By Mojo (who did not sign up for this)
Hi.
Yes.
It’s me.
Mojo.
Resident emotional support professional.
Unlicensed medical consultant.
Full-time observer of everything that happens in this house.
I’ve been watching this whole “cancer” situation unfold…
…and I have some thoughts.
Actually, I have a lot of thoughts.
None of them are positive.
1. It Makes Mom Tired (Which Is Rude)
Let’s start here.
Mom used to have more energy.
Not, like, zoomies energy—she’s human, not me—but still… more.
Now?
She moves slower.
She rests more.
She does this thing where she says, “I’m just going to lay down for a minute,” and then suddenly it’s been three hours and I’ve had to supervise the entire household by myself.
Do you understand the pressure that puts on me?
I am one dog.
A small one.
With a lot of responsibilities.
This feels unfair.
2. It Steals Attention (Unacceptable Behavior)
I don’t want to sound selfish.
But I was here first.
I built this brand.
I established the expectations.
I created the standard of attention in this household.
And now suddenly…
everyone’s focused on “appointments” and “treatment” and “how are you feeling?”
Excuse me.
I, too, would like to be asked how I’m feeling.
(Answer: underappreciated. But brave.)
3. Chemo Days Have Weird Energy
I don’t like chemo days.
The energy is off.
Everyone’s quieter.
More serious.
Less laughing.
And I can feel it.
I don’t understand everything, but I understand enough.
So I adjust.
No chaos.
No unnecessary zoomies.
No stealing things I’m not supposed to steal…
…okay, fewer things.
I stay close.
Real close.
Because even if I don’t understand what’s happening…
I understand that she needs me.
4. It Makes Her Hurt (And I Hate That)
This one is my least favorite.
Actually, I hate it.
I hate when she hurts.
I hate when she’s uncomfortable.
I hate when she’s too tired to do the things she wants to do.
And the worst part?
I can’t fix it.
I’ve tried everything:
Sitting closer Resting my head on her Following her everywhere (obviously) Looking deeply into her eyes like I know something important
Still not working.
Which feels like a flaw in the system, honestly.
Because I am very good at what I do.
5. It Doesn’t Break Her (Which Is Confusing… But Also Impressive)
Here’s the thing I don’t fully understand.
This whole situation?
It’s big.
It’s heavy.
It’s the kind of thing that should knock someone down.
And yeah… some days it does.
But not completely.
She still laughs.
She still shows up.
She still loves me the same.
(Which is important. Priorities.)
And I’ve noticed something…
She’s stronger than this.
And I don’t say that lightly.
Because I am a very observant dog.
6. Everyone Keeps Saying “Strong” But I See the In-Between
People say she’s strong.
And she is.
But I also see:
the tired the quiet the moments no one else notices
The in-between parts.
The parts where she’s just trying to get through the day.
I stay close for those.
Those are the moments that matter.
Final Review (As a Professional)
I have completed my evaluation.
Here are my official findings:
Cancer: 0/10 Side effects: also 0/10 Overall experience: deeply flawed, would not recommend
But her?
She’s still here.
Still fighting.
Still loving.
Still getting up every day and doing this life anyway.
And me?
I’ll be right here.
Watching.
Guarding.
Judging.
Loving her in the only way I know how.
Because I might just be a dog…
…but she’s my person.
And I don’t leave my person.
💬 If You’re Reading This…
If you’re in this too—whether you’re the one going through it or loving someone who is…
You’re not alone here.
There’s a whole messy, complicated, strong-as-hell community walking this road with you.
And if nothing else…
I hope you have your version of a Mojo.
Someone who stays.
No matter what.
🐾 Subscribe & Stay Messy
If you want more real, raw, and sometimes ridiculous moments like this—
come hang out with us at Mojo & The Mess.
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