Two months ago, at a party hosted by Manhattan’s swanky Spike Gallery, I helped unveil a life-size bronze bust of my dog Sam by the talented sculptor Jennifer Weinik. I was feeling celebratory: After a bout with cancer, Sam had been in remission for almost a year.
It was just long enough for me to forget the most important thing about this disease - like the worst kind of stalker, it doesn’t go away. It lies low, waiting. Last month, Sam sprouted more mast cell tumors.
Luckily, we connected with the cancer equalizer: Dr. Gerald Post, recognized as the country’s top veterinary oncologist, who formed the Animal Cancer Foundation to work toward a cure for cancer in people and pets.
I thought it was a good omen that he has the same name as my favorite newspaper.
To his professional peers, Post is a guru. To me, he’s a hero. To 11-year-old Sam, Post is the compassionate friend who knelt down on the floor to kiss his snout before gently examining him at the Center for Specialized Veterinary Care in Westbury, N.Y. (his own office is located in Norwalk, Conn.).
To make sure the disease hasn’t spread, Sam underwent an X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, bone-marrow aspirate, and surgery. His body - already a road map of scars - will now sport several more.
When Smokey, Post’s own miniature Schnauzer, got the diagnosis, the doctor bought him two extra years. I’m confident he will do the same for Sam.
