Yesterday, I was overjoyed! I had the privilege of spending four uninterrupted hours with Nancy while she groomed me. It wasn’t just the grooming that made me happy; it was the precious time we had together. So, I was puzzled when Greg and Nancy were shedding tears. When they shared the news that my biopsy revealed cancer (lymphoma), I wasn’t saddened. Instead, I wanted to remind them to cherish each day, knowing the unpredictable nature of life. That has always been my mission with the Lighthearted Louie blog. 
So, regardless of the outcome of my cancer, I will continue writing my blog until I am too weak or gone from this world. Please don’t be sad for me because I have lived a truly wonderful life, and I hope to continue living many more years. Us dogs are fortunate to be creatures of allowing simple grace and devotion to be our mission each day. Why can’t humans just take one day at a time, like dogs? Maybe now is the time for me to remind you of that. Yesterday, while I was being groomed and bathed, Nancy thought I seemed so happy because I was finally getting groomed, but that was far from the truth. I was happy because I got to spend four straight hours with her, and for that, I am grateful.
No one on this planet learns to genuinely love simply by being loved. We all learn to love when we learn to step out of our own selves. Losing those we love teaches us through our suffering that we can be resilient and love again. I fear that living with the philosophical human has made me try to make sense of why I would have cancer at the age of 10.
Allow me to share the psychology behind an incident that occurred last night after Nancy returned from teaching music. She was on the floor, crying her eyes out with outstretched hands towards me. However, I recognized that she was feeling self-pity because I might be sick. So, I waited until she composed herself before I crawled into her arms. Why did I do that? I want her to remember not to feel self-pity and to embrace each moment with grace and love. Therefore, I realize that I need some counseling with Nancy before I leave this world.
Don’t cry if you have loved so much and lost that dog or person rather cry if you have never had someone to love.
One thought on “Lymphoma, June 16, 2026”
So sad to hear this news but the philosophy is uplifting. The older we get the more we realize what the important things are. Sounds kind of trite but it’s true. Dogs don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. RIGHT NOW is where they are all the time and we could all take a lesson. Anyone who has ever had a much-loved dog (or other pet) knows the devastation of losing them but also the gratefulness of having had them at all. Hope and prayers for all concerned and may we be accepting of the challenges we’re given. (WAY easier said than done!)
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