All in the Family

Biography: This is Ethel, who we think is a lab/beagle mix, or a "beagador" I got Ethel back in October, 2007 as a 2 month old puppy when I adopted her from the Memphis Animal Shelter. Ethel has a special story. I adopted Ethel October 13, 2007, I had finished school and wasn't so busy anymore, and I just needed to have another dog in my life after moving Lucy home to live with my parents while I was in school and working because I just didn't have the time. Now that I wasn't in school anymore and had a steady full-time job, I decided to adopt Ethel. It just so happens that 2 days after adopting her, I found out I had Stage IV Melanoma. My first thought was how in the world will I keep this tiny puppy when I have CANCER? Ethel quickly became my rock. I would go to treatment and to work, taking her to dog daycare 2-3 days a week, Ethel became my motivation. On the days I was the sickest, I kept on going because "I HAD to get home to take care of Ethel, or because I HAD to pick her up from daycare". With a prognosis of 3-6 months to live, I still today believe Ethel is the reason I am still alive, almost 4 years later. Today, I live back at home while I continue treatment and attending school to get additional education. Ethel and Lucy both are here, and are best friends. Ethel has been my miracle dog, and is truly the best friend a person could have. I owe so much to Ethel for keeping me going and my attitude positive as I continue to battle this disease. I thank God everyday for finding Ethel and that I picked her up the day I did, before I found out I had cancer, because if I would have waited I would never have taken on that responsibility after finding out I was sick. Ethel amazes me everyday, she is my best friend, my confidant, and my inspiration to keep on fighting. Read more about my story at http://www.cancerscore.blogspot.com