Mia’s Story: From Kennel Cough to Lymphoma

FBR Real Pet Stories™ fun facts about Mia:

• If you talk to her in a high-pitched voice, she will attempt to talk back.
• She loves to distribute her toys all over the house and then play hide and seek with them.
• She loves to eat ice cubes as a treat.

Mia is a 13-year-old black lab and Shar-Pei mix. I adopted her in 2008 at just 6 weeks old. She loves her humans and is protective of her family. She gets super excited when we come home and is very friendly once she accepts you as part of her pack. Mia had a dog brother for many years but since his passing has become quite content with all the human attention that she no longer must share. Mia has a couple of dog friends but is less social until she feels comfortable. Mia is still energetic and playful but in 2019, she developed kennel cough while she was being boarded, despite being vaccinated. Her symptoms were mild at first but quickly progressed to pneumonia. After her initial diagnosis and treatment, she started coughing up blood and had stopped eating. We rushed her to the emergency clinic, and I was very sure that she might not make it, given her rapid deterioration.

A 2nd Recovery

Shortly thereafter, Mia became particularly content to have everyone at home during the COVID pandemic. She enjoyed walks and playing outside throughout the day. She spent her afternoons cuddled up napping and snoring on our Zoom calls. During many of our cuddle sessions, we began to notice a lump getting bigger on her back. We took her to the vet and decided to surgically remove what was suspected to be a malignant tumor. It was removed successfully with good margins and Mia made another full recovery. During 2021, Mia adjusted slowly to everyone being back to work and school and having the house to herself. I’m pretty sure she still enjoys those occasional work from home days.

Several weeks ago and a couple months shy of her 14th birthday, Mia was diagnosed with lymphoma. She is being treated with medication to keep her comfortable and slow the disease progression. She now enjoys a new dog walker, along with the extra treats and tons of cuddles she gets daily. Even so, her activity continues to slow down, and we are preparing to make the difficult decision to give her peace when the time comes.

Thanks to the knowledge, care and treatments of her veterinary team and all of the love she gets at home, she has led a full and happy life. Animal research makes it possible to extend the lives and provide the best care for our pets. I am eternally grateful.

We love Mia dearly. She will leave her paw prints on our hearts as she soon crosses the Rainbow Bridge.  This is a tribute to her kind and lovable soul.

*Since the time this was written, Mia has transitioned over the Rainbow Bridge to be with all of her siblings and friends that have passed before her. Thank you to Rachel for sharing this story and photos with FBR.

Sponsored by: