Like many, I have followed the New York Times Best-Selling Author of Dogs, Boys and Other Things I've Cried About, Isabel Klee's Instagram page, Simon Sits, for almost three years. And, like many this past weekend, my heart broke over the passing of a beloved dog that most of us never had the opportunity to meet but were honored to share along in the privilege of watching this most special duo shine a huge light on the power of fostering the most vulnerable, abused, medically complex dogs. Isabel and Simon working together inspired countless people across our nation and the world to start the journey of fostering as well as opening their homes forever for these precious dogs that all too often are overlooked.
Our family has much in common with Isabel. Both of us opened our doors and our hearts to rescuing medically complex, senior special needs dogs. Our beloved special needs senior Buttons, blessed our lives for two years, passing in 2024, and now our three-year-old Oliver, who brought the joy back to our home, was diagnosed with a chronic eye condition called Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in May of this year. We have been tremendously grateful for Isabel's efforts in shining a spotlight on these souls-caring and nurturing these dogs physical and emotional needs while helping them find their forever homes. Sweet Simon supported his mom throughout her journey in fostering, lovingly shared his home, his toys and his humans with countless dogs who came through their Brooklyn, New York doors. Followers like me, watched in awe of Simon's gentle, knowing ways, helping to guide his foster siblings to trust again, all the while being medically compromised himself as he suffered from severe seizures and sadly was recently diagnosed with inoperable cancer. Last week, Simon's parents made the heart wrenching decision to end Simon's suffering.
Author Martin Dejnicki most aptly wrote once that, "Dogs leave pawprints on our hearts." The pawprints that Simon left on all of our hearts are immeasurable. May this most special boy be welcomed to heaven, as he was truly an angel on earth.
As our tale begins, young Cody and his ever-faithful Golden Retriever puppy named Champ, are busy practicing for an upcoming agility course competition. As Champ skillfully manages to jump through hurdles and tunnels with ease, Cody gets very excited about their chances. As he pets his puppy, he feels a bump underneath Champ's fur and decides that they need to go see the vet. When Cody and his father take Champ to the vet for tests, they soon learn the devastating news that his puppy has cancer. Cody is in disbelief, as to him, Champ doesn't look or act sick. The vet gently explains that sometimes, this is, "...the strange thing about cancer. Patients can seem fine even though they are sick inside." Noticing how the little boy has become scared and understandably confused at this turn of events, as he questions whether Champ will ever be okay, the vet honestly tells Cody that, "we have strong medicines to fight the cancer, but she will have to come here every week, and she won't like it." That, we soon learn, is an understatement, as we see how Champ, just like a human, doesn't like to take her medicine. But her friend Cody finds ways that help hide the taste but coating the medicine with yummy peanut butter! You and your little ones will feel humbled as you join this journey of how a loyal little boy stands beside his sick puppy throughout the course of her treatment.
As a mother, and former teaching assistant, needless to say, I have always been a strong proponent of providing children with the knowledge that will help them to process all of the many issues and struggles that life will give them to face. North's heartfelt yet powerful story, filled with four pages of facts about cancer (which include a "True or False" quiz to assess their familiarity with the disease; to how children who have been diagnosed with cancer like Champ, learn to cope with their condition as well as their treatments; to a discussion on the many ways that we can try to live healthy lives) will provide your children and students with essential information that is told in a simple yet profound way, and in my eyes, this is most certainly a 'must have' book in any library shelf.
Champ's Story: Dogs Get Cancer Too!
Written by Sherry North & Illustrated by Kathleen Rietz
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing (2010) Now Arbordale Publishing
ISBN: 978-1607180777 (Hardcover)
For ages 4 thru 9
Retails for $16.95 (Hardcover; also available in Paperback and as an eBook in English & Spanish)
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