Life after cancer

Hi All. Hope you are all travelling well. 

I finished active treatment 7 months ago and as some of you may know, I have struggled with my new normal. I was fired from my managerial job when I refused to accept a demotion during treatment. I have lost my confidence on so many levels.  My children are grown and although they still live with us, they don't need me anymore.   As with many who have had cancer, I have been forced to re-evaluate my life, my relationships and my life goals. I want to be happy but feel I no longer know what makes me happy. Does that sound stupid?  Everyone, including my counsellor, have told me that I need to find something for me. A hobby. Up to this point, I have always been heavily involved in my kids sporting clubs. 

Well, I think I have finally found that thing. That thing that makes me happy, makes me feel important, like I'm making a difference. We have two beautiful dogs, a very old kelpie and a border collie, whom I love to bits. They make me happy. So what did I do? I have become a puppy foster parent. We have fostered a little kelpie pup. His name is Patrick. He has had a rough time. His owner lived on property and was taken ill and rushed to hospital where he died a few days later. The family asked the ranger to collect the dogs and re home them. He managed to collect the other two dogs but little Patrick was so freaked out and scared he hid under the house and no one could get him out. Eventually after some days, a neighbour was able to get him out but his hip was damaged in the process. He is roughly 4 months old. He is very timid and fearful. His whole world has been turned upside down. Reminds me of a cancer diagnoses! He is frail from days without food. Watching him slowly come out of his shell and begin to trust us is just so heartwarming. As with our own dogs, He adores me. I have another shadow.  He will be having surgery next week to repair his hip/leg problem. I feel as though I have a new lease on life, helping this little boy gain his confidence in readiness for his new forever home.  In healing him, I am beginning to heal me.  

Karen xox