Blue the Pioneer dog: Owner tries to make loyal friend’s twilight time the best it can be

PALMER — Lori Jo Oswald has always believed shelter dogs are some of the best around. Her mixed breed Blue has been living up to that spending more than a decade doing what dogs do best — bringing happiness to others.

Blue and her sister Chewie were adopted from the Mat-Su Borough Animal Shelter more than 11 years ago. Oswald said through decades of volunteer work with animal control agencies, she's met many wonderful dogs in need of homes, so she does what she can.

"Blue is the kind of dog who is a friend to all, human or animal. She can go anywhere," Oswald said. "She loves to make others feel better. I have been blessed to share 11 years and one month with her."

For more than two years, the pair have included weekly stops at Palmer's Pioneer Home where Blue visits the residents. She's always available for handshake, kiss or just to be there whenever someone needs a friend. A large dog, at 11, Blue is a fellow senior citizen but doesn't show it in any diminishment of enthusiasm, or the fact that she's been diagnosed with an inoperable thyroid tumor.

Oswald said Blue became symptomatic about a month ago.

"She started clearing her throat a lot. It was even before I could feel any tumor," Oswald said. "It's really ballooned up fast. She’s seen three veterinarians and a specialist from Seattle. They could operate but the tumor is so entwined. So every day, I try to do something special for Blue, but she gives me so much more than I can ever give her.”

Oswald said over the past few months, as Blue was aging and even before she was aware of the tumor, she decided to put on a “Love Is Blue” and “Every Day Is a Blue Party” party theme. With that, Monday afternoon, the Pioneer Home staff and residents threw a celebration for Blue complete with people and dog treats.

"I love that the Pioneer Home welcomes her (and me) and was so kind to let us celebrate Blue there. They clearly respect what she has to give," Oswald said. Blue is one of the dogs that visit the home.

Blue also is fond of just accompanying Oswald around Palmer, taking advantage of opportunities to visit anyone who comes up and says, ‘hello’ and dog park visits in Anchorage to socialize with other canines.

After years of being there for others, Oswald is determined to make Blue's remaining days are happy ones, complete with daily card rides, shopping trips at pet-friendly stores, swimming at Alaska K9 Aquatics, and trying new foods. Oswald said the tumor will eventually make it very difficult for Blue to swallow and at Monday's party, she was introduced to her new favorite — vanilla ice cream.

"The vets told me just to keep her comfortable," Oswald said. She said Blue is not in any pain and presently is able to maintain her normal activity level.

"I will miss her so much, but I try to never let her see me cry, even as I realized how serious this thyroid growth is, because when I do, she is concerned and worried. I want all the days she has left to be peaceful and happy," Oswald concluded.

Contact reporter Chris Ford at 352-2270 or chris.ford@frontiersman.com