Wednesday, July 16, 2008

To my friends out there.

If you've followed my posts for a while, you know I have two dogs, Jack & Petey. We adopted them 9 years ago from the pound - they've been the best companions for years. Jack is our hound, who had knee surgery about a year and a half ago. He was a trooper - and after about 6 months, he was running like a champ. Petey had a cancer scare a few months back and is doing really well, seemingly free of disease.

Out of the blue, Jack had a seizure on Monday. A small one, but he'd been showing signs of a personality change for a week or so, with a vet appointment in the future to check him out. But we didn't expect this. Our beloved Jack has cancer. He's home and resting and we're cherishing every minute left with him.

For now, my pals are sleeping next to me while I paint. Keep us in your thoughts.

27 comments:

Jackie McIntyre said...

I follow your blog daily and admire your paintings so much. I always appreciate hearing about the life of other artists. I can only say my heart goes out to you, our pets are our family and I prey your Jack is going to be alright for awhile.

Mona Diane Conner said...

Karin, No one will fault you if you need a break from painting to be with your pal Jack. He is in great hands,
you are in my prayers.

Susan Carlin said...

Holding you all in my thoughts, Karin.

Marilyn said...

You have my heartfelt compassion on this journey.

Eve said...

Karin, I too follow your blog daily. I'm sorry about your dog. We have quite a few furry family members, and my own dog had a seizure not long ago, too. It was really scary.

It's sad and scary when they're ill, and it's sad after they're gone. They're so much parts of our lives. For all those reasons, my heart goes out to you.

Karin Jurick said...

It helps to have you all reach out - which is why I mentioned Jack today. I appreciate all the emails and comments very much. Jack just ate some ham and cheese and that seems like a huge conquest. Keep it coming.

Kim Morin Weineck said...

It's so hard.

I love how you said you're treasuring every minute. We had a scare with our dog 18 months before she left us just this month after 16 great years.

What a gift that time was.

Knowing what you're going through, and keeping you in my thoughts---

Art By Erika said...

Hello Karin I'm a recent addition to your subscribers as I am playing with more oils lately. I've not only enjoyed your works and posts, but you've also kept me inspired and hopeful that I can make something with my oils. I've enjoyed your visit to the museum, Art Institute is one of my favorite museums because Bougarreau's (spell?) tall 2-nude women painting and other Impressionist pieces live there!

Anyway, I lost my 100lb GSD "Moose" to cancer at age 7 so that means many years of unconditional love and companionship. Jack and Petey are so lucky to have you for Mom! Blessings to you and family!

HINK said...

Karin - I too feel your pain. My dog is the world to me and she is a bit older now and I see signs of aging. I will keep you and the family (dog and human) in our prayers.

God bless!

Ron Hinkle

Bill Brauker said...

Karin, So sorry to hear the news about Jack. It is so awful when someone in the family is seriously ill. You want to do so much for them, but really all you can do is stay close to them and show them your love and bask in the love they return to you.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bill and Anne Brauker, and our two elderly cats, Isis and Quinivere

Dianne Mize said...

Karin, I follow your work daily, even though I don't leave comments all the time. But your work always amazes me. I want you to know that folks in our house are sending healing thoughts your way.

Mark Bridges said...

I'll send some healing to Jack tonight.

Pattie Wall said...

Thinking of you. Pets mean so much to us. They are our life and give us such pleasure. Jack is lucky to have you. My heartfelt prayers come your way.

Anonymous said...

Do what you need to do for your dogs, many years ago I had surgery on my 12 year old dog, it cost over $400, which at the time was a fortune, people thought I was nuts, but he lived another 5 great years, and I never regretted it. Do what you think is best for both you and your dogs.

n warner said...

Dear Karin,
So sorry to hear about Jack - there's a time to give and to receive and here's to hoping that these heartfelt wishes go deep. I lost my lil' beloved lovebird Dieter last month, and I can barely go to the part of the room where he was perched.So here's to hoping that Jack will keep on keeping on, until you have to part. Best wishes, Nina (and sweet cat, Vera)

Hazel Martin Designs said...

So sorry to hear this news! I've lost 3 long time pets in my life and my prayers are with you!

Cheryl Pass said...

Our dog is our blessing and favorite companion...I hope the best for yours.

As an aside; My brother, who also loved his pets, did a funny thing. When one was getting older, he would go to adopt another one. In his words, he had to have an "emergency back-up" animal to console him. From then on in our family, we think of "emergency back-up" pets...never wanting to be without them.

Barbara Pask said...

Karin, I don't know what I could say that hasn't been said here. Most of us know what it's like to have and lose pets and they are your children. Cherish the time you have, he's a lucky guy.

Barbara Pask said...

I mean lucky to have you. Take care

Don Gray said...

I empathize with you, Karin. We lost our little beagle cross Pablo last fall--it left a hole in our lives. I hope you and Jack have some good quality time ahead.

Deborah Paris said...

Thoughts and prayers for both you and Jack. Our 5 dogs are like our kids- our oldest, little Sophie, went blind recently and was diagnosed with a heart problem which will take her from us eventually. Like you, I am trying to just be in the moment with her. Pats and hugs to Petey & Jack.

laura l. sweet said...

Karin, I am so, so sorry to hear about Jack. No one knows what you're going through like I do (as you well know). I send my love and strength your way.
laura

I need orange said...

My corgi has leukemia.

The cancer roller coaster really sucks.

It may be useful to consult with a vet hospital on a protocol.

Mar Vista Vet practice has a website that is a goldmine of information on drugs, side effects, interactions. Google them; it is the pharmacy section of their site.

Wishing you as much good time as you can possibly have.

Candy Barr said...

Your new work for your upcoming show is full of life and wonderful. Keep passing on the love to Petey and Jack. They make it all worthwhile.

Making A Mark said...

I've always enjoyed your posts about your dogs even though I'm not a dog person - your love for them has always shone through the writing - and the paintings!

I'm not a dog person but my first boy cat had cancer (the one who always snuggled down next to me in the evening) and we did the whole vet hospital bit etc so I have a small inking of what you're feeling right now. I found drawing my cat in his last few weeks helped me - and it left him imprinted on my brain, even after 16 years.

I hope you find a similar solace and that you have as much time together as is possible. I'll be keeping you and Petey and Jack in my thoughts.

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

Although I'm a cat person, I always say there's no love like dog love.
My beloved cat Wendell had a growth behind his ear which was removed two weeks ago and much to my great joy, was benign. I was so worried because I was sure it was melanoma. Much love to your little Jack.
I so enjoy your paintings and wish I had been able to take that workshop you taught with Carol Marine last March. Maybe someday..

Purl Girl said...

Karin, I am sorry to hear this. I will keep you and your beloved two furry companions in my prayers.

Cindy