If I haven't been working, I've been dividing my time between taking my boy, Sym, to the vet's or just simply spending as much time as possible with him.
He'll be seven years old in April.
Born on a South Wales farm, just outside Merthyr Tydfil, he was one of six pup's. His 'parents' were both working border collies.
As a 'baby' he and three of his siblings were small, grey and white bundle of fluff with a domino pattern of black spots running down their backs. Two of them, Sym was one, had almost completely pink noses.
Most of the puppies ignored us as we tried to stroke them; they were too busy playing. Sym, however, seemed to find us fascinating and tried to engage us in a game of tag before settling at our feet and accepting some fuss.
It was a done deal!
Shortly afterwards, the new member of out family was sitting in a small cardboard box on my lap as we drove home. In between fuss and hugs, he watched the scenery fly by as we headed back down the A470 towards home.
He was, and has been ever since, a perfect car passenger and loves looking out of the window.
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| This is how he likes to spend his evenings! |
One week from today he will finish his second round of treatment. We thought he as doing well and that his Lymphoma was in remission, but last week (his penultimate treatment) the vet noticed a small swelling in his neck. The ran the tests and, as we feared, the lymphoma was already making a return.
We have no idea how long he will be with us. His treatment costs our insurance company approximately £3600 for a course of treatment. If he has to start a third round of treatment BEFORE September (when his policy automatically renews), we will not be able to afford it!
It will then, sadly, be an everything-crossed waiting game.
I have a bond with Sym that I have never had with and other pet and, I think it is fair to say, that no one else shares. I like to believe that it is a two-way bond and that Sym loves me.
I love Sym too!
He is my boy!
