A Super Hero Runs Free

Mac, a true super hero! (Photo credit Sparks)

Death within certain groups seems to run in cycles. We go weeks without loss then suddenly we begin to see the passing of so many individuals. This has been especially true this past week within the dog world.

I share the End of Watch notices for both law enforcement and military working dogs. To me these are the elite and most heroic representatives of the K9 world. To ignore their passing is simply unthinkable. We saw the passing of a different kind of hero this week. Just like his K9 counterparts to ignore his contributions is unthinkable.

For a few years I have watched and shared insights with a remarkable training program based in Monroe Washington. Sparks K9 is headed by John Sparks, an internationally certified dog trainer. They specialize in behavior and true rehabilitation of dogs many would simply dump. I have seen miracle transformations in dogs with the potential to be not only problems but outright dangerous. John’s wife Kimmy is a champion of the American Bully. She has a smile which can rival the sun and a heart as big as the Montana sky. Last week they lost a piece of their hearts due to the passing of their dog Mac.

Many may wonder what is so special about the loss of this particular dog. In the face of the number of dogs lost and the lives they led Mac may not seem to be anything very special. Mac gained super hero status because of what the end of his life represented.

Cancer is a devastating disease. If there is anyone who has never been touched personally by this killer, I do envy you. Just a couple of weeks ago, many celebrated what would have been the 40^th birthday of one of our own. We celebrate her life annually, not her death. At this time, someone I love is fighting this battle with every ounce of strength she possesses. She is the strongest woman I know and if anyone can beat this demon, it will be her. My prayers are I never have to face life without her presence.

Canine cancer cases seem to be on the rise along with the numbers of human cases. I myself have lost three dogs to cancer and am facing the loss of a fourth. We all live with this specter regardless of circumstances.

A few months ago, Mac was diagnosed with a Glioma brain tumor. This is a cancer associated with the glial or supporting cells of the nervous system. This is a cancer considered responsible for 80% of malignant brain tumors. Many remember my dog Bubba. This is what claimed him at eleven years old. The diagnosis itself is devastating. In the case of Bubba, his age was a factor in how aggressively I was willing to fight this killer. While not a brain tumor, I am facing this same decision in the matter of Emma who is also eleven. At that age, quality of life and the realistic expectations of longevity are a consideration. In the case of Mac, he was only 7 years old which made him middle age. A study being done by the University of Minnesota specifically for the treatment of Glioma brain tumors, offered hope Mac’s life could be extended including the preservation of his quality of life.

Upon Mac’s diagnosis, the Sparks set on a journey to find any possible treatment program which could save their precious boy. Mac was accepted into the clinical trial at the University of Minnesota and taken straight in for surgery.

The treatment plan after surgery included Immunotherapy. This is something we are hearing more and more about as an alternative to chemo and radiation treatments. Immediately after surgery, Mac seemed to be making a remarkable recovery. Sadly, symptoms began manifesting which led to the thought, the tumor may have been growing back. Prednisone was prescribed and a follow up MRI scheduled, to see what was going on. Unfortunately, Mac was unable to tolerate the treatment and the decision was made to release him to Cross the Bridge.

The significance of this decision to treat is the possible benefit Mac’s case can have for the treatment of brain tumors in both human and canine. A necropsy will be done to determine his exact cause of death which is also of major importance to understanding future successful treatments. For anyone facing this battle, every case offers a glimmer of hope.

Kimmy and John made a brave decision to pursue a path with Mac which may have a monumental impact on the treatment and survival rate of cancer victims. They were rewarded with several weeks of seeing their wonderful boy rally and enjoy life once again. While this may have been a short-lived victory, it has the potential for long term benefit. All of us facing the loss of someone we love or facing this battle personally against a deadly disease are forever in your debt.

The Sparks have graciously offered Mac's records to anyone who wishes to consider this possible treatment plan. When the results of the necropsy are entered into the official record, you may contact them or the University of Minnesota for a copy.

Mac, you run free now across the Bridge but you will forever live in our hearts. You join many greats who wait for our time to cross. Heaven is made up of all those amazing companions who have gone before, I refuse to believe anything different!