Cari

Meet Cari (pronounced Car-E), whose name means ‘Beloved’ in Welsh. When she arrived last April, she was estimated to be around 12 years old and placed in hospice care, with the expectation she might have only a year at most. Cari had ten mammary masses covering both sides of her belly and wasn’t considered a candidate for surgery. X-rays revealed a small liver and a stomach pushed forward by an unknown cause. She also had spinal issues, leaving her hunched in the rear and in pain.

Once Cari started on pain medications, she began settling into her new home and making fast friends with the resident cats and other Old Dog Haven foster dogs. As she started feeling better, her true spirit came shining through! Cari loves to bounce around the house like a little kangaroo, especially when she’s happy, daring you to catch her. Mealtimes are her absolute favorite — you should see her excitement.

Fast forward to late 2024 and several of Cari’s mammary masses began growing again. One in particular ulcerated and started bleeding, making surgery unavoidable. During the operation, four masses were removed, with the two largest sent for biopsy. The non-ulcerated mass was confirmed to be a mammary tumor as expected, but the ulcerated one turned out to be a rare extraskeletal osteosarcoma, which only accounts for 1% of all canine mammary tumors.

“Cari sleeps in a bed right next to my chair, knowing I can’t resist reaching down to love on her. She’s a clever girl — and though she’s slowing down a bit and napping more, she continues to defy the odds with her determination to live a happy life. Cari’s favorite things are bouncing, sleeping, eating, and leisurely backyard strolls. This lucky girl will always be cherished, surrounded by friends and the comforts of a forever home.”

Update:  This dear girl was only able to stay a short while before her cancer took over.  She was very special and though her time was with her foster mom was short, it was very memorable – look at those eyes…..You can see her sweet soul shining through.  Cari brought so much love to her new home and her foster mom is comforted in knowing that she gave Cari the most loving final chapter.  She will always be missed.