BlessStella.com

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The Diagnosis On March 15th, 2024, at 7:01 PM, while watching a tennis match at Indian Wells between Medvedev and Rune, a text message interrupts the evening. It reads, "Call me when you can." The call returns news that is dreaded.  The growth or tumor that was removed from Stella was, in fact, aggressive cancer. Despite noticing the growth in 2021, it was dismissed as nothing.  The drive home is a somber one, with thoughts racing about Stella, a beloved member of the family.  It’s though, Stella's life expectancy is around three months, and faced with the heartbreaking decision of how to manage the news with (2) young girls 11 and 13.  We decide not to tell the children until we notice a change in Stella.  The lab results show active grade 2 which is a death sentence to a dog.  Humans have 4 stages of cancer, but dogs have 3, so news is not good, and the specter of cancer looms.  

The Bond Stella, a French Bulldog actor, was not initially a part of the family's plans. However, after a chance encounter with Omar Von Muller, a renowned dog trainer, things changed on March 27, 2021. Omar's wife, a fan of Carvel, struck up a conversation that led to Stella entering our lives.  Stella became a beloved companion, especially to the children, who adored her. Her presence brought joy and laughter, with everyone vying for her affection. The bond between Stella and the family grew stronger with each passing day.

The Release of news.  My mood had changed to sad and negative, and I was spending more time with Stella and my east coast family are planning trips to see Stella and the girls. The thought of watching the girls play with Stella, knowing what lies ahead, weighs heavily on me.  I had labor issues at my Carvel store and used Stella news to lure a former employee back to work at the store who knows Stella.  I texted her the following message as a cry for help “My dog has cancer and has 3 months too live.” She has a dog and says, she was sorry, and I explained my labor issue and offered her a $100 cash bonus to come back and work the next day and she agreed.  The communication was leaked when my older daughter had access to my phone. When removing the stiches on March 20th and making calls to cancer doctors, I learned that life expectancy can only be determined by a cancer doctor who needs the lab report; blood work and a chest x-ray. The doctor spent 2.5 hours removing growth and 21 stiches were needed to close her up.  We have what we need and waiting for our appointment with the cancer doctor on April 9th 2024.

Memories and Reflections As Stella's 3 year anniversary with us approaches on April 3rd and her 7th birthday approaches in June, we reflect on the joy she has brought into our lives. The memories they have been created together are cherished, and we are grateful for the time that we have had with her. I ponder the what-ifs and wonder if things could have been different had we acted sooner.  Stella is never left alone and we all want every day to be special and she has 100% of our attention.

Goodbye We do not want Stella to suffer and will put her to sleep when the time comes. The decision is made out of love, but the pain is palpable.  But now that my girls know the bad news I maybe more inclined to spend allot of money to extend her life which will be determined on April 9th 2024 at 10:30am.  On April 3rd, 2024, we celebrate our third year with Stella, knowing it maybe her last. We will make the most of our time together, showering her with love and affection.  When the time comes, and we have to say our goodbyes we will be grateful for the unconditional love Stella has given us. Though she may be gone, her memory will live on in our hearts forever.