Nellie, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, came to us as a young dog who had been unwanted, neglected, and mostly left outside. She lived with us for 13 years, a much-loved, well-cared-for family member who adored our other dog. We knew something was wrong when she stopped chewing on her favorite treats but would just carry them around in her mouth. It turned out that a squamous cell carcinoma had developed under her tongue.

Choosing to forego arduous treatments that might have briefly extended her life, we kept Nellie comfortable at home for as long as possible. She was always very fond of her food but three months after diagnosis it was clear that eating had become too painful, and we knew it was time to say goodbye.

Nellie was not our first dog to be lost to a wretched malignancy, but it never gets any easier. After six weeks, it is still agonizing to see her everywhere in the house, in all her favorite spots…

A brick will be placed in the walkway of our local Humane Society as a permanent memorial to our precious girl.