A poem by our patient, Ozzy
We were delighted to receive this lovely poem written through the eyes of Ozzy, a patient at Fitzpatrick Referrals Oncology and Soft Tissue hospital.
Ozzy was referred to us as he had a mass in his jaw, known as acanthomatous ameloblastoma. His local vet had already tested the mass so we knew that it was non-malignant, however, it was affecting his quality of life as it had grown into his jaw bone. Due to this, his family decided he should have it removed under the care of Dr Laurent Findji.
Although Ozzy now has part of his bottom jaw missing he is back to his rightful self, happy and eating well! He very kindly sent us this beautiful poem which we wanted to share with you all. He’s a pretty talented poem writing pooch!
Ozzy’s poem
I entered Fitzpatricks and was not quite sure
Of the reason I had been taken there and what it was for.
The new smells intrigued me so I went along
With the wishes of my human pack to whom I belong.
We sat in a little room off to one side
The sniffing for me was amazing, just like a thrill ride.
Then a nice man entered and looked at my face
It was at that moment my heart sure did race.
Words were spoken and “all” looked at me
I was so nervous that I needed to pee!
I then took control and again sniffed round the floor
Five minutes later I was lead out of the door.
At that precise moment I thought “phew” that was weird
It really wasn’t as bad as I’d feared.
Off home we went, for food, rest and play
Although we went back the very next day.
The alarm bells started ringing, in my tracks I did stop
The penny had dropped I was there for an op.
I started to panic, which I need not have done
Because I was looked after so lovingly by each and everyone.
I was given some medicine to put me at ease
It certainly worked I went weak at the knees.
Off to sleep I went I don’t know for how long
But when I woke up I thought “wow” something is wrong.
I searched round my mouth and then in disbelief
I thought someone else had stolen some teeth!
I laid there for a while in a strange and sad mood
That was all soon forgotten when along came some food.
I was straight in there, I hoovered the lot
The loss of my teeth were so soon forgot.
A few things were missing but I thought what the hell
The staff were amazing they looked after me well.
I recovered quite quickly and soon I went home
The only big problem I was unable to roam.
A “cone of shame” unfortunately I had to wear
It made my life difficult to go here and there.
I became more clumsy and turned lots of heads.
Especially pack leader when I bruised both her legs.
But as always she forgave me when I fluttered my brown eyes
It works with all females, well that’s no surprise!
A couple of weeks later to Fitzpatrick’s I went
Laurent came to see me, he was such a real gent.
He checked my mouth over and was pleased with what he saw.
I was so very relieved I wanted to give him my paw.
He spoke to pack leader, we all said goodbye
Pack leader was so happy she wanted to cry.
Laurent had given me another life chance
I was so happy I wanted to dance.
Off I went with my newly shaped jaw
Not before gravy bones that is for sure!
The lady at reception was so very kind
It took the reason for my visit straight out of my mind.
We would all like to say thank you to everyone there
For the fantastic work, the loving and care.
We will always hold Fitzpatricks so very dear
As they are the reason that I am still here!
Thank you all so much.
Lots of love and licks from
Ozzy
xxxx