Dexter Is Just What The Doctor Ordered

TIANNI Becker couldn't have imagined in her wildest dreams that a trip to Gosford greyhounds in late August could have filled her with so much optimism about upcoming brain surgery.

Back on August 5, 39 year-old Becker was diagnosed with a rare brain aneurysm.

"I was told that only about .5 pecent of aneurysms are found in this area of the brain and if it ruptures you can be dead in seconds," Becker said.

After the harrowing diagnosis, Umina local Becker, who is mother to 14 year-old daughter Anastasia and six year-old son Cylas, was left with the complicated decision of choosing what line of surgery to undertake.

"I received three different opinions and options – it was all very overwhelming," Becker said.

"One of the surgeons I visited was Dr. (Mark) Dexter – a neurosurgeon at Westmead Hospital. I said to my husband Phil after meeting him that I was confident Dr. Dexter was the way to go. I just got a good feeling about him."

After electing to place her life in Dr. Dexter's hands, Tianni decided to take her family and some friends to Gosford greyhounds on Tuesday, August 27 – enjoying a night out together, unsure what result the following week's surgery would bring.

"It was to be a five hour surgery cutting into your brain so there are no guarantees. I just wanted the family and friends to have an enjoyable night out together," Becker explained.

But as described by Becker, what happened next not only gave her goosebumps, but also filled her with reassurance at the same time.

"I was looking through the form at the track and would you believe race 3 number 3 was a greyhound named Dexter! Not only the name of my doctor but race 3 number 3; I was booked in for surgery on September 3."

Tianni instantly felt comfort.

"I just thought right there this a sign, it has to be. That I've made the right choice, I'd done the right thing … and it didn't matter if he won or lost," Becker added.

Tianni's surgery the following week went to script. And while there is still a way to go, everything is pointing towards a full recovery.

"I won't be running a marathon anytime soon but it's looking positive."

Such is the connection Tianni feels to the greyhound Dexter – trained by Bev Sloan and owned my Claire and Mick Thompson – she contacted Gosford manager Ryan Freedman last week in a bid to make contact with Sloan.

"I've spoken to Bev – she's a lovely lady … it was very touching," Becker said.

And the upshot?

"When Dexter is finished racing Bev has agreed to let us take him as a pet … and we can't wait.

"He'll be spoiled rotten … Bev said he's more a lover than a racer. He'll fit in perfectly.

"When I saw him race that night he put me at ease about the surgery and what was ahead of me. I said that night I'd love to have him as a pet if I came through."

Dexter, a son of Fabregas, has had eight starts for just the one modest third.

He tackles race three at Richmond this afternoon over 330 metres.

"I photo-copied my betting slip on Dexter from August 27 and I am going to give it to Dr. Dexter when I see him for my next visit."