Happer

Matt and Darci Mangelsen

Every morning, as soon as the car keys are in hand, Happer turns into a puppy again. Out the front door he goes to check his mark on the mailbox. Hap then jumps, without hesitation, into the truck. He still makes it look easy.

Happer is a yellow lab who has been with me day and night, for nearly thirteen years. He was with me through high school, through my first pheasant hunt, and was even the ring bearer at our wedding… I can’t begin to describe how rich my memories are with him. He still comes to work with me every day, sleeps beside my bed at night, and rides right behind me in the truck.

In late May, we were at our cabin.I let Happer out and noticed he was shaking and stumbling around the yard. After about half an hour, he fell over. I knew something was wrong. I brought him inside the cabin, held him a little while, and tried to comfort him. I offered him some food, he ate, and seemed to be much better.I let him relax inside for the rest of the day. Later that evening I let him outside and it happened again.I knew this was serious.

I took Happer to see his vet. He was examined, had blood tests done; the whole works. The doctors told me their worst fears, which were hard to hear. An ultrasound found that Happer had some type of mass. It was startling to find out it needed to be removed, and that Hap’s doctor didn’t feel comfortable enough to do the surgery.

My Uncle Tom from Wyoming called to see how I was doing. He said, “Matt, I would really like to see you go to CSU. CSU is the number one cancer center in the world for dogs, and I have a great friend there. She helped Loup a few months ago when he became ill. One phone call and they’ll take care of all Happer’s needs.” I made the call immediately. I didn’t know if what Tom said about the CSU Animal Cancer Center is statistically true, but I believed him. I knew what Hap’s brother Loup had gone through at CSU and I am now a complete advocate of CSU because of what they’ve done for Happer. I don’t need any more proof than that.

Tom put me in touch with Dr. Christine Hardy, a vet who manages the business operations at the Animal Cancer Center. I can’t begin to describe how helpful she has been. She didn’t want me to panic but said I needed to move on this. So, my wife, my brother, Happer and I drove the 500 miles to Fort Collins, Colorado. Happer was in surgery the next morning. To be honest, it was all a little nerve-racking.

After surgery, Dr. Worley, the surgeon described to me what she found, and that she was able to remove most of it. She said I was welcome to come see Happer but warned it was going to be hard. She said he would seem groggy and his eyes would be droopy. Uncle Tom said the same thing. And it was hard. His eyes were droopy and he was sitting there in the cage. When we came back the next day, he was totally different. He was alert and excited to see me.

Because he was recovering from a pancreatic tumor, he was in the hospital for ten days. They called me numerous times a day about Happer, which was very comforting. They even set up a little pen with pads in CCU for him. He loved it. He would sit there with the students and soak up the attention. All the doctors and students adored him. When he was ready, we drove to Colorado to pick him up. With many thanks to the doctors, we haven’t looked back since.

Happer is continuing to do very well. We have learned to enjoy and love all the times and memories we have with him. As Thanksgiving 2008 approached, we made a quick trip out to the cabin to go goose hunting. There was no holding Happer back.  He was shaking, but this time, with excitement! At the sound of the gun and the falling of the bird, he plunged into the frigid water, without hesitation. He was a puppy again. It was one of Happer's biggest retrieves, and he carried it back with strength and pride. We were very successful that day; however, it wasn’t about the geese. It was so much more than that. I got to see Happer do what he loves most.

Happer still goes fishing and hunting and continues to be a part of our family. On January 20, 2009 Happer became the proud father of nine yellow boys and two yellow girls. I just can’t say enough about the CSU Animal Cancer Center, and the people there. Their level of care is phenomenal.

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