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Lewis lives according to the philosophy “seize the day.” And
seize the stuffed animal. Seize the treat. Certainly seize the
tennis ball. Sometimes seize the sock. And, always, seize the
opportunity to lean against someone, just to get a bit closer.
Lewis may not have time on his side, but he has character and
spirit. Cancer can’t touch those.
He
was dog No. 345 at the shelter, an old, sick Golden. Who would
want him? So he was on the list to be put down. A tumor the size
of half a grapefruit gaped from his back. An oozing growth on
his left ear stunk of decay. His time was up, right? Wrong, said
AZGRC. Whisked from death’s door to the veterinarian, Lewis got
a chance. His tail began wagging. The tumors were removed during
surgery at Four-Legged Friends Animal Hospital, and the wait for
lab results began.
With a stitched ear, a stapled back, a dozen medications and
tail still wagging, Lewis arrived at his foster home. His foster
mom was grieving, having said goodbye to her two old Labs within
the last six months. Lewis got to work, brightening the house
and showing his wary chocolate Lab brother that other big boy
dogs can be friendly and fun. Lewis the sickly 9-year-old
transformed into Lewis the puppy.
Lewis’ friendly, white face, alert eyes, curly golden locks and
trademark bowlegged stance make him stand out wherever he goes.
He can’t imagine a person or dog who wouldn’t want to meet him.
He became the star attraction at the weekly Wine & Wags in
Scottsdale, where he oversaw the courtyard. His schedule is
busy, but in his spare time he chases tennis balls and loves to
visit Kara and Bob’s house to hang out with the
Brady-Chelsea-Ben pack.
The lab results confirmed Lewis has two kinds of cancer.
Operating again was considered, but the chances were not deemed
high. Putting Lewis through another major surgery would be hard.
In January 2008, he was given two to five months.
Lewis is
named for Capt. Meriwether Lewis, of Lewis & Clark. Thomas
Jefferson described Lewis the explorer as thus: “Of courage
undaunted, possessing a firmness &
perseverance of purpose.” As well it describes Capt. Lewis the
Golden, whose purpose is to seize every minute. |
