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He will not go gentle…

09•17•15

That Dylan Thomas poem has been swirling around in my head for weeks now. The first stanza, anyway:

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Lucas has been having a ball. He is absolutely raging. Heck, last weekend he went for a mile hike with his bestie, Cady. That’s the longest distance he’s gone in one shot since March!

Lucas and Cady go for a hike September 2015

We followed it up with a trip to Sonic… in fact, he’s becoming a bit of a fast food connoisseur. So far he’s had cheeseburgers and fries from McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, and now Sonic. We’ve added Steak ‘n Shake, White Castle, and Dairy Queen to his To Do List.

He will not go gentle.

The thing about Lucas, though, is that all the adventures Emmett went on, Lucas would HATE. He hates the beach. He’s afraid of water. He can’t swim. He doesn’t want to go to festivals or coffee shops or Mexican restaurants. That’s just not him.

So, he’s eating and hiking his way through the dying of the light.

And chewing sticks with his brothers, one of his all-time favorite evening activities.

Stick time September 2015

He is raging, raging, even while his x-rays show that the cancer is, too. He had another round this morning, and they showed at least three additional tumors but maybe more–he was wiggling too much for one of the angles to really be able to tell. So, 6 or 8 tumors now. It hit home for me when our beloved vet gave her cell number for middle of the night/just in case.

Lucas at the vet September 2015

But today he’s good. Better than good. The vet’s office was a circus. Dogs everywhere! And he did marvelously. John and I kept shaking our heads and saying, “Can you imagine trying to sit here with him a few years ago? Incredible.”

He came home and clobbered the crud out of Cooper, then he ran into Newt’s room and snatched up her teddy bear. He will not go gentle.

Nothing but good, nothing but fun. His favorite toys, his favorite treats, his favorite hikes, all of it.

My sweet Lucas.

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

26 Comments
Filed Under: Health, OMD! Tagged With: canine cancer, lucas, osteosarcoma

Comments

  1. Kathy says

    09•17•15 at 3:13 pm

    Awwww……love it!! So good that you are not coddling him, but letting him be himself and enjoy his remaining days. I can feel your helplessness, however. You are the bestest Mom there is!!

    Reply
    • Maggie says

      09•17•15 at 9:47 pm

      Helpless. So true. All I can do now is follow his lead… which, really, is all I’ve been doing since 2007!

      Reply
  2. Slimdoggy says

    09•17•15 at 3:17 pm

    You go Lucas – savor every day and every Sonic. I hope you know anything you want mom is gonna do 😉

    Reply
    • Maggie says

      09•17•15 at 9:47 pm

      Oooooh, he’s figured that out! Rotten, this one! Truly rotten! 🙂

      Reply
  3. sofia says

    09•17•15 at 4:01 pm

    *Bawling*

    Reply
    • Maggie says

      09•17•15 at 9:48 pm

      Sorry. 🙁 I should’ve texted you. I know… me too…

      Reply
  4. Vicki Cook says

    09•17•15 at 4:50 pm

    Go Lucas – keep doing what you do best!

    Reply
    • Maggie says

      09•17•15 at 9:49 pm

      Thanks, Vicki! That’s all he knows how to do, thank goodness. He’s helping US move forward!

      Reply
  5. Bonnie says

    09•17•15 at 7:42 pm

    Lucas like Emmett, is grabbing all the gusto he can! He’s a true warrior and will make every minute count! You and John are the best parents that Emmett, Lucas or Cooper ( & Newt) could ask for! Xo

    Reply
    • Maggie says

      09•17•15 at 9:48 pm

      Thank you so, so much for the kind words! Gusto is right… we’re just here to hold his leash! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Jodi says

    09•17•15 at 9:48 pm

    You go Lucas, rage on precious boy, rage on.

    Reply
  7. lak says

    09•17•15 at 10:21 pm

    What a beautiful and touching post.

    Reply
  8. Amanda says

    09•18•15 at 7:57 am

    Love that they each have their own stick. The Three Amigos!

    Reply
  9. Ashley says

    09•18•15 at 8:41 am

    So happy that Lucas is living life to the fullest during this time! He’s being strong for both himself and you! Precious every moment and every cheeseburger/ice cream cone and French fry! Lots of love to you all!

    Reply
  10. Callie, Shadow, and Ducky's Mom says

    09•18•15 at 10:10 am

    You Go Lucas! Have fun every day! You’re a sweet, precious boy and you’re loved very much. Maggie, you and John are great pet parents!

    Reply
  11. Sharon Gilbert says

    09•18•15 at 10:17 am

    Aww! Lucas you are doing so good. I am so glad you were out walking to get some fresh air and a walk. You go Lucas!

    Reply
  12. Debra says

    09•18•15 at 10:58 am

    Brought tears to my eyes but I’m so happy that Lucas is not going gentle. I kind of love that you recognize and respect how the boys have such different tastes and that their lists are so customized to their likes.
    Hugs to you all.

    Reply
  13. John Bradburn says

    09•18•15 at 11:04 am

    So happy to hear Lucas is raging!! Love him and you guys.

    Reply
  14. Kimberly Gauthier says

    09•18•15 at 12:42 pm

    This is one of those blog posts that I love and hate. I’m so sorry about your dog’s diagnosis, but I love love love that you allow him to be a dog and he’s enjoying his life. It makes me just want to hug you tightly, because it’s clear through your blog what an amazing dog lover you are and how lucky Lucas is to have you and vice versa.

    Reply
  15. konadog says

    09•18•15 at 3:25 pm

    Happy to see he is enjoying every second. This image helps me focus on enjoying every second as well.

    https://trudymorgancole.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/mindfuldog.jpg

    Reply
  16. Jackie Bouchard says

    09•18•15 at 6:22 pm

    Ok, trying hard not to cry and remembering our last trip for x-rays with our Abby-girl. I know you are making the most of every bit of time with him, and there will be time for crying later now. But now is time for enjoying and spoiling. Give him an extra cuddle from me please!

    Reply
  17. Joanne says

    09•18•15 at 9:44 pm

    Your words are perfection. Sending you a hug. Rage on.

    Reply
  18. Phyllis says

    09•18•15 at 10:18 pm

    Beautiful post Maggie. Sometimes your writing talent rages!! Lump in my throat. Rage on Lucas and WRITE on Maggie. You guys are so special.

    Reply
  19. Jan K says

    09•19•15 at 6:15 pm

    Of course this brought tears – both happy and sad. I just saw the Facebook post with him eating the burger, and I couldn’t help but think with as good as he’s got it, no wonder he’s decided to stick around for as long as possible. 🙂

    Reply
  20. littlepawsboutique.com says

    09•20•15 at 12:15 am

    Atta boy Lucas! You go for it! Giving your Mom & Dad all these good memories to treasure.

    Reply
  21. Rebekah says

    09•20•15 at 10:23 pm

    I’m sitting here sobbing. I love that he got a California burger. Saw it on FB. He would love Between the Buns in Greenwood. Thinking of you all. (((Hugs)))

    Reply

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