Remembering Cano

[Courtney H]

On October 30, 2014, I lost my sweet 6-month old Cano to the horrid disease cardiomyopathy. I took an ink blot of his paw to someday get it tattooed on me. Years passed and I always had the intention of getting it done, I just never made the appointment.
About two years ago, I was diagnosed with my own heart condition. I was diagnosed with heart valve disease with an aortic aneurysm. I have a bicuspid aortic valve with regurgitation, an enlarged left atrium, and a heart murmur...along with hypertension. The bicuspid valve caused the root of my aorta to enlarge. I was absolutely devastated. As I was crying the entire drive home from the hospital, I thought about two things: I’m calling Skydive New England to book my first skydiving adventure (bucket list item) and my sweet Cano. He lost his battle to heart disease and I was going to make sure I wasn’t going to lose mine, too. In order to keep inspired and motivated, I finally made the call to get that tattoo.
His paw print is now tattooed on my left rib cage, right next to my heart. I know he will be with me every step of the way. When I have my open heart surgery, I know he will be watching over me to make sure I get plenty more years to love more dogs .
I miss Cano everyday, but he will never be forgotten .
P.S. I did go skydiving, and it was spectacular

 

[TylerDurden]

Courtney,
Thanks for sharing Cano‘s story. He left you too early, which is extremely sad. I think the tattoo was an awesome idea, and carries a very special message. Also, it‘s really well done (it looks very authentic). Good luck with your own surgery!

 

[Courtney H]

Courtney,
Thanks for sharing Cano‘s story. He left you too early, which is extremely sad. I think the tattoo was an awesome idea, and carries a very special message. Also, it‘s really well done (it looks very authentic). Good luck with your own surgery!

Part of the reason it took me so long was that I couldn’t find a tattoo artist that I liked! She really nailed it. Thanks for the kind words

 

[Boxergirl]

I remember you sharing Cano's story. I hate cardiomyopathy as much as I hate cancer and DM. They plague my boxer breed and it's one of the reasons I'm so pushy about health testing parents. The tattoo looks awesome. My daughter has one on her hip of our Al's paw print. She'll be getting of of her Otis's when she finds someone she trusts to do it.

When is your surgery, Courtney? My kids tell me that my mojo is the best. I'd like to send some your way.

 

[marke]

my condolences , I've watched a pup die from cardiomyopathy , it's pretty heart breaking …….. to bad they don't have a practical surgery for dogs …… good luck with yours , they are pretty good at it in people ……….

 

[Courtney H]

I remember you sharing Cano's story. I hate cardiomyopathy as much as I hate cancer and DM. They plague my boxer breed and it's one of the reasons I'm so pushy about health testing parents. The tattoo looks awesome. My daughter has one on her hip of our Al's paw print. She'll be getting of of her Otis's when she finds someone she trusts to do it.

When is your surgery, Courtney? My kids tell me that my mojo is the best. I'd like to send some your way.

Not sure when yet. I get yearly testing to see how much my aneurysm is growing. My surgeon wants to time it so that I get a valve replacement and my aortic graph at the same time. He said surgery can wait because it is a risky surgery and the longer we can hold off the better! I think he said at around 5cm we will start the planning, and I’m at 4.45cm now. I’m thinking maybe 7 years? But who knows. I just have to do everything I can to keep myself healthy and strong, so good diet and exercise!