the entire setup and how they take care of the animals, minimizing their anxiety (and the owners) and showing care and concern every step of the way. Dogs like mine who are a very sensitive and smart breed can feel this from the staff in all of their interactions. I know it may seem like a cliche but every day truly is a gift. Without this treatment we would have lost Jake weeks ago and this has given us all more time- bonus time we never would have had otherwise.

Jake has made a furever friend in his nurse Emily- see below. Emily and Dr Joseph were so invested in Jake's treatment and were so genuinely concerned for him- we cannot thank them enough and consider them our angels.