Cowboy
I got Cowboy as a puppy just 1 month before I met my wife, Jen, and for the last 8 years he has been our world. People laugh because I call him “son”, but truly from the day that little pup ran up and chose me himself, he has been my baby for all intents and purposes. He has been the most loyal companion through thick and then, bringing so much joy and comfort to our lives. He has the most warm, soulful eyes that always help me to remember that everything is going to be okay. Cowboy’s love is unconditional, and I don’t know how I got so lucky to be his dad.
Jen and I were on our honeymoon that consisted of a 2-week road trip with the pups when we first discovered Cowboy’s illness. He seemed more lethargic and started to grow abnormally large lymph nodes. Upon returning home, following a series of tests, we received the devastating news that our baby had large cell lymphoma. Our hearts broke thinking this could very well be the end of our time with Cowboy, but we were absolutely determined to do everything in our power to fight for my best friend’s life.
We were transferred to an oncologist in Dallas, Dr. Jesse Dawson, who compassionately helped us to explore all our options. After much discussion, it was
determined that chemo would give Cowboy the best chance at survival with a good quality of life throughout treatment. As we started treatment, Cowboy responded amazingly and was back to his old goofy self. However the medical bills were already drowning us within the first month, and we had no idea how we were supposed to continue for the subsequent 6 months. This was when Dr. Dawson told us about Dogslife, a remarkable organization dedicated to helping pets like Cowboy fight cancer.
The grant from Dogslife is a blessing and nothing short of a lifeline for our family. It means the world to us, as it helps alleviate the financial burden of his treatment, while allowing us to focus solely on his healing. Cowboy and I have shared countless memories, and with this grant, we are granted the gift of time together – time to create more joyful moments, more pawprints on the journey of life. We are incredibly grateful for Dogslife’s support in giving him the fighting chance he so deserves.
Colton and Jennifer Ryan (July 2023)