Waffle’s Wish

We talk about you every day. My heart is still bonded to yours. Crumpet came into our lives before you left and you treated her with such gentle kindness. She now acts as my protector. Lemon joined us about 4 months after you had to go. I didn’t know if I was just so heartbroken I had to keep trying to fill the void but, I know she was meant to join the family. She brought laughter back into our lives. I’m know you are watching over us. Send Muffin some more patience. She still finds Lemon so annoying. I miss you my sweet baby angel. You were spectacularly perfect in every way. 🤍🤍✨✨

This is our story. A great love story. A story of strength, commitment, passion, grief and family. Dedicated to my magical golden angel, Waffle. There will never be another quite like you. 💛🤍✨

Hi, my name Shannon. In 2022 we lost our most perfect girl, Waffle to osteosarcoma at the young age of 7.
I would like to share her story with you.
Our goal is to help other families going through this horrible diagnosis get a little more time with the ones they love so much.

I got a call just before 2am on March 24th 2015. The call was to let us know our healthy baby girl was just born and a picture was sent. Waffle. I was there from the moment she took her first breath.
It turns out her dog mother was pregnant with just her. We got to visit her several times before bringing her home that May at 8 weeks old. My one in a million girl.
We officially named her Belgian Waffle.
She loved her crate, her stuffed pig bacon and was very independent. Waffle brought so much joy to our lives. 6 months prior we lost my brother unexpectedly at the age of 35 and bringing Waffle into our lives was just what the 3 of us needed to start being more of a family again.
The first 6 months of her being home were very challenging. The super puppy stage. She was very aggressive to our daughter and me. I was worried that we might not be able to keep her. As she grew, so did her personality. She became more gentle, more comfortable in her home, more free to be goofy at times. She was becoming just the best dog. Before she turned 1, we brought home a new puppy and named her Muffin. Although much smaller, Muffin marched in the house like she owned the place. She would jump on Waffle, bite her legs, steal her treats, toys, food. You name it Muffin would take it and Waffle wouldn’t even bat an eye. She was so good with “the baby”. This attention needing, spoilt baby. Waffle thought Muffin how to potty outside, what door to go to when they needed to go out and all the tricks of living in the house.

Sept of 2017 Waffle was outside with Muffin and our daughter when some deer ran by. She decided to unsuccessful jump our wrought iron fence. I heard my daughter yell and Waffle yelp so loud. I flew outside to find her impaled on spikes of the fence. My daughter and I lifted her off the fence and I rushed her to the emergency room. Luckily she did not puncture any major organs. She did need emergency surgery and a few months of recovery.
I was absolutely traumatized by what had happened and thought “my poor baby, I will always do whatever I can to protect you and save you.”
Waffle healed very nicely and never tried to jump a fence again.
During her recovery. I kept her very close to me. I pampered her, spoilt her and promised to keep her as safe as possible.
She became quite the celebrity around the vet office. Everyone loved her. Loved her smile and her pure heart of gold that would shine through whenever you looked at her.
I know this sounds a little biased but, I promise. So so many people who met her just fell in love with her right away.
The 2 of us became very dependent on one another during this time and she went from being my dog to being my second daughter.
Fast forward to June of 2021. Age 6. I had the girls outside in the yard and ran inside to use the bathroom super fast when I heard Waffle yelp. Oh no. She was standing at the sliding glass door shaking. She was limping and I had no clue what happen. The most I could come up with was that she dive-bombed off the lower deck as she did every day and just landed wrong.
I called the vet. They said to bring her in the next day if no improvement. We took her in. They examined her and determined it to be a sprain or strain of the right shoulder.

a week later my gut said no. Something isn’t right. So back we went. This time with X-rays. I was sure she fractured something.
The vet came in and said “after reviewing her X-rays and speaking with 2 other vets in the clinic, we believe she has osteosarcoma, bone cancer.”
Cancer!!!!?!?! What?! How? Why? No!!!!
The rest of the appointment was quick with no explanation, no specialist care talk. Just. This is not curable. I’m sorry.
That led me on a 2 day mission for a second, third even fourth opinion and someone to point us in a direction to help my child. My baby. My heart.
We were told by orthopedic and another vet office, they weren’t sure this was cancer. It looked “off”. Possibly one in a million. We did a bone biopsy which yielded no results. We finally we referred to the University of MN vet hospital and oncology department. We decided since the bone has some sort of deformation going on in it and was causing her quite a lot of pain. Amputation would be best.
Waffle underwent front right leg amputation on Aug 26 2021. She came home on Aug 28th after a successful surgery and we moved into our new home on Aug 29.

She was up and walking right after surgery. She had not been using that leg much anyway. Within 2 weeks we started to see our Waffle come back. Bouncy, smiling, playing ball, rolling on her back. Throwing her head back to look at you upside down. There’s my girl. My sweet angel.
Needless to say, by this point her and I were completely bonded.
We got confirmation a week after amputation, yes this was in fact osteosarcoma. Grade 1. Which means we caught it early.
We started chemotherapy about 2-3 weeks after amputation.
Waffle went in every 3 weeks and completed her 5th and final round of chemo in December. She has 3 X-rays during that time that all came back clear. No spread. Perfect bloodwork every time. She was feeling good, getting around like. Champ, still charming every one she crossed paths with. Jan 18 2022 Waffle went in for her oncology check up and X-rays. BOOM!!!! We think we see something on the X-ray around her spleen. We should do a CT to get a better view. The next week she went in for CT and it revealed a strange looking mass in her spleen. Lungs still looked crystal clear. We decided to have her spleen removed. Surgery went very well. They found nothing else in the cavity and spleen was sent for biopsy. Doctors all said they think it’s just a mineralization that can happen in spleens. Results came in. Bone cancer!!! In the spleen!!! I googled and research and found very little information. The only thing that was a constant was once in the spleen your looking at 20-90 days.
There’s no way. She’s so full of life and happy and eating and playing.
What Will Muffin do with out her? What will I do? My husband and I agreed to something that at the time. I was very on the fence about but, 3 weeks after Waffle’s splenectomy. We brought home a baby Golden. We named her Crumpet and she immediately latched on to Waffle. Whatever Waffle did, Crumpet did. And I knew that was the right choice.
March came and we celebrated Waffle’s 7th birthday. When she was first diagnosed I asked her to please make it to her birthday. She did.
April came and she started to slow down. She was getting arthritis in her back leg. We treated it was acupuncture and physical therapy which helped. And then. It didn’t. By the end of April she could hardly walk.
Back to oncology we went. They suggested an infusion that would help strengthen the bone and relieve pain. Yes please.
May 3rd we went in for the infusion. 2 days later. She was worse. You could see the pain in her eyes. We brought her back to oncology. They took a few X-rays and you guessed it. Cancer. That back leg now had cancer. Her lung also had a spot.
We went back and fourth for hours on what to do. What’s best for her. Radiation therapy was our best bet. It could help with the pain and minimize the rate of the cancer growing. The X-ray also showed a very small fracture on the bone overgrowth of the back leg. Hence the pain. They sent her home on a fentanyl patch.
Even with that patch, her leg was hurting her a lot. The next day Radiology called and said come on in and we’ll get her started today. We were outside when they called and I was holding Waffle up with a helping harness. I looked at her and started sobbing because I knew she was done. I told them I couldn’t put her through anymore. The tech on the phone bless her heart said I was making the right decision. The next couple days we’re filled with so many cuddles and treats. She wasn’t eating her food much at this point. But would still eat popcorn.

we took her to the beach. We were the only ones there. She got up and walked in the water. Laid on her blanket in the sand and soaked up some sun and got a pup cup.
Saturday. May 7th. She got scrambled eggs, popcorn, we took her for a pup cup. Then we took her to the ravine behind our house. None of us had been there before but I’d always wanted to take her. She actually walked the path down by herself. Pretty much on 2 legs. She played in the stream. We snuggled up. Gave kisses. Took loads of pictures. The sun was shining, it was warm outside. The sky was blue. It was a perfect day for my most perfect one in a million girl.
The vet came to our house and we brought Waffle’s bed outside. She was tired. She got on her bed and we watched the squirrels and the 3 of us cuddled around her. Telling her how much we love her and thanked her for making our lives so much better just by being her. I held her close and kissed her beautiful golden hair and took one last deep breath in and she was gone. From her first to her last breath, I was there.

We got 10 months. 10 extra months to enjoy her. To see her live life and be happy. 10 months that we were told we wouldn’t get.
Those 10 months were worth everything.
Every penny, every missed day of work, every dr visit.
I got to enjoy my baby for 10 extra months.

Im so grateful we were able to get the best care for her possibly. I would do it all again if I had to.
Osteosarcoma will always win in the end but, you never know much time you can have left with your babies if you can’t give them that kind of care.

There are so many families that have to say goodbye so quickly because they CANNOT afford even amputation or radiation. Some cannot afford pain medication to keep their babies comfortable.
There a lot of options to help pets not suffer from cancers and Euthanization (which is not that cheap in itself) is not the only one.
So if you are a pet lover, cancer warrior or just someone who wants to help.
share my babies story.
Help us make Waffle’s Wish a reality.

Please consider pet insurance.

Sincerely from the bottom of our shattered hearts,

Shannon, Adam, Hunter (Waffle the angel), Muffin, Crumpet and now Lemon Poppyseed too.

The most perfect girl there ever was. My heart aches for her every single day. All my babies are so special in so many wonderful ways but. Waffle’s Wish light was the brightest and still shines. She taught me unconditional love, and how to be completely selfless. So many wonderful lessons were learned by having her in our lives. I’m so grateful to be her mom and hope to see her again someday. My sweet, gentle perfect angel. 🤍🤍🤍 RIP 5-7-2022 🪽 ✨

It will always be you, my love. 🤍

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May 7 was 2 years since you had to leave us. You left on a beautiful warm sunny day. You played around in the ravine and then went home and we set your bed up outside so we could watch the squirrels together one last time. You were so tired but your spirit was still bright and full of pure golden magic. This year I was watching the weather as we had so much rain and it was chilly out. Not on the 7th though. The sun came out, the temp was warm and the ravine was extremely peaceful. Full of all these purple flowers that we’ve never seen down there before. Thank you for working you magic for us Waffle. Even when you left you still made that day special. We are so honored and grateful to have been with you your whole life and we will continue to honor and celebrate you. You deserve nothing but the very best my most perfect girl. 🤍🤍🤍 until I can wrap my arms around you again. Keep shining angel.

You would have turned 9 today. I wish you were here to celebrate your beautiful life with us. When you got sick 7/2021 I asked that you please make it to your 7th birthday (3/24). You did. You did amazing. You had such a joy for life and shined brighter than the sun. We are in the middle of a snowstorm today. We’ve barely had any snow all winter. I can just see you out there prancing around. Eating snow. Playing with your sisters and having the best time. Not a day goes by that I don’t talk about you and missing you with a massive ache in my heart. You will always be my most perfect girl. I love you. 🤍🤍🤍

As we ring in the New Year and look to the future and what it has to offer. I’m left with this pit in my stomach and a lump in my throat of what was left behind. We said goodbye to our cat Sushi of nearly 15 years, in May of 2023. So I walk into 2024 for the first time without her. It’s a reminder of yet another year where Waffle’s beautiful presence won’t be bounding around the house and making me feel at peace. 2024 marks 10 years since I’ve spoken to or hugged my brother.
So as we celebrate the start of a New Year and New beginnings, I can’t help but feel a lot of me and who I am was left in the past.
My heart has never healed. nor do I think it fully will but, I know that’s ok.
The person I was 10 years ago changed and changed again in 2022 with the loss of Waffle.
2023 was a year of deep unbridled sadness. A year of boundaries and self reflection. A year of learning that it’s ok to not be ok.
As I look at 2024 and see who is no longer with me. I remember the strength they all gave me. I remember who is with me and that feeling joy is ok.
I bring their memories with me and pass their stories onto others. So that they can continue to live in the hearts, memory and voices of others.
I don’t know what 2024 will bring but, whatever feelings I’m having. I know They’re ok.

To my majestic fierce lion, Waffle who was the most gentle, brave, loving soul ever placed on this earth. Thank you for teaching me how to love so deeply, with every ounce of my heart.

To my mischievous, genius, sensitive brother, Matthew. Although your time was cut short you left huge impacts on those you chose to love. I still hear new stories about you and cherish them all. You taught me the meaning of tradition, family and how to forgive completely.

And to my kiki squish face, purr louder than a motorboat, always ready for a snuggle. Sushi. It’s been a difficult time not having you by my side as I work. You taught me, it’s ok to cry, and that sometimes the fight is not worth it in the end.

I take with me these lessons I’ve learned and hope to carry them on as It’s not only people who we can learn from , but if we open ourselves up we will learn an awful lot from our animal family too.

I received a beautiful gift for our tree. 🤍 I miss her every day.

My greatest love. My heart still aches for you. Ms. Waffle, you are pure magic. 🤍🤍

Please take the time to click the link and read our story. It a story of love. With an epic battle and a beautiful send off. 🤍🌈

Waffle’s Wish, organized by Shannon Marcaccini Hi, my name Shannon. We recently lost our most perfect girl Waffle to osteosarcoma at the young age … Shannon Marcaccini needs your support for Waffle’s Wish

Waffle’s wish is still up and running. We haven’t had a lot of support but, times are tough. We have enrolled one of our Golden’s into the university blood donation program in hopes to help more lives. Thank you for being apart of this perfect girl’s legacy. 🤍🤍💛

Waffle’s Wish, organized by Shannon Marcaccini Hi, my name Shannon. We recently lost our most perfect girl Waffle to osteosarcoma at the young age … Shannon Marcaccini needs your support for Waffle’s Wish

We do still have a go fund me going. We did not reach as many people as we hoped. Life has changed so much since Waffle left. The 2 new pups keep us busy. Crumpet still loves to watch videos of her and Waffle playing. I’m so grateful they were able to have a few months together. You can tell, Waffle’s caring ways rubbed off on her. Lemon however. She’s our real wild one. Who I fully believe Waffle picked for us.
If you feel like donating to help families who are facing this difficult road ahead. Please do and we will make sure to spread the love. Always for Waffle. 💛💛🤍

Waffle’s Wish, organized by Shannon Marcaccini Hi, my name Shannon. We recently lost our most perfect girl Waffle to osteosarcoma at the young age … Shannon Marcaccini needs your support for Waffle’s Wish

Not only were you my dog. But I remember that you came into this world on March 24th 2015 at 2:34am. Although Martha gave you life. From the moment I knew you were here. I gave you my heart. It wasn’t until you grew up some that I realized. Just how much of my heart you had. I wouldn’t change it for anything. My perfect girl. Born in the middle of the night. With fur, 4 legs, a tail and my whole heart. Mama loves you, my perfect angel. I hope to be with you again someday. 🤍🤍🤍

Today has been 1 year since you laid down your sword and stopped our battle with bone cancer. We took your ashes with us and went down to the ravine where you spent some of your final hours. The day was very reminiscent of last May 7th. After days of rain and cold, it hit 74. The sky was blue, the ravine was quiet and peaceful and we just sat with you. We have no regrets. You were the most perfect girl anyone could have ever asked for and your last day with us although heartbreaking was still very special and beautiful. Although we can’t hold you anymore or see your happy wagging tail. You are still very much apart of our family and daily lives. Until we see you again my sweet baby angel. 🤍

My majestic baby. You will always be my best. My greatest. My first love. Until I see you again my girl. 🤍 I miss you 🤍

A year ago today.
Words will never be enough to express just how much I miss this perfect girl. Nearly 10 months since I’ve been able to hold you but your magic still shines bright every day. We miss and love you so much Waffle.
Waffle’s Wish

February 18 2022
This is my sweetest girl in the whole whole whole wide world. We got so lucky when we met her and took her home nearly 7 years ago. She’s been through a lot and we have been by her every step of way, Routing her on. She does amazing on 3 legs. You can’t keep this perfect angel down. She had her spleen removed last week due to a strange mass that showed on imaging. We were just hoping for no lung mass at the time and didn’t expect the spleen. The U called yesterday to confirm the mass is in fact osteosarcoma.
We’re pretty shattered as we thought with the leg gone this wouldn’t arise for some time. She is healing really well from surgery. Loves to play, eat and go for car rides. She is always excited when she sees the snow.
Only time can tell how long anyone is in your life. We just wish hers was going to be forever.
Waffle captures the heart of everyone she meets. Even ones who only know her story.
She’s famous wherever she goes and people are always excited to see her. She’s been our heart our miracle our angel and always will be. Hopefully we can go play in the snow soon. She deserves everything she wants. 💛💛💛

It’s been a year since Waffle’s last day of chemo. She made it through like a real rockstar. She always had to bring her Pineapple with, to keep her from barking with excitement. Amazingly she was able to stay with us another 4 1/2 months before the cancer spread was too much. She was my perfect patchwork pup (lot of scars). I will talk about you and miss you every single day my girl. Until i hopefully see you again. My Sweet baby angel.

Waffle’s Wish has been able to help pay for medications for a sweet large breed girl who is going through palliative care and doing well so far. We’ve also been able to send toys and comfort to a few other pups. I want her legacy, joy, magic and sparkle to shine forever. She was pure magic. Please consider donating to a wonderful cause. Thank you for loving Waffle though either knowing her personally or through reading her stories. 🤍🤍💛🤍🤍 forever my most perfect girl.

Waffle’s Wish, organized by Shannon Marcaccini Hi, my name Shannon. We recently lost our most perfect girl Waffle to osteosarcoma at the young age … Shannon Marcaccini needs your support for Waffle’s Wish

Waffle did not get left out of our Halloween pictures. She’s still very much a part of our family. Muffin kept sitting my her. And laid next to her. I was so touching.
Happy Halloween from this wild and crazy crew. 🤍💛🎃💀👻

What great news!

A vaccine for hard-to-treat osteosarcoma Dr. Kleinerman is a professor of Pediatrics and Cancer Biology at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. With support from an Accelerating Impact for Hard-to-Treat Cancer Award from CCRF, she’s developing a novel vaccine…

Well, life has changed again Miss Waffle.
This weekend we brought home Lemon Poppyseed. She seems to have a very Waffle personality. Crumpet absolutely loves her and Muffin. Well she still misses being the baby, but is adjusting well.
Thank you for teaching us how to love so deeply. Look after your sisters. We miss you dearly my sweet girl.

https://youtu.be/bvpwAMXpk-Q

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