by hugapitbull » April 28th, 2009, 8:07 pm
Angie is one of my first true internet friends. Our friendship began on a pitbull usenet group right after Trouble came into our lives. People came and went in the usenet group, but one of the constants was Angie. She encouraged the rest of us along the way, and told lots of funny stories about her dogs. Some of the newcomers to PBT also know Angie.
Angie had been battling malignant brain tumors for several years. She had been a real trooper. She had tests, and treatments, and remissions, and more tests and more treatments. Along the way she got Duke. Duke was the typical in your face pitbull pup that would not be contained. Angie agonized about what to do with Duke. At one point I thought she would give up, but she found the stamina to keep fighting, just as she had with the cancer. Duke eventually grew out of the horrible puppy stage and became a respectable pet, but still needed lots of attention. Angie was proud she hadn't given up on him. We heard more great Duke stories. About a year ago, Angie's health began to deteriorate, she wrote long notes about the types of cancer she battled and the treatments she would undergo. And then one day several months ago, Angie made the decision to kennel Duke until she was well enough to care for him as he deserved. My heart sank, I knew this was not a good sign.
As Trouble started her battle with cancer, Angie was there for us. She never failed to comment on Trouble's updates, but as time went on you could tell it was a struggle for her to answer e-mail. And then just before Trouble completed her chemo, Angie failed to respond to the Trouble update. I tried sending another message - the mailbox was full. I contacted another mutual internet friend, she hadn't heard from Angie either. We waited. We e-mailed each other every couple of weeks hoping the other had heard something, and there was nothing.
Today, Sandra found the number to the kennel where Duke was being boarded. She called hoping to get a phone number. Our friend Angie is gone. She succumbed to the dreaded disease about three Sundays ago. Her spirit is at last free. Those of us who loved her are saddened.
The kennel worker had one more heartbreaking bit of news. Duke, too, has cancer. Fight the battle Duke, make Angie proud.
Rest in Peace, Angie. We will miss you and always be inspired by your courage, strength and dignity.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble
We beat osteosarcoma - 27 months 20 days cancer free
'Spirit' Trouble departed for the Bridge 3/16/2011 a victim of aging
Visit -
http://k9cancer.orgAny fool can criticize, condemn, and complain--and most fools do. ~Dale Carnegie