Raven, 1 year after cancer surgery

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I added this post to Raven's original thread in Dog Health, but then realized for some reason it would not let me edit the thread title now, so I thought I would also post it here.
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On April 20, 2007, Raven went in for the surgery that would be the difference between life and death for her. The next day when she came home after the surgery, the focus became watching and waiting to see if it would succeed in being curative, or if the cancer would come back. At first it was day by day, then week by week and soon month by month. Now she has reached the landmark where there is no more tracking of time, but just years of love and living ahead in the celebration of life, something she has taught me to do in a way I never did before. She is an inspiration and brings joy to my life in so many ways, and not a day goes by, a single one, when I do not remember how so many of you were along this journey with us, your prayers and support and help a miracle in itself.

I thought I would share some new photos of her here, and a simple video I made that just shows how happy she is all the time.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...edited-1-1.jpg
Playing with big sis


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ven/raven2.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ven/raven3.jpg
Beautiful girl


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ven/raven5.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ven/raven7.jpg
"When will someone throw my ball?"


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ven/raven8.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...n/raven1-1.jpg
Smile, sweetheart.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TmcUOFoaDY

Thank you for looking, and thank you so very much for being there for us in our time of need.

Happy Miss Raven! Guess whose picture is still on my refrigerator? YOURS! Let's hear it for one year cancer-free! Hug, hug, hug!

Yayyy! I am sooo happy for you and miss Raven! She is such a beautiful girl, and has come such a long way! :)

Happy one year Raven! Thank goodness Raven is doing so well. She's such a beauty and as the video clearly shows, very happy! :D

I didn't see this new thread and posted in your other one a few minutes ago. Anyway, thanks again for sharing it. Truly, an AMAZING STORY!!! :)
Please give Raven a big hug!

*Claps Hands and does Happy Dance*!

I love you, sweet, brave, beautiful, long-tongued, happy Raven! I'm celebrating your recovery! Forever hugs and kisses!

My Raven picture is right on my office desk, next to one of K9Karen and KLo. :D Need to get ready for work right now, but I am so eager to watch that video.

Congratulations, Miss Raven! You do look like a dog who would fight to live and not succumb to anything! Great pictures and loved the video. It really captured her joy of living and loving.

Still got your picture on my wall Miss Raven!!

Congratulations Raven, one year later! I'm so glad that she has recovered, she's our little miracle pup! She's absolutely beautiful, and the video really shows what a happy, bouncy girl she is. :D I hope she's with you for many, many, many more years! :)

Hugs, Hugs and more hugs to you sweet Raven! I'm glad to hear and see that your doing so well!

Yeah, Raven!!! You are as beautiful as ever.

That song is a perfect accompaniment to Raven's video. I kind of felt a bit sorry for Tommy at one point. He seemed to be trying to say *Me too, Mommie*

Comparing the picture I have here at the computer of this beautiful girl, I see that she has filled out and matured in such a lovely way. She is absolutely gorgeous. How can we forget when you were sick, sweetheart? It was touch and go for a bit and pretty scary. I believe that everything happens for a reason. Just when Mom had gone through enough heartbreak, you fell ill. Mom was given the strength to handle it beautifully and the end result is a miracle. I have always known you were a gift to Mom and she was a gift to you. A gift from heaven. Together, you've beaten the odds and both of you are so much better today. Bless you both and thank God for miracles. Continue to feel better, both of you, and enjoy all that life has to offer in the brighter future. {{{{{JESS, RAVEN, and the T's}}}}}

Raven, please tell Mom to give some extra kisses from me today to celebrate this joyous occasion!! :)

Just back again to look at at your pretty silky black bouncey girl! Love her!

I'm so happy Raven pulled through, she is such a young outgoing pup, shes got alot to live for.. Sweet pics, I love them all, shes got a great smile :)

Congrats Raven on one year cancer free!! We were all so worried about you. You have grown so much in the last year and you are so beautiful! I just love the brown that shows through your black fur around your mouth. What a lovely lady you are!!!

What a great video, and what a special girl. She sure was lucky to have found such a great home to help her through this whole process. Congratulations Raven and Jess. One year, Yay!

I am so sorry I did not respond during the week to your heartfelt comments, many of which brought tears to my eyes. Terry, you always understood so well the difficulties I faced and that means so very much to me. I feel like I have not been there for you as much but please know you have been in my thoughts and that I hope you are not suffering with the pain you had been.

I am just struggling to keep up with two jobs, keep up with having a place and being on my own and I wish I had the time I used to to keep up with posting and reading on PT.

Anywayyy, enough with the sappiness and complaining right? :D Thanks so much to each and every one of you. And here is another shot from the other day I really like of my sweet girl.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...aven/face2.jpg

I understand completely, my friend. :)

What a great anniversary to celebrate. Yay!! It's great to see you big smiling face Raven. :D *hugs*