ted, the miracle dog (feeling grateful)

it was a year ago this week that ted had his cancer surgery, and while the surgery was successful in removing the tumor that was preventing him from being able to eat, we soon learned that his cancer was rare and highly aggressive (invasive mucin cell carcinoma). we made the difficult decision to not put him through any more procedures since his cancer couldn't be cured, and we were told that six months would be an extraordinary outcome.

well, i'm proud to report that a year later, ted is doing GREAT. these pictures were taken today, and while he may be a little slower than he was pre-cancer, he is still barking for food, cuddling up a storm every night, and being the same stubborn and ornery little walker as he ever was. best of all, so far as we can tell, he is in no pain and the only symptom seems to be ongoing anemia, which causes him to be a little less energetic than he would otherwise be, *but* he was the least energetic dog in the universe before the cancer, so really the difference is minute. i know ted's health can't last forever, and i almost feel i'm tempting fate by posting this, but i also never thought we'd make it to this day so there is plenty of reason to celebrate. the last year has been amazing, and i've loved every second of having him by my side- even on those stubborn and ornery walks, when he's pulling one way, while i'm trying to walk another. ;-)

thanks again to every person who has supported and shown ted such love. he doesn't know he has an internet fan club, but it makes his daddy happy to know that so many people love and care for this funny little rescue dog.