Meet Maggie, the Gentle Giant Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog, who has won our hearts.
Our Beloved Pet Has Cancer, and Our Hearts Are Broken!
Maggie, the friendliest, loving dog I know.
When I arrive at the farm, Maggie always greets me first. She wags her tail excitedly and eagerly awaits me to pet her and rub her belly. Maggie is extremely friendly with everyone, including cats, dogs, and farm animals.
I see sadness in her eyes, which makes me feel sad too. She appears unwell. I always try to comfort her with my words and hugs. The veterinarian confirmed that Maggie’s skin tumors are common in aging Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs and often indicate skin cancers.
The vet plans to remove some of the tumors with the hope of extending Maggie’s life, but the vet warns that these cancers are likely to recur over time.
Maggie’s Story:
The farm family adopted Maggie nine years ago when she was a lively, playful, and lovable puppy.
Maggie is an affectionate, even-tempered dog who values independence and protects her family. She is well-trained and much-loved by her family.
At the age of ten, equivalent to sixty human years, Maggie still wanders around the farm with her two dog companions, albeit at a slower pace. Despite following a special diet, she has gained some weight and is now considered too heavy.
The Surgery:
Three weeks ago, Maggie underwent surgery at the veterinary center. The most significant and invasive tumors were removed, and she tolerated the procedure well. She spent most of the day sleeping, groggy from anesthesia and pain medications.
Her very caring owner, the farmer’s wife, isolated her from the other dogs for three weeks until her wounds healed.
Photo of Maggie four weeks after Surgery:
On Monday, the last sutures were removed. The photo below shows the scars from surgery.
Maggie is happy and alert around her owner and food. Her wounds are fully healed.
We enjoy Maggie’s presence and unconditional love. She adores the owner’s young grandsons and follows them wherever they play on the farm.
In conclusion:
I admire Maggie’s mom for taking excellent care of her dog. Maggie returns the favor by staying by her side as they work on the farm, & feed the animals, watching for potential dangers.
Thank you, readers for your time and support. Dogs are indeed a man’s best friend.
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