Some of my favorite videos.Wild West Show I used to love Young Riders and thought about writing a book having Buck Cross find a community of Kiowas who intermarried with the Jewish followers of Levi Strauss and full in love with a woman who is half Kiowa Half Jewish. tried to do the research it never happened but I have met Kiowas who were part of that group in Oklahoma.

Lessons from Miracle Milo: One Dog’s Battle with Osteosarcoma

Lessons from Miracle Milo: One Dog’s Battle with Osteosarcoma
Posted on August 1, 2010 by fightcaninecancer

One of the first questions that pet owners often ask after hearing that their dog has cancer is, “how much time do we have?” And no matter what the answer, it’s easy to interpret the vet’s response as a kind of promise. Like a timer has been set for our pet’s life, quickly running down to those dreaded final days. We believe that this ‘guess’ about how long our pets will survive is true and we plan and we prepare according to this imaginary date on the calendar.

But, sometimes our dogs don’t know that they’re supposed to be living on someone else’s timeline and seem to go out of their way to prove the statistics wrong. They demonstrate a remarkable strength and will to live that surprises everyone – reminding us that we can never lose hope in the fight against cancer.

Milo was a dog who fit this description perfectly. But then again, Milo started out as a bit of a surprise when he joined his family almost by accident when he was 4 ½ years old back in January 2006. As his mom Beth explains, “We had recently lost our precious cat Scamper and had started teaching American Red Cross Pet First Aid. We were handing out flyers one day and stopped by a pet adoption event in Oakland, CA. One of the dogs up for adoption was Milo, a lab mix with double dew claws on both hind legs. It was love at first sight.”

From the scar on his face, you could see that Milo had known pain in his past, and had probably suffered at the hands of other humans. But, when he was taken in by a rescue called Hopalong and cared for in a kind foster home, he discovered what it meant to be safe and loved. All he needed was that forever home, and now he had finally found it with Beth and Tom.

Once Milo came home to live with his new family, he continued to thrive. His true personality came out and he showed himself to be an energetic, intelligent and affectionate dog who loved treats, walks, going to the dog park and going to doggy daycare. He was a happy and healthy dog who even loved helping out during the Pet First Aid classes. Life was very good for sweet Milo.

On September 9, 2009, however, Milo started limping after a walk. More than just a pulled muscle, Milo’s family was devastated when they found out that Milo had osteosarcoma — bone cancer. The vet said he only had three months to live and suggested amputation and chemotherapy. Fortunately, Beth and Tom already had pet insurance through Pet’s Best. They had gotten it for Milo after he had eaten something off the ground one day, resulting in an $800 vet bill. But for the recommended treatment for Milo’s osteosarcoma, pet insurance would only cover $7,000, and full treatment would be much more than that. It was money that his family just didn’t have.

Not willing to give up, Milo’s devoted family decided instead to pursue Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) surgery to ease Milo’s discomfort by cleaning up the bone and giving him a false hip joint. They also searched for additional ways that they could support Milo in his brave fight against such an aggressive type of cancer. They spent hours searching the internet for information about canine cancer, and found online support groups where they gained valuable information from other pet owners about supplements and treatment options that even their vet didn’t know about. All of this research helped them decide how to best help Milo live a high quality life throughout his fight with cancer. As a result of their research and by working with their vet, Beth and Tom decided to switch Milo’s food to Hill’s n/d, a grain-free diet created specifically for dogs with cancer, and they started him on a line of supplements from K9 Medicinals which had a solid reputation for helping to extend the lives of dogs with cancer. Milo started getting (5) capsules of K9 Immunity daily, along with along with (1) Transfer Factor capsule and (2) K9 Omega capsules. They credit these supplements in particular for keeping Milo alive well past the initial three month prediction.

Milo shows off his battle scars after FHO surgery.

During Milo’s battle, Beth and Tom were also able to experience the kindness of others who want to help save the lives of dogs in need. When the pet insurance money ran out, they searched online and found out about an organization called Labrador Harbor, which is dedicated to providing funding for Labrador Retrievers in California who are in need of medical care. Labrador Harbor agreed to fundraise for Milo and helped to ensure that he could get the life-extending care he needed to continue his battle with cancer. Beth and Tom also did their part to help raise funds to help their boy by posting flyers about Milo in supermarkets and pet stores and by talking to other dog owners, co-workers, and neighbors. It seemed that so many people wanted to help save the life of this special dog. One neighbor who owned a store even had a collection can for Milo to help out.

Throughout his journey with cancer, Milo was a true warrior and inspired all those who met him. The vet staff who worked with him were among his biggest fans, continually rooting for him and encouraging him to keep on fighting. He was a living testament for how long a dog could survive an osteosarcoma diagnosis without amputation or chemotherapy. He truly lived up to his nickname, “Miracle Milo”, with his fierce determination and ability to defy the odds and keep surviving despite all of the challenges he had faced throughout his life.

“We thought Milo would live forever,” says Beth, “but on July 25, 2010, his cancer leg started swelling and getting larger. It was getting harder and harder for him to walk, even though he still wanted to run and play and wag his tail. The vet really couldn’t do anything and there was no guarantee if amputation would work or not. So on July 27, with great sadness, we decided it was time to send Milo to the Rainbow Bridge.”

Too often the argument made against pursuing treatment for pets with cancer is that treatment won’t substantially lengthen their life. As if you can put a price tag on or somehow quantify how much time is worth the effort to try to save a loved one’s life. But who can judge how much time is ‘worth it’? Even if blessed with a few extra weeks or months, families can make so many memories and share such precious time together.

Milo’s story proves how important and valuable even a few extra months of life can be. Milo survived an amazing 10½ months past diagnosis, when he was originally given only 3 short months to live. It may not seem like a lot of time to some, but in those extra 7 ½ months that Milo beat the odds, he also:

* Made it to his 4 year adoption anniversary on 1/30/2010
* Made it to his 9th birthday on 6/1/2010
* Survived 2 dog fights, even though he lost part of his ear
* Had time to grow back all of the hair lost from the FHO surgery (probably thanks to K9 Omega supplements he was taking)

And most importantly, Miracle Milo and his family had 7 ½ extra months filled with the joy of each others’ company.

Milo is now at the Bridge, but his legacy lives on. “We want others to know that there is hope with cancer,” says Beth. “Milo was a brave fighter and he defied many odds. By sharing Milo’s story, we hope that others can learn from our experience.” And part of that experience is realizing that nothing is impossible. Every dog diagnosed with cancer has the potential to beat the odds too.

Milo

Rest in peace Milo
6/1/2001 to 7/27/2010
Marvelous, Intelligent, Lovable, Only dog for us
Beth & Tom


If you would like to help other dogs like Milo who are battling cancer, to give them the opportunity to receive the lifesaving treatments they deserve, please consider making a donation in his honor to the Bear Hope Fund, which helps other labs with cancer, at www.labradorharbor.org/bearhopefund.html.

5 Lessons Learned from Milo’s Journey

1. Don’t get discouraged if you find that you don’t meet low income guidelines for certain funding resources. There are many ways to fundraise on your own and you may be surprised at how many people are willing to help. Sometimes, all you have to do is ask.
2. Get pet insurance when your dog is young! It can be a critical resource when faced with major surgery or a serious illness like cancer.
3. Talk with other pet owners and look for online support groups to connect with others who may be able to help.
4. If you find a supplement that you like, talk to the company and tell them how it has helped your dog. Some companies will even provide a free bottle of a supplement if they can use your testimonial on their website or in marketing materials.
5. Plan ahead and make your dog’s final arrangements so you don’t need to worry about making these critical decisions while in the middle of your grief. If you don’t know where to start, ask your vet. They can usually recommend companies who can handle cremation or burial as well as companies that provide memorials and urns. They may even be able to help you obtain a discount on these items as a client of theirs.

Scotty Lago Matador Giveaway Winner
March 16, 2010 – 9:22 pm PT by Me
Tags: Giveaway, Matador, Scotty Lago —



A couple of weeks ago, we held a SCOTTY LAGO giveaway contest presented by MATADOR. Scotty ended up having to leave the Olympics early so in honor of him, the objective of the contest was to tell us a time when you were kicked out of something. We thoroughly enjoyed everyone who took the time to share his or her story with us but as you know, there can only be one winner. And there was one particular story that really blew us away.

The winner of the Matador contest goes to Beth Morris who is from Oakland, CA. Scotty got her attention during the Winter Olympics in Vancouver a few weeks back. She was impressed that Scotty supports kids with cancer. Her dog Milo just made it with bone cancer in his 6th month so Milo (pictured below) inspired her to submit a story.


Here is Beth’s winning story…

“As a girl scout I went on a Wider Opportunity to El Paso Texas. We visited White sands national monument and I stole some white sand by putting it in a plastic bag. At the EL Paso airport security stopped me. Since El Paso is near the Mexican border they thought that a 15 year old was smuggling cocaine. I was kicked off my flight and they brought drug-smelling dogs and when they realized it was white sand they were all laughing. I could not call my family to let them know. Then the flight I was supposed to be on crashed and everyone was killed. When I finally got through to my family they almost had a heart attack. Being kicked off of that Delta Flight actually saved my life. To this day I still don’t fly into Dallas Fort Worth airport on Delta”

Pretty crazy story. Congratulations to Beth and enjoy the beef sticks!

Turbulent Sea Christine Feehan Book Trailer

Awesome video the lyrics fit the story.

Summer Sleuths Adult Reading Program

This summer I worked at a public Library in both the reference and children's departement. Like all the California Public Libraries we had Catch the Reading Bug for preschool to preteens, Metamophosis for teens, but for adults we had the Summer Sleuths reading program. Adults had the opportunity to read ten books and get entered in a weekly drawing for gift certificates. At the end of the summer they got to have a sit down dinner party with a mystery entertainer and earn prizes and play games. As an employee I could not participate, but these were the books I read over the summer, The program lasted until August 2nd.

• 1. Moonstruck by Susan Grant
  See my review on my blog. This book rated an A+ in my book
  
  
• 2. Warrior Rising by P.C. Cast
  As a fan and reader of Mythology, I like her Goddess Summoning books in which she has modern world mortals meet Olympians. This book dealt with her version of The Iliad by Homer in which two middle age women who die have their souls transplanted into a dead Greek Priestess and her handmaiden. They help Achilles and his cousin. The book had an interesting twist, but it was not one of her better ones. I rate it a B.
  
  
• 3. Mistress of the Art of Death by Arianna Franklin
  This was one of the books that was part of the Readers Roundtable Adult book discussion group at the library I worked. Children are being killed and the Jews of Medevial England are being accussed. The King of Italy sends Adelia, a foresenics investigator along with a large Arab, and a Jew named Simon to protect her. Clues from dead bodies help solve this mystery. It was a hard book to put down definately an A in my book.
  
  
• 4. The Cure by Sonia Levitin
  I have always liked this author since I read Journey to America
  and The Return. This book is a mixture of sci-fi and historical fiction. The Year is 2407 and everyone wears a mask to emphasize conformity, and tranquility has been implemented via genetics, drugs, and therapy. Everyone also has a twin.

  16-year-old Gemm needs to cure his nonconformist desire to create music. He is sent back to 1348, the time of the Black Death in Strasbourg, France. Gemm lives the life of Johannes, the son of a wealthy moneylender in a small Jewish community. This book is similar to Lois Lowry's The Giverand deals with racism, conformity, and history. Definately an A for young adults.
  
  

• 5. The Singing Mountain by Sonia Levitin
  Many college students are seeking to find their place in life. Visit any campus and you will see religious groups trying to recruit them. I worked at an orthodox Jewish school and also had many orthodox Jewish neighbors when I lived in New Jersey. I went to a high school that had many Jewish students and had two classmates who were killed when their bus was blown up while visiting Israel so this book touched me deeply.
  

  Mitch Green is a California boy who has just graduated high school. He decides to take a trip to Israel before entering UCLA. In Israel, Mitch becomes involved with an orthodox group and learns more about his heritage and decides he wants to stay in Israel and live the orthodox life. His mom and his cousin Carlie make a trip to Israel to try rescue him and bring him home. The dramtic events in the final chapters help them to appreciate the unique heritage of their family.
  A wonderful and very thought provoking read for young adults definately an A.
  
  

• 6. The Serpent's Tale by Arianna Franklin
  This is a sequel to Mistress of the Art of Death. Adelia and her Arab protector Mansur are called upon by King Henry II to investigate the suspicious death of Rosamund Clifford who died after eating poisonous mushrooms. Adelia is also forced to work with Bishop Rowley Picot who is the father of her daughter Allie who she still has feelings for but marriage is out of the question.
  Not as exciting and hard to put down as the first book in the series. A B in my book.
  
  
• 7. Walk Away the Pounds by Leslie Sansome
  I bought this book because one of my favorite places De Lauers newstand was going out of business. It has some good information and the success stories are motivating reads. I did buy a pedometer step counter which lasted about 2 months and joined a local walking group. This book may work well for others, but the exercise routines, program and videos that I checked out from the library just were not my cup of tea. Probably because I do not get into using videos for workouts.
  Average maybe about a C or C+.
  
  
• 8. California Driver Handbook 2008
  Ok I am not the world's greatest driver. I did not learn how to drive until I was 21
  because I did not have access to a car until then. I still can't parallel park to this day. Library school and coming from out of state is expensive so I did not drive for at least 5 years. I made a rolling stop and got caught by a red light camera. Big fine $410 plus $19 to be allowed to go to traffic plus an additional $38 to the school. Well anyway in an 8 hour class you do go through the whole manual. listen. watch movies, and I did learn some things. I will be careful from now on.
  A for the book. Its explains things well and has some good illustrations.
  
  
• 9. Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
  I eagerly waited for this book after reading the novella Alpha and Omega in the anthology On The Prowl. Anna is transformed into a Werewolf against her will and is abused by the pack. Charles Cornick is Salish (an American Indian tribe) and Welsh. His father is the head of all the werewolves in North America and he is sent to investigate Anna's pack. They fall in love and Cry Wolfdeals with their move to Montana. One problem that I found was that the book referred to incidents that happened in the novella a little too much and could be confusing for someone who did not read it. I would have also liked in there was something mentioned about Charle's heritage and his mother was supposed to have had powers. A lot about werewolf society was explained and made it interesting. I think the author would have done better to combine the novella in the same book. I may or may not read other books in this series. I would give it about a C or C+ average did not really do anything for me.
  
  
• 10. Turbulent Sea By Christine Feehan
  I was excited to read about the 6th magical Drake sister, Joley the spell singer and Ilya Prakenskii, cool, inscrutable, dangerously sexy, and working in the shadow of his infamous reputation—that of a secret Russian hit man on the payroll of a notorious mobster. Ilya has appeared in other books and is a man of mystery and a 7th son of a seventh son. Last night I watched the movie Hitman and I wondered if Ilya actually went to a similiar school. Bizare huh? I wish that more about his family and background was included but maybe that will happen in a future books. The video for the book is awesome, just Joley and Ilya look different then they are described in the book. A B+.
  
  

New White Buffalo Born

The white buffalo is sacred to most Plains Indian tribes and is often seen as a sign of great changes in the world. To some tribes it is a blessing. Others believe it is a sign of peace, prosperity, unity and hope.

On August 31,2007 in North Dakota, White Cloud, a female buffalo with albinism, gave birth to her 5th calf. The calf is a male and his name is Dakota Miracle.

Moonstruck by Susan Grant

I loved the Outworldly Men series which was about the Jasper family trying to save earth from an alien invasion. Your Planet Or Mine (Book #1) featured Jana Jasper and her romance with Cavin of Far Star. My Favorite Earthling (Book #2) featured Jana's older brother Jared trying to save Earth by marrying Queen Keira. How To Lose An Extraterrestrial (Book #3, and my favorite) in ten days features Evie Jasper, Jana's and Jarrett's sister, helping a former assassin to have a new life and then falling in lover with him. In all three books, Susan Grant created a world involving the Coalition, their enemies, the Drakken Horde, and the newly found planet Earth.

Now Susan begins a new series, The Borderlands. The first book is Moonstruck. The war has ended and a new intergalactic treaty has been signed. Coalition starship Admiral Brit Bandar, aka Stone-Heart, is now captain of the Starship Unity, which in addition to Coalition officers, has Drakken and Earthling crew members.

The Borderlands series is slightly darker and goes deeper to explore a galaxy left reeling after a thousand year war ends, thanks to the Jasper family, introduced in the Outworldly Men series. If you like paranormal, futuristic, sci-fi, and romance you will love Moonstruck. This book was impossible to put down. It was interesting to see the Coalition, Drakken, and earth cultures intermingle. I also liked that Brit and Finn were middle-aged (40 and 35), Tango's cocky humor, Hadley's innocence, and the imperial wraith Bolivarr fascinated me. I hope that in her future books Susan explores Wraiths further. Be warned there are some steamy love scenes and some sex, so not for teenagers. I can't wait for book #2 The Warlord's Daughter.