ANGEL IN A DOG SUIT

In 2003 my neighbor and friend, Cathy, agreed to take in an elderly friend who she had know for quite awhile.  Cathy went to school in the evenings so she needed help to care for Agnes.  It was a great job for me.  I had been a CNA and Home Health Aide for quite awhile but was no longer working.  Agnes was an interesting lady in spite of her bad memory and mood swings.  I did her finger sticks and insulin shots and got her dinner and we would watch TV until it was time for her bed.  I would then transfer her back to the wheel chair and ready her for bed.

Sometime during the next year, Cathy agreed to take in a little Chihuahua that had belonged to her son's girlfriend.  She could no longer care for it.  Cathy thought the dog might be good for Agnes.  She was right.  Peanut would lay on her lap and also sleep with her at times.  After Agnes fell asleep, Peanut would come out to the living room and lay on my lap.  I grew very attached to this lovable dog.  In the Spring of 2005, Agnes grew weaker and Cathy was at the point where she wanted to started her own Massage Therapy Business.  Agnes went to a long term health facility.  Cathy was afraid Peanut would not get enough attention with her at work all the time and asked me if I would like to add her to my family.  Needless to say, I was delighted.

Peanut quickly adapted to my husband, daughter and two cats and we were very happy to have her.  She also got to see Cathy every now and then and even visited Agnes in the nursing home until Agnes passed away.

In March of 2006 I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and thus began my battle.  During the whole process Peanut stayed by me and gave me unconditional love and attention.  She was my angel!  She still is my angel.  I don't know what we would do without her.  I remember when Cathy first got her she called her an angel in a dog suit.  Little did I know that she would not only comfort Agnes, but that I would be her next assignment!