the equivalent of 200 walks in just one night!!!

This post was written by Charlie's friend and sister, Sophie Mitchell.

It’s almost time for what my family call Christmas, and my family have been trying to get me into the spirit by dressing me into this silly red hat and scarf!! I don’t know what “Christmas” is or why it’s suddenly happening but if you could please tell my family that I don’t want to celebrate it by wearing stuff which makes me look weird I’d be very grateful!!!

However, the upside to Christmas is that I’m apparently getting loads of presents in the form of new toys to chew and perhaps even some extra tasty treats! I’ve also been partying nice and hard - the party don't start till I get there!!  As you can predict, my head’s been a bit sore lately!!

I look like the weird big dude in the red suit that everybody gets all excited about! Will this make me more popular with the kids in particular?  Apparently he travels with presents and a reindeer, so I have my work cut out!!  I have to get to all the houses in one night so that all the children love me! That’s the equivalent to 200 walks in just one night!!!  I’d have to sleep for the rest of the week just to be loved by kids!!

I have my old friend Sophie visiting who I’ve missed so much, she arrived last night and is always giving me loads of cuddles and walkies so she makes me very happy indeed!!!  But she’s toughened up on me and is being a lot sterner which has made me sad as it means no more extra treats from the dinner table for me!! 

I’m doing extremely well and other than a funny hair cut around my tail (which is very embarrassing, if I may say so myself!!!) I’m completely back to normal and just as bonkers! Sophie is amazed at my progress as are Mummy and Daddy!  I still love my walks just as much but can get a bit naughty sometimes! I tried to attack a dog called “Boss” today (Serves him right, there’s only one boss here and that’s me!!)

Chemo or no chemo, that's the question

It’s been a while, almost 3 weeks since my operation. I had 2 medical check-ups and lots of fingers up my arse but mum promissed me that is all over now. Both examinations I passed with flying colours. I eat well, I drink well, I wee well, I poo well. I stopped taking medication and I am back on normal food. The scar has healed well. I look a bit like a poodle but my hair is growing back now. The doctors were happy and so are mum and dad.

There’s one more pending thing: the cancer will come back, which leaves us with the question: chemo or not? Mum and dad are not sure what to do with it. 

First of all, they do not give as much chemo to dogs as they do to humans, so the results are questionable. The difference between chemo or no chemo is relatively small.

Secondly, it is quite intensive. I would need a baxter drip every 3 to 4 weeks for 4 to 5 months. There is chemo with pills as well, which mum and dad could do at home, but then I need to go to the hospital to have my white blood cells checked regularly, because the chemo also attacks those, and I need white blood cells to stay healthy.

The side effects of chemo are apparently relatively minor. I could get diarrhoea, I could vomit or lose appetite (Who, me? Never!) They can give more medication to get rid of the side effects.

And thirdly, there is the cost. The drip methods cost 1.500 to 3.000 EUR. The pills will be less. Mum doesn’t know how much yet. She’s waiting for the doctor to find out. None of these medications can be purchased in Belgium so they don’t really know.

So, mum and dad are still in limbo. Chemo would be intensive, costly but could stretch my life (possibly only) a bit.

No chemo would be no hassle, no side effects and more money to buy dog chews.

Mum and dad are inclined not to do the chemo, at least not the drips, but to make my remaining time as pleasant as possible. If the cancer comes back, a second operation is always possible and will be less expensive.

What would you do if I were your dog and if the pill method was affordable?