Summer of 2015, I was in a serious relationship and looking to move out of my parents home. My dad came home and told me he had a surprise for me outside, come to find out there was a bucket of puppies in my front yard! Tears came to my eyes almost immediately as I looked at the little bundle of joys.
A little pup with 2 black spots on his eyes caught my eye. He was lingering around the back of the bundle, curious but not pushy with his brothers. He was the first puppy I picked up, and the rest is history.
He was smart as a whip, and particularly chill for a puppy, a trait he has kept to this day. We joke sometimes that I should’ve named him Eeyore, because he has that sad, serious expression on his face almost constantly. The only issues I had with him growing up was his bouts of separation anxiety, which has gotten much better but is still very prevalent in his life. Actually one week ago now we went up to camp where I had to keep him in a room for a couple hours while I did some chores and he still is just as anxious as ever if he doesn’t have someone to sit with him. We did do the training involved in alleviating his stress, but in the end we were satisfied that this is just how he deals with separation.
Health wise though, Ludo has been a very healthy dog. He once had pancreatitis about 4 years ago in 2019 which I believe was my mistake of feeding him a pigs ear the night before. He never really had a high fat content treat of that kind before, and he hasn’t had one since. After working in the dog boarding, daycare, pet store business, I had learned a ton about nutritional health for dogs and I take pride in knowing that I give Ludo the best quality food that I can while still making it interesting and tasty for him. I provide him with supplements and make sure he is well hydrated. He’s had a pretty uneventful medical life before his cancer diagnosis.
In spring 2020 Ludo got a sister, Evie. She is a retired racing greyhound that loves nothing better than to be praised and loved on constantly. They make a great pair, both are so sweet and have a great temperament. She is 2 years younger than him. We also brought home a cat named Sal (Salazar) who is absolutely in love with Ludo and considers him to be his best friend. They are so precious when they play together!
Ludo grew very close to my stepfather, who was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in October of 2019. He slept with him and hung out with him everyday, until the day he passed in 2021. They had a very special bond and I am so grateful that I was able to share Ludo with him for his last few years. It was so amazing watching Ludo be patient with Bob, and become gentler with him as time went on. I feel blessed that I was able to provide Bob with a furry companion to help him through the end of his life.
Now Ludo and I are trying to navigate life on three paws as he battles his own cancer. He still has so much of his life ahead of him!