A Letter from Mabel
Hi, my name is Mabel, and I need your help. Normally I wouldn’t burden you with such a lengthy inner monologue about the juicy details of my personal life, but this time it is serious. (And let’s face it. I’m a dog and how else would you hear me?) Also trust me when I say this, I’d much rather give you a big sloppy kiss, plop down at your feet and nuzzle your hand, but unfortunately my family and I are adjusting to the fact that I won’t be very active for a while; plus, I’m going to have to relearn how to do everything—even rolling over and cozying up to your toes. But thank goodness you still can teach an old dog new tricks.
The thing is, you see, pretty soon I’ll be scootin’ around town on just three legs. That is, if I can handle all this chemotherapy I keep hearing about. My mom, Mandy, found out last week that I’ve got some bad bone cancer. It’s pretty aggressive and I just had surgery to remove my left hind leg. Next comes the chemo and then hopefully a vacation.
This news, however was quite unexpected for the both my mom and me. After all, I am only four years old, and I have been very healthy up until a few weeks ago. That’s when I started to limp. Then, I couldn’t stand up. It was pretty sudden, and I’m pretty scared! But I am more worried about my mom. We are very close. She has always taken good care of me, and I know that I’m a lucky dog! She adopted me a few years ago, and for the past three years she has worked from home. I have helped her through some tough times, and I have always been a faithful companion. I like being with her everyday because I get to play outside a lot, and I’d otherwise be very lonely. You couldn’t say, “we are like family,” because we are family. I know she would do anything for me, and that is exactly what she has just taken on.
She is going to try to save me, but we need all the help we can get. My leg operation was very expensive and the chemotherapy will be extensive and ongoing, and like I said earlier, normally I wouldn’t bother you with my problems, but this is a big one (and I have a single mom). I am asking for financial help only if you are able to do so, and ANY amount will get us closer to keeping me around. I’ve also decided that I’ll use whatever funds that are left over from my treatments to help other dogs that find themselves in a situation like mine. So maybe you can make coffee at home this week and send me those $3 you pay at the cafe. Maybe you’ll buy a six-pack tonight and skip the bar. A twenty-spot would be awesome! And even if you aren’t able to give in the green, I am a firm believer in positive energy, hope, and prayer. We most definitely appreciate your well wishes too.
Thanks for taking the time to read my story and wish us luck on the road ahead,
Miss Mabel