Although Mary lives her days with bright eyes, hearty barks and mealtime enthusiasm, the reality is that she has an inoperable cancerous tumor in her abdomen.

The tumor continues to slowly grow. It's size is evident on her hind end, displacing the base of her tail, pushing it towards her right hip.  The exterior tumor is the size of a softball but thankfully, Mary does not seem bothered by it. Except for some bleeding, her potty habits are healthy and unchanged. 

Last April when Mary arrived at CAPE, because of her prognosis, CAPE's veterinarian suggested that she could live for a week to a month. 

Yesterday, five months later, Mary trotted into the veterinary clinic for a check up. CAPE staff and our veterinarian agreed that we could learn so much from dogs - here was Mary, a dog diagnosed with the worst condition, yet her love of life and all the simple parts of her daily experience have brought her the gift of five more months. 

Today is just another ordinary yet beautiful day for Mary.