Dog with Cancer Celebrates Life with a Fabulous Doggie Party

When Wendy Diamond got the news that her Maltese, Lucky, had only three months to a year left to live before succumbing to the effects of spleen cancer, she decided to make it an occasion to celebrate the life of one very special dog, rather than mourn.

Wendy and Lucky all dressed up.

Adopted in 1999, Lucky was an anxious dog suffering from separation issues, so Diamond readjusted her life so Lucky could accompany her anywhere and everywhere. As her name suggests, the dog was in the right place at the right time -- specifically, a dinner party at which Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant were in attendance. Acting on a stroke of inspiration, Diamond approached Grant and, after telling him that Lucky the dog was his biggest fan, asked if he would pose with the pooch. Since then, Lucky and Diamond have made a habit of posing with celebrities such as Kristen Stewart, Bill Clinton, and -- yes -- Snoop Dogg. The quest has landed Lucky in the Guinness World Records 2013 as the Most Photographed Animal with Celebrities.

Adorable!

Which is why Diamond decided to throw Lucky a very special doggie bridal shower. No one has put a ring on it yet, but Diamond is certain Lucky will have a partner for her July 12 wedding. Diamond jokes that since Lucky will be getting married in New York, where gay marriage is legal, Lucky is totally open to wedding another lady dog. Or even a cat! Either way, every bride-to-be needs a fun bridal shower, and Lucky's was exactly that!

Lucky peruses the party.

Congrats to the Lucky lady.

Dressed in a pink dress, Lucky gathered with 32 guests and their dogs -- with champagne, cupcakes, sandwiches, and tea -- to celebrate in style while raising awareness for Animal Fair, a charitable group Diamond founded in 1999 to assist animals in shelters. 

Though it may be bittersweet, we would like to congratulate Lucky and wish her the very best!

Story via msnbc.com, photos via the Wendy and Lucky Diamond Facebook page

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Dogster’s Picks of the Week: Look Fabulous in Floral Prints

Floral prints for spring aren’t exactly groundbreaking, but they sure are pretty. It’s no wonder this classic print keeps popping up every year. But really, who could ever get tired of a beautiful floral design?

This week, I combed some of my favorite shops to find the most lovely floral print products available. Add some of these to your (and your pup’s) wearable rotation, and both of you will be ready for a gorgeous spring!

1. Warehouse Yellow Floral Skirt — With its elastic waist and a midi-length cut, this pretty skirt is flattering for all body types.

2. Ted Baker Carlina High Platform Peep-Toe Shoes — You’ll love surprising everyone around you when you kick up your feet to reveal this stunning print.

3. Pink Floral Tunic — Tunics are a girl’s best friend. Pair this one with some flared jeans and platforms for a cool and effortless look.

4. Kate Spade Sweet Zinnia Ring — If you’re not someone who likes to sport floral prints but you still want in on the trend, this large flower cocktail ring might be the way to go.

5. Floral Fling Retractable Leash — The print on this retractable leash has a modern edge.

6. Liberty Floral Dog Collar — Liberty always makes the most stunning floral prints. This collar is a testament to that.

7. Daisy Le Pet Lounger — Your pooch will feel like he’s lying in a field of flowers on this cozy bed.

8. Sam & Tasha Birdie Toy — Could a dog toy be more charming?

9. Vintage Pring Nylon Dog Carrier — If you’re a big fan of vintage floral prints, get ready to drool over this chic dog carrier.

10. Yellow Floral Dark Denim Jacket — I’ve been seeing prints on denim everywhere lately! Help your dog get on trend with this jacket.

11. The Romantic Original Bow Tie by Loyal Luxe — Loyal Luxe is the dapper doggie’s must-stop shop. This bow tie called the Romantic is just that!

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Fabulous 15! A tumultuous year but another Bella birthday

I never thought I would be writing this. Not a dozen years ago, when I got her knowing that she had a heart murmur, not three years ago when she was twelve and first starting on medication for her heart condition, not ten months ago, when I came within a day of euthanizing her because she wasn’t eating or moving around or seeming to want any attention, and certainly not four months ago when she was in the ER for a seizure while we were out of the country. It sounds like Bella has had an awful year, but when I look back on it, all I can see is how many amazing comebacks she made every time I was just about ready to give up on her.

If this were an Academy Awards speech, I would start by thanking her cardiologists: Kirstie Barrett, who shepherded her through annual exams charting the progress of her disease and decided when it was time to start the meds, and Sarah Miller, who took over while Dr. Barrett was on sabbatical and pulled her through that first crisis thanks to judicious treatment with pimobendan and an appetite stimulant.

Next would be Cindy Mar, her ophthalmologist. On top of her other issues, Bella developed dry eye and a corneal ulcer and Dr. Mar helped us work through those and get them under control. And she didn’t even scold me for not making Bella wear an e-collar, which probably would have speeded the process, but I couldn’t stand that she disliked it so much. (Yes, she has me well trained.)

Of course, there are all her regular veterinarians–Dr. Hamil, Dr. G and Dr. Brower–who have all given her lots of TLC this year. Special thanks to Dr. Hamil for taking my frantic phone call from Cayman during the seizure episode and my frantic phone call one night in December when she was shivering uncontrollably for no apparent reason. He talked me through an exam, talked me down from my anxiety about her and told me I could call any time that night if she seemed to be getting worse. I didn’t, and wouldn’t have, but I sure appreciated knowing I could.

I absolutely can’t leave out our pet sitter, Terry Albert, who made all the decisions I would have made for Bella until she was able to get in touch with us and confirm what treatment we wanted done. And we’re grateful that the veterinarians she took Bella to did such a great job of caring for her.

Then there are all of our neighbors, relatives and friends, including everyone here, who have been pulling for her and supporting me and Jerry with lots of love, kind words and good advice. Thank you, everyone.

As I write this, Bella is sleeping beside me, which is her default mode these days. When she’s awake, though, she still follows me around, performing her lady-in-waiting duties as she sees them. She’s back to carefully supervising meal preparation and eating enthusiastically. We are slowly transitioning her to a homemade kidney diet, and she seems to be accepting it pretty well. Outside, I don’t see her running anymore, but she still moves at a spanking pace for an old lady. When Harper and Twyla are getting clicker-trained, Bella notices and comes over to get in on the act. She gets clicked and treated for still being alive. I have gotten good at diapers and gotten over thinking she’s at death’s door at the slightest change in her routine. At least until the next time.

Happy birthday, dear Bella!

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