In loving memory of Nelly
Nelly Galindo February 1, 2004 - October 18, 2015
Our beloved dog and family member Nelly passed away today in her bed, wrapped in her blanket, with her greatest love Marcus by her side. It was a very difficult decision for us to euthanize her, but Nelly has put up the greatest fight against cancer for the last two years. She spent a record breaking 769 extra days with us thanks to the amazing team at Veterinary Cancer Group and we will always be grateful for that time with her. She fell asleep in our arms and we know that there’s some afterlife where she’s reunited with her beloved grandma Kimberly.
We spent some time at the park today and she was able to roll around and stare into the sun. When she laid back down again, we knew that any short spurt of energy she had would be shorter and shorter. I’ll always be grateful we got to see her enjoy the park one last time.
Two years ago, Nelly was diagnosed with carcinomatosis, a form of cancer that would build up cancer cell fluid in her abdomen, chest cavity, and eventually her heart. I knew I had to write her story then, but I had no idea where to start. I saw Nelly’s face before I met Marcus and she played such an important role in the story of us and how we became a family. She was so devoted to him which translated into an obsessive suspicion over me. I think I won her over when I learned how to properly roast a turkey. Thanksgivings were always her favorite.
She was always guarded yet loving which is a gentle reminder that we should always be that way. Protect the ones you love and the values you hold, but allow yourself to indulge in the passions of life. Or from Nelly’s perspective… bark at the delivery guy but make sure you get in on some of that delicious pizza.
Speaking of pizza, I’m sure we’ll find her many hidden pizza crust bones around the house. She never trusted me with her hidden treasures. She barely trusted me with Marcus. But I made a promise to her that he will be okay because she has blessed me by teaching me how to love unconditionally. Thank you, Nelly.
I’d like to send a special thanks….
To Ashley & Jessica for always being there for us and letting Nelly dig behind the shed.
To the team at Long Beach Animal Emergency, Veterinary Cancer Group, The family Vet, and Pet Sit Pros Long Beach, LLC for taking great care of Nelly throughout the years.
To Elizabeth for recommending us to VCG, we were so lost when we heard her diagnosis and we are forever grateful for your referral.
To all of Nelly’s aunties & uncles (too many to list!), for always being down for a butt rub.
To Nelly’s late Grandma Kimberly, for always leaving biscuits under the door, making yummy hot dogs, and reminding Nelly to eat her vegetables.
To Nelly’s Grandma Eva, for always being okay to take a longer walk and teaching Nelly Cantonese..
To Nelly’s canine friends for always being okay for a super close butt sniff followed by a “get away from me you filthy animal!” stare.
To my Marcus… I love you so much and I know how painful this is for you. I’m sorry that I can’t do anything more than write some words, photoshop some photos, and make you food. I want you to know that witnessing your bond with Nelly made me realize how much I treasure you. I don’t tell you enough, but I’m grateful to have you in my life. I love you in a forever and ever kind of way.
If you'd like to help dogs like Nelly, please consider donating to Guam Animals In Need here - https://www.guamanimals.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=2 or any local animal shelter.