Rukkus’ Story of Courage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Life Lessons from Rukkus”

 

Little did I realize that in June 1998, my life would be profoundly changed by a tiny, dying puppy.  This puppy became Rukkus, the four legged love of my life.

Rukkus was found abandoned in a sandbox at the local park at one day of age.  Barely alive, he was brought by Animal Control to the veterinary clinic where I worked.  After weeks of fighting for his life with round the clock tube feedings & subcutaneous fluid administration, he gradually gained strength and became our miracle puppy.

Rukkus was both an easy and difficult puppy.  He housebroke himself by the time he was seven weeks old and never destroyed anything that didn’t belong to him.  But it was apparent at an early age that he was extremely independent and headstrong.  He learned obedience training in both English and German, as well as hand signals, but he definitely “did things his way”, much to the amusement of the rest of his obedience classes.  He was always “Raising A Rukkus”, so to speak.

Rukkus soon grew into a 60lb Shar-Pei/Pitbull mix, full of health problems, but full of life as well.  We never dreamed that he would be fighting for his life once again in just a few short years.

Rukkus was diagnosed with Mast Cell Cancer (MCT) at three years of age.  After an extensive surgery which removed most of his bottom lip on one side, he was cancer free.  Several months later, he was once again diagnosed with MCT, this time on his leg.  Again, following surgery, Rukkus was cancer free.

Several years later, Rukkus was diagnosed with Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma.  One year after surgical treatment, the cancer returned.  This time the news wasn’t good.  The cancer would more than likely recur, as well as metastasize to other organs.  After consulting with an oncologist, he was given less than three months to live.  Needless to say, I was devastated.  He was my fur child, the love of my life.  I quickly got a second opinion from a wonderful oncologist whom Rukkus and I adore.  After reviewing our options, we decided that chemo or radiation was not a good choice for us, and followed up his surgical treatment with a holistic veterinarian.

So began our new lifestyle- a diet with fresh meat and veggies, few carbs, natural preservatives, many dietary supplements, acupressure and massages, no chemicals, and no vaccines except for rabies as required by law.  Rukkus is living a healthier lifestyle than John and I are!

Rukkus has been in remission since February 2005, is healthy and happy, and proudly wears his battle scars with no idea that he is a cancer survivor.  I have learned multitudes while on this journey: much from the veterinary profession that I am proud to be a part of, along with my own research and the many friends I have made with other “Canine Cancer Moms”.  I have learned the most from Rukkus, however: live each day to the fullest, don’t cry today for what may come tomorrow, never take life for granted, and always take time to smell the flowers (and the hydrants!) and enjoy the little things in life.  We celebrate life and thank God every day for bringing us so much joy in Rukkus and enabling him to overcome the many obstacles in his path of life.  Today he continues "Raising A Rukkus" in the only way of life he knows!