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ricci's
remarkable recovery Hosting a seminar for dog fanciers in 1999, I was seeking someone to speak about cancer in canines. I called the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri-Columbia and was put in contact with Dr. Carolyn Henry. At the time, I had no idea that I had secured one of less than 100 diplomats of veterinary oncology in the United States. After Dr. Henry's seminar presentation, she invited me to tour the College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbia, and our friendship began. Fifteen months later, my Greyhound, Ricci, was referred to the University where she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Radiation therapy was recommended. Although never wishing to need Carolyn's professional services, our friendship gave me the confidence to pursue treatment for Ricci. During Ricci's 19 radiation treatments, I learned of Carolyn's dream to build Barkley House. In 2003, after 35 months of excellent quality of life, Ricci's tumor recurred. We repeated the drives to Columbia, the stays in hotels and another round of radiation therapy. After several frightening experiences and lonely times while traveling to Columbia with Ricci, I have personally witnessed the need for Barkley House. Considering how coincidentally Carolyn entered into my life, I feel it's part of "A Plan" for me to help make her vision of Barkley House a reality. The compassion, care and camaraderie Barkley House will provide will be a blessing to those seeking specialized treatments for their pets. Marilyn
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