I’d like to share the story of my beloved dog, Licorice, who passed from cancer on September 14, 2024 at age 13.
Licorice was a Shih Tzu Poodle mix gifted to our family by my daughter’s fiancé. She was so itsy bitsy when we got her that I had to make her a cozy bed of blankets and toys in my dresser drawer! She brought us all so much joy during her lifetime, including to her canine sidekick of many years – Ozzy, our German Shepherd Husky mix from a rescue organization – up until he passed from Cushing disease.
Three months ago, I noticed a lump on Licorice’s tummy. It didn’t seem to bother her as she was still being her bubbly self, eating and playing as normal. I took her to the vet hospital to have it looked at anyway. They ran many tests, and while the first results came back “normal”, once her lymph node results came back we discovered she had lymphoma. My heart sank.
I wanted to do everything I could to help Licorice and make her well. Chemotherapy was discussed, but the vet let us know that due to her age her chances of surviving the cancer weren’t good. So, we decided to go with the best alternative: a daily dose of prednisone and gabapentin to control pain and preserve her quality of life for as long as possible.
Eventually Licorice couldn’t stand on her own and needed help with bathroom duties – so I fashioned make-shift diapers in case of accidents. In her final days, I lovingly bathed her, hand fed her and gave her a last haircut. On what was to be her last day, she refused food and medication and was having trouble breathing. We rushed her to emergency, where we ended up saying tearful goodbyes. Licorice passed on her own surrounded by those she loved and who loved her.
We’ve since set up a special memorial space to honour her, which has brought comfort to all of us who miss her deeply.
– Tracy
