The journey in life is sweeter when traveled with a dog…
We arrived on Jan. 5 to start my treatment at UCSF Health. With our dog, Max, in tow, and amidst a torrential downpour, we found our way to our accommodations just in time for me to call an Uber, make it to my appointment, and complete my first treatment. I soon realized that city dog life is very different from suburbia dog life!
Later, we unpacked and began settling in—but wait… gotta walk the dog. The first day was all about surviving the rain; once the proper “pee spot” was sniffed out, we hurried back to the house. These mini-walks continued until bedtime, when Max dutifully crawled into his crate and went “nite-nite” without a complaint.
Thankfully, we’ve had sunshine ever since, and “gotta walk the dog” has turned into hikes and explorations galore. We’ve discovered that this is truly a dog lover’s community; I’ve never seen so many dogs on walks in one neighborhood. There is a “dog camaraderie” of sorts here—I’ve talked to more people in San Francisco than I have in my own neighborhood! Of course, what do we talk about? Our dogs. We discuss their likes and dislikes, what triggers them, and we confirm their DNA. (Really, that’s a Chi-Greyhound mix?!)
While Max has enjoyed meeting his dog buddies, climbing hills, and catching all the park sniffs, Jon and I are getting our steps in too. We are also enjoying the restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and markets—getting our own “sniffs” in!
Two weeks are complete, with three more to go. So far, treatment has gone well with no major side effects. The doctors mention that side effects usually start after two weeks—redness, inflammation, and fatigue—so they are watching me closely and taking extra skin care precautions to protect me. Only time will tell, but staying active and healthy is the key!
Meanwhile, we are soaking in the city life and establishing a new routine. While everything here is comfortable and lovely, we look forward to dashing home for the weekends as soon as my treatment is done on Friday. It’s nice to return home for a breather—grass beneath our feet and open space—and then it’s fun to head back to our city life adventures for the week.
All in all, I feel so grateful and blessed to have the resources that allow me to travel this journey in this way—with a little adventure and a lot of dog.
Enjoy the pics…
How do you travel with your dog?
Hi Laura,
Life in “the city” seems to be quite the adventure. Sounds like Max is a people magnet. People love their furry babies. Our prayers and best wishes are with you and Jon.
Ann
Yes, Max is leading the way. Not sure I would be climbing all these hills if I did not have to walk the dog…but its worth it! Hope you are doing well. Thanks for the prayers and support!
Laura
So happy you , Jon And Max are enjoying city life! Hope you can continue feeling well during treatment , and side effects are minimal. Find joy in every day.
So funny Laura. Looks and sounds like you and John are on vacation not receiving radiation treatment! So happy for y’all. And the weather. What a treat to be able to enjoy the City in the sunshine.
hahaha…yes, well you don’t want to know what “words” come out of my mouth when I have to walk the dog first thing in the am…or when I’m in the Uber ride over to the medcenter at 11 am—it can get old. But we are trying to make the best of it. We saw Book of Mormon, at Orpheum last week. (not my fave show, but it was fun and now I know what the fuss is all about)
Oh Girl! I’m so proud of you! You’re doin’ it in style, just like you do everything in your life! I love you and I miss you oh so much!! Susan