Amy Cherrstrom
Best Dog Ever Passes Away

Best Dog Ever Passes Away

I just finished Suzy Welch's Becoming You, which asks you to write your memoir title for today and the future. Mine is 'She Cared for Everyone.' This is why I wrote this journal entry the day Dakota started to decline.

She Cared for Everyone

It was Friday, July 17, and they were due at the hospital by 8:00 a.m.  Overnight she heard her beloved dog walking around in the night, and follow her husband down the stairs who was leaving at 4:00 a.m. for work.  Her mind awakened but she fell back asleep as she thought she’d hear those precious footsteps come back to his dog bed but they never came.  She rose early to get her boys ready for school and the hospital, and came down to find Dakota on his dog bed sleeping. 

Later on, Sierra, the other dog came down to go outside, and Dakota jumped up to go out.  He was out for a while wandering the yard, kind of staring off into space.  She was worried.  Watching him saunter in a weird way around the yard.  She told her son who had just woken up to watch him, and she went upstairs to brush her teeth and get ready for the hospital.  Looking out the window, she saw Dakota lying on his side in the grass.  She yelled down to her son who grabbed all the instruments to take Dakota’s vitals and told his Mom this is “the circle of life”. 

She rushed to Dakota’s side, running from the upstairs outside, stroking his head and telling him she loved him.  She picked him up, even though he had lost weight, he was still very heavy.  Her son met her at the door and pulled it wide open so she could get in.  Placing him gently on his dog bed, and stroking his head telling him she loved him she went about getting everyone ready for the hospital and school trying not to forget a single thing even though she kept wanting to burst into tears and did a little here and there. 

The trunk of the car was packed with all the snacks, water, and backpacks needed for both boys to have a good day.  The others had been at work for hours.  Off they went and just before leaving she stroked Dakota’s head again telling him that she loved him.  As the infusion started, she text her older son, “is he alive?”  “He wouldn’t take his medicine”, he replied.  She replied, “he is alive just barely” but forgot the question mark that should have ended that sentence. So she sat at the hospital wondering if he was alive before she left he did not appear to be suffering and that was most important to her she did not want him to suffer.  The dog loves her most and loves his family. 

Best dog ever.

I am so grateful for him.

Letter to send your representatives

Subject: Urgent Request: Support FDA Approval of Hunter Syndrome Treatment

Dear [Senator/Representative ___],

I am an [STATE} resident writing to respectfully urge you to contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the review and approval of treatments for Hunter Syndrome (MPS II).

Families affected by Hunter Syndrome are waiting for therapies that have undergone the appropriate scientific review process. I respectfully ask that you engage with the FDA to ensure the agency follows the law, adheres to established regulatory standards, and acts without unnecessary delay in evaluating and approving these medicines.

For children with rare, progressive diseases, time is not theoretical — it directly impacts survival and quality of life. Congressional oversight plays an essential role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to statutory obligations.

Please stand with [STATE] families and encourage the FDA to follow the law and approve safe and effective Hunter Syndrome treatments without further delay.

Thank you for your leadership and attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[City, Ohio]
[Email]
[Phone]

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Nick turns 15 this year and more than ever funding research is a priority. He has endured so many treatments, lumbar punctures, procedures and difficult days that research, innovation and break throughs are the only way to change his future. Thank you for support our research fund!

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