Because, in speaking with Kim about these beautiful dogs, she said, “this is not a story about us and what we did for Maggie May and Diesel; this is a story about them and what they gave to us”. And, what they gave was unconditional love and a bonding experience that is hard to express.

Maggie May died in May of 2004, but Kim’s words speak volumes when she
talks about her. Sadly, Maggie had been diagnosed with cancer, and while Kim acknowledges that Maggie’s treatment was a huge financial burden, she also acknowledges that it was not a burden in any other way. Maggie was treated by us, as well as by the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital and Dr. Jeglum in West Chester, PA. She was driven weekly for radiation treatments and received chemotherapy. Unfortunately, Maggie’s prognosis was not a good one and she died from this disease.

Enter…..Diesel. Diesel who was a “little devil as a puppy” and got kicked out of puppy classes! Diesel matured into a fine, upstanding dog citizen and, as you can see by his photo, was extremely handsome. Diesel became ill with meningitis and while he was recovering, he tore his ACL, for which he had surgery. He later tore his other ACL and in preparing for this surgery, he was diagnosed with lymphoma. He started treatments in July of 2008 at the age of four. Fortunately, Kim had purchased insurance, with a cancer rider, for Diesel. While there were still a lot of bills and a necessity to work overtime, the insurance was a very big help during Diesel’s treatment. In fact, their 2008 Christmas present to each other was radiation for Diesel and Saturday became “Diesel Days”…traveling 2 ½ hours one way to Red Bank and back for fifteen months. Diesel really gave no physical indication that he was sick and he tolerated his treatments well. There was never a question that Diesel would be given every opportunity to beat this disease. Nothing in Kim’s voice or words indicated that this was anything but an opportunity for them to spend time with Diesel and get to know others going through the same type of experiences; she and her family viewed each day that Diesel spent with them as a blessing and they continue to feel that way. After Diesel’s second remission, Kim sensed that it would soon be time to say goodbye to him. They were able to let him go with peace and love in their hearts, knowing they had done all they could for him.

Which brings us to….Tonka. What else is there to say, but……How cute is he???