IV and Chemo were born three and a half years ago. Two cute little Alaska Springtime puppies. They were so furry that they looked like cotton balls and I thought about naming them “Johnson’s” or even “Q-tip”. This pair were the only puppies we had at SP Kennel in 2010. They were special.
A week after they were born, I heard a story about a little girl who was in the Children’s Hospital in Seattle going through chemotherapy. This little girl, Ava, was our Two Rivers neighbor and a dog lover. Ava and her Mom, Dad and sister spent hours and days at the hospital. They always looked on the bright side and were up for any happy distraction. So, I asked them if they ever had the time could they help me name these special pups.
Mom said that Ava thought about it long and hard and came up with: “IV” and “Chemo”. I am sure that those two words meant a lot to the entire family.
I am super excited to share with everyone that Ava came to visit IV and Chemo this Fall. She is a gorgeous, proud, strong cancer survivor. IV must have felt the connection because she shared many kisses and Chemo was happy to let her pull our some of his shedding fur. Ava had followed the pups last season and knew that both dogs had been on the championship Copper Basin 300 team, run the Yukon Quest (or YQ 300) and finished Iditarod. She said she’ll continue to root for them!
Here is a link to the website post we did 3 years ago: Introducing…
Thanks so much for sharing and the link back to August 2010.
So happy for the family, including the four-legged members named by Ava, so see this most recent post!
Woof, woof!!!
Aliy, thanks for sharing Ava's visit to Sp Kennel. It's awesome that I.V. and Chemo could meet the special person who gave them their great names. Congrats to Ava, stay stong and best wishes to you in your future!!
Heidi
I.V. is really into giving her love to Ava, thanks so much for sharing this.
–MArgaret
The power of connection
That was a great story…..I always wonder what the back story is behind the name…..IV and Chemo….strong dogs named by a very strong girl!! Nothing short of awesome!
A great history and I believe that these two pups will pull you into victory as they did with their namer. A good thing to hear. Thank you.
What a wonderful story. Continue to stay strong Ava. It looks like IV had an instant bond with AVA. Wonderful pups IV & Chemo.
Thanks fpr sharing.
Good doggies, I.V. and Chemo
Atta girl, AVA!
Congratulation Ava!!! What a nice reunion!!!