One trait that Laika possessed, which was noted by almost all of the messages, was that she openly shared her love and affection with everyone she knew was caring for her. Throughout her life, Laika was a patient more times than I would wish on anyone; many surgeries to remove tumors, 17 radiation treatments and almost 9 months of semi-regular chemotherapy. Even in the face of all of these challenges, she was eternally grateful and well-behaved each time she had to meet with techs and doctors. To us, they became like family that extended beyond "health care," they were there for physical, mental and spiritual healing and support.
In her younger years, Laika was never one for standing around. She never liked waiting rooms at the vet...she would not sit still and would shake with anxiety, whining loudly as if singing the saddest song ever. She would sometimes get too worked-up and would bark or growl at other waiting animals. In the exam room, however, Laika was a totally different dog. She always waited patiently to be seen (while enjoying her fair share of treats). During exams, she was cool and collected, calmly allowing the vets to draw blood, give injections, aspirate masses or, even worse, express her glands. As a result, we would walk and wait outside of the vet office. Given her anxiety, she was labeled as "dog-aggressive," but this was mainly to be on the safe side and also allow us to enter and leave the hospital through the side door; thus decreasing our stress greatly.
Reports from the hospital were that she was a busy-body and loved to nose herself into any and all business in the rooms where she received treatments. Also, just like when she was taking obedience classes, she was good with other dogs once she got over the initial anxiety of arriving at the vet. This allowed her a bit of freedom during the hours she would have to spend at the hospital on days of treatments. Laika was adaptable and it was reassuring that she learned enjoy seeing her human friends at the hospital. According to the vet techs, Laika this was one of the main reasons that she was a exemplary patient.
I would sometimes worry that Laika might not like being at the hospital so frequently, but her behavior constantly put my mind at ease. About 3 years ago during Laika's radiation treatment, I received a few photos of her from the techs...they showed her happily chewing a tennis ball on the exam table. They said she loved to be on the table on her own accord, even though it obviously had associations with her treatments. The techs also allowed her to hang out in the office with them all day, sharing her wagging tail and wiggly body with everyone around!
Worry arose again during the chemo treatments because Laika was there weekly at a time when her tumor was particularly bad. Around the third treatment, I felt nervous dropping her off, but in true Laika style, she made me feel better immediately. She started excitedly wagging her tail when she saw Brianne (one of her techs) coming to get her...who received a flurry of kisses as she bent down to pet and hug Laika. After our usual update on the treatment, Laika was quickly guided through the side door to be treated. I watched as she wiggled away with Brianne...she didn't even look back! She would do the same many times for Kelsey and Erin as well. It was a huge relief to know that Laika was being such a good patient and around people who made her feel so comfortable!
Another time, Laika had developed a mysterious cough (another story) after an endoscopy. This required a trip to the emergency room and eventual hospitalization for a night. We had to wait a long time to see the doctor, but, luckily, were given our own room. Laika sat on my lap most of the time and I petted her and talked to her to help her feel calm. She was being really great for such a long wait. At one point, Laika heard a familiar voice outside of the room and immediately jumped up and ran to the door, tail wagging so hard. Her tech-friend Erin had just walked past and Laika just wanted to say hi! It was an amazing realization that Laika made the most of every opportunity to share her endless joy with those who cared for her, even in less than ideal situations.
On Laika's last day, she remained a perfect patient...making the most of spending her last hospital visit with myself and my parents as well as her extended family. Given the bonds of her endless love for them, I am forever relieved that Dr. Urie, Kelsey, Brianne and Erin were able to share the moments of Laika's final release from the suffering that we gave our all to constantly prevent. Laika was free from the cage of her body and, as noted in everyone's beautifully written messages in the book, her courage and love still live-on in all of our hearts.
Laika waiting at the emergency room, sitting on my lap.
Perfect patient with lovely multi-colored wrap.
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