Mount Pleasant Magazine Sept/Oct 2019

175 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com | www.BestofMP.com pets Each dog is different, and each dog will respond differently to varied treatment plans. It’s best to trust the experts and build out your “expert team” to help you determine what is best for your dog. Our team consisted of our vets Drs. Bret and Erin Burton from Long Point Animal Hospital; Veterinary Specialty Care oncologists Dr. Michelle Wall, Dr. Kathryn Taylor and Dr. Gabrielle Angelo (and their vet techs); and our holistic vet, Dr. Kristi Oldham. This team guided us, supported us and helped with a combination of chemotherapy, diet and natural supplements. I was initially skeptical of having three oncologists in rotation for our appointments at Veterinary Specialty Care. However, I soon realized how lucky we were with three times the amount of expertise. Each of them took as much time as needed to answer my endless questions; helped us stay positive even when receiving bad news; and was always honest and straightforward about what was happening to Willow, along with recommended next steps. I knew Dr. Oldham through Lowcountry Lab Rescue, a group for which we have fostered and volunteered for years. When we first received Willow’s diagnosis, she was one of the first people I contacted. She came to our house within two days, assessed Willow and customized an all-natural diet plan based on his symptoms and type of lymphoma. She spent hours walking me through everything, providing me resources, and even explained details on how to cook some of the food. She was also available by text at any time for questions, advice or just my need for reassurance. There is no perfect treatment plan, and the plan will change as the lymphoma fights back, but having your expert team will give you the confidence to keep fighting. Keep in mind that you know your dog better than anyone, and any treatment decisions you make are the right decisions because, ultimately, you are the best expert for your dog. TIME IS PRECIOUS. MAKE MEMORIES. Canine lymphoma is described as a roller-coaster ride. You have highs — and a lot of lows. One day you’re beating the cancer, and the next day you’re losing the battle. You learn that time becomes precious. Work was suddenly not as big of a priority. We canceled vacations and sat out from fun boat days with our friends. We knew this disease would take our baby, and we wanted to spend the unknown time we had left making memories with him. We created a bucket list and tried to do as much as we could. We took him swimming in a friend’s parents’ pool. We went for walks on the beach, golf-cart rides around the neighborhood and “yappy hours” with the neighbors. We captured his paw-print imprints with paint on canvas. And sometimes, we just had lazy days curled up together on the couch. About a month into Willow’s illness, I realized that we had hundreds and hundreds of pictures of Willow, but we had very few pictures with both me and Bradley in the photo with Willow. We decided to hire a photographer to take professional photos of Willow, including photos of Photo courtesy of Christy and Bradley Punch. Photo by Jeanne Taylor Photography.