FACES OF COURAGE GALLERY
This page is dedicated to those who have been
diagnosed or lost to canine cancer. Please Click on any name
to see their photo and to read the words of remembrance, wisdom
and experiences as written by their loving owners. You may
find these tributes to be both heartfelt and heartbreaking
at the same time. They will also provide some comfort where
you will feel that you are not alone in your feelings and may
even give you hope. If you think you may benefit from speaking
with others about your situation or simply would like support
from those who know what you are going through, we encourage
you to consider joining a support group. We have dedicated
a special page of support groups for owners of dogs with cancer
should you be interested.
The candles that are lit beside each picture
are in honor of their courageous fight and the ribbons beside
their names are to stress they will never be forgotten. Because
this page will unfortunately be a constant "work in progress",
please check back often. If you would like to have your dog's
photo and story on this page, please e-mail your photo, in
.jpg format, along with a brief write-up to info@caninecancerawareness.org and
we will post it for you. Your write-up may include who your
fur-baby is/was, what he/she means/meant to you, your experiences
with battling the cancer or simply a tribute to your wonderful
pet. A small donation to Canine Cancer Awareness would be appreciated
to help defray the costs of maintaining our web site to provide
this service.
Pepper Ann Long
April 21, 2001— June 26, 2008
UPDATE 06-27-08 —
Pepper was diagnosed with Lymphoma on June 5, 2008. It was already in stage IV and very aggressive, the vet said she had 30 to 60 days left. I tried the Cancer Diet and supplements, with prayer and pleading yet after 3 weeks of fighting, Pepper could fight no more. Her tumors doubled in size and number in that short time. She was the best dog ever. She was sweet and funny, loving and silly, caring and sensitive, protective and smart. She was so many wonderful things, but she was always a constant in our lives. She has seen my son and I through so many tough times, I cannot imagine our lives without her. She did fight to live but the cancer was too much. We will never forget her. She loved her stuffed animals and to open presents on her birthday and Christmas. She loved to be in the water and she loved her yard, she loved ice cream and mostly she loved us. She loved her Nanny, who always spoiled her. She was always happy to see us. We are going to miss her so much. She can never be replaced. Our hearts are broken without her here. Pepper- We love and miss you and wish you did not have to go. Love you forever..............
— Mom and Tyler
Newman Penn american bulldog
December 29, 1997— April 9, 2008
UPDATE 06-26-08
You are the LOVE of my life, my heart and my soul dog. I will forever miss you.
You taught me so much Newman. You were a brave hero, a gentle giant
a strong fighter. Truly a one of a kind very special boy with a heart of gold.
You will live on inside of me forever Newman. We are each left with a piece
of the other's heart. That will have to do for now.
Until we meet again my beloved special angel....
— Love your mom Paula
Mauli
My Girl ~ My Guardian Angle
June 1993 — February 24, 2007
UPDATE 06-20-08 —
I found my beautiful Rottie, Mauli crossing a four lane intersection,
weighing only 40 lbs with a massive abscess on her tummy and most of her
fur missing. I came to realize, it was actually she who found me.
Mauli changed everything about my life. She was my first Dog, and she
taught me Responsibility and Love in ways I'd never experienced. She
kept me grounded and kept me honest with myself. I had severe
depression, but it was Mauli that kept me here…I could never have left
her. She protected me when I couldn't protect myself. She loved me
when I couldn't love myself. Loving her so completely kept my heart
from cracking. Together we had the most wonderful journeys and created
such beautiful memories, from camping to horseback riding, hiking,
jogging, swimming and, of course, cuddling. Mauli Loved to give Real
Hugs to her favorite people. She was always smiling and was
affectionate to everyone she met, greeting them promptly with a bump of
her rump.
When I learned Mauli had Cancer in her lungs, I fought tooth and nail
and researched everything I could, the Canine Cancer Awareness site
proved to be the most helpful site I could find, thank you so much for
your efforts…I will always contribute to your cause. I was given 4
weeks and that's exactly what we had. The Cancer was so invasive, it
took over very quickly despite the special supplements and Cancer Diet I
gave her. She is so incredibly strong, that I never even knew outwardly
that something major was wrong, I just had a 'hunch'. At almost 14
years of age, she would still go up the stairs, love her walks and play
with her toys. I feel very blessed for that. Her strong will and
refusal to give up will always inspire me. She is my Hero. I was with
her every second, holding her in my arms for every breath. Letting her
go was the HARDEST thing I've ever had to do, I whispered how much I
loved her in her ear the entire time. The grief is unbearable, My Mauli
is EVERYTHING to me. She is my inspiration to Love Completely and to
always try and wag my tail no matter what life brings. Mauli was
clearly an Angel in a Dog's Body…now she's flying with her beautiful
wings. I keep you close to me always Sweet Girl ~ My Girl. I feel you
near me at times, but I so wish I could touch your little "bobbin" tail
right now. We will be together again, I promise. I Love You Always and
I Miss you Terribly! I could never forget Mauli's Mojo. Thank you for
everything.
— Wendy Tubbs, Mauli's Mom
Forever
Tigger
UPDATE 06-07-08 —
Oh, Tigs....I can't believe that a year ago I was cooking your birthday hamburger and arranging your pressies so they were all ready for your official birthday portrait. Just a day or so earlier you were diagnosed with the evil beast that would take you from us just six months later.
We had hoped for more time, but it wasn't to be. I think now that you somehow knew that you wouldn't be here as long, so you put as much as you could into every minute of life! Your daddy and I always said that you lived life "with joyous abandon" and it was so true...you were our "shark dog", always on the move when you were in the backyard, making the rounds and starting over again right away because something might have been there in the minute since you checked it out! You could be WAY out in the corner of the yard, and if you heard "Mommy's home!" or "Daddy's home!", you would FLY across the yard, fur plastered against your face...then you'd run through the door and HURL yourself at the object of your affection. :-)
We had a special bond, you and I...you were definitely a Mommy's girl. In the mornings, you and Pooh always got a biscuit with some p-nut butter on it...but you wouldn't take yours until you had some "Mommy-love". I'd go sit in the chair, you'd run over and jump up into my lap to give me some kisses and get some ear-rubs...after a couple minutes I'd put you down and THEN you'd run over and grab the biscuit.
You were my snuggle-bug...I loved how I would hold you and you'd rest your head on my chest or shoulder. That last day, I held you as much as I could, and sometimes you'd lay there looking up at me and we'd stare into each other's eyes....I cherish those moments so very much.
I know you're with us....sometimes more "vividly" than others (I'll take another dream like the one where you were kissing me anytime!) and now you've sent us Darby, a little pistol just like you to remind us of your love of life.
You will always have a special place in my heart....those memories are in the place of the piece of my heart you took with you.
I love you, puppykins....
— Mommy
Jake Wankel
UPDATE 06-02-08 —
I'm posting this as a success story to encourage those facing the same situation. Jake has beaten the odds and is still with us 5 years after his surgery.
Jake is our 8 year old lab mix. He was initially diagnosed with Osteosarcoma of the left front leg in 2002. The suggested treatment was amputation followed by biopsy. We requested the biopsy first and it came back negative. For the following year we treated him for pain with Rimadyl.
On July 4th, 2003 we noticed a bulge on the shoulder of his left front leg right on the biopsy site. We knew exactly what it was, but had the Xrays taken anyway. Our worst fears were confirmed. Our baby had cancer.
The outlook was not good. All of the statistics I could find on the web looked like he would die within a year even with treatment. We couldn't throw in the towel on him, though. He was too bright eyed and bushy tailed to give up on.
We elected to go forward with the surgery and attempted chemotherapy. The surgery went well, but he did not react well to the chemo. We thought we were going to lose him and elected not to continue after the first dose. Basically, we felt that while his days might be fewer without the chemo than with it, we'd rather he have a better quality of life than a longer quantity of life while dealing with the side effects.
Anyway, since he recovered from his treatment he has been wide open. There is life after osteosarcoma. He may get sick again tomorrow, we don't know what the future holds. What I do know is that we have enjoyed his love and company for five more years than we otherwise might have. The statistics are not promising, but they also aren't absolute. I hope this helps others who are facing the same decisions I had to.
— Don
The Love of my Life — Maggie
March 26, 1996— April 25, 2008
UPDATE 05-19-08 —
My Irish Setter, Maggie, passed away from Hemangiosarcoma on April 25, 2008. Here is our story.
My Maggie was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma in March of 2007. She had an undetected mass in her spleen that had ruptured and we immediately went into surgery. After surgery we completed 5 rounds of chemo successfully and the cancer went undetected for 1 year. A tumor was then found in her liver on March 18, 2008. She lived comfortably for about another month. When the time came I held her in my arms at home, kissed her again and told her once more that I loved her and let her know that I would never let her suffer.
I would do anything, and give anything to be with my Maggie again. I only had her 4 years after taking her in when someone else wouldn't take care of her. It wasn't enough time with such a wonderful soul. There is no way to describe the aching pain in my chest. She taught me the meaning of living life and made me the happiest I've ever been. I was so lucky to have the time that I had with her and she will be with me always.
Please pray for an end to this horrible disease once and for all - for both humans and animals. Cancer robs the world of too much.
— Thank you.
Skipper
UPDATE 05-04-08 — This
tribute is about Skipper, my 4 year old male Pembroke Welsh
Corgi. Skipper was born on February 28, 2004. I first held
him in my arms in April of 2004 at the home of his breeders,
Sue and Karen.
The first time I took this 8 week
old, baby puppy in my arms, I looked into his then beautiful
baby blue eyes as he playfully licked my face and cuddled happily
with me. I played with him and the other puppies that Karen
and Sue showed me. Skipper was a "fluffy" so the girls could
not use him in dog shows. However, I was thrilled that he was
a Fluffy! I fell in love with Skipper (then known as "Edgar")
on that day.
My Mom was with me when we went
to see him that day. I remember sitting in the middle of the
girls' living room in the dog playpen with Skipper and the
rest of the puppies. I remember how much he wanted my attention
nipping at me and lying on his back while I scratched him belly,
and looking up at me whenever I stopped scratching :) as if
to tell me not to stop.
A few weeks later, when we returned,
Skipper was 10 weeks old and ready for us to bring him home.
I was happy, but a little sad when I looked at Sue, and I promised
that I would always keep Skipper together with his family by
visiting her and Karen, so that Skipper would never forget
his family and the loving home where he was born.
Through the years, the little fluffy
puppy grew into a beautiful head strong, independent Corgi,
a small dog, with a big dog's bark. Skipper and I grew closer
as he also did with my Mom, aka Grandma. Eventually, I began
taking Skipper to the Ocean County Off-Lease Dog Park. Skipper
was in heaven whenever I took him there. He loved being with
people and other dogs.
At the doggie park, Skipper backed
down from no dog:) He even chased bigger dogs, but everyone
knew that it was all in fun and friendship, because Skipper
was lovable and always showed it.
The bond between Skipper, whom I
nicknamed "my little bear," continued to grow to where Skipper
could anticipate my every move. He was totally alert to all
sorts of sounds. Skipper loved running out on my sundeck and
barking at the snow and/or the rain, whenever it came.
That's another thing he loved. Skipper
loved the water. I bought him a plastic baby swimming pool
that I kept on my sundeck.
After Labor Day in September 2007,
Skipper began experiencing a problem breathing. On September
5, 2007, I noticed lumps underneath Skipper's neck and on his
back. That night, brought him to my local vet.
The attending Vet, Dr. Harvey, immediately determined that
Skipper may have Lymphoma. She ran tests to confirm it. Skipper
had cancer.
Dr. Harvey, who had interned with
vet oncologists at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, referred Skipper
to the facility. I have never experienced a great degree of
anxiety and sadness than when I received this news.
Fortunately, Karen was able to drive
down to my Mom's house and pick up Skipper and bring him to
Red Bank Vet. The prognosis and protocol was immediate chemotherapy
treatment that day. Joshua Lachowicz, DVM, was Skipper's oncologist.
When I went to pick up Skipper from my Mom's house the next
day, all of the swelling was gone, but I was told of the pending
treatment.
Dr. Lachowicz reviewed the treatment
protocol with me. Skipper would receive weekly chemotherapy
treatments by injection and on occasion, through pills. Skipper's
condition with anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea pills appeared
to be working. In fact, sometime in November, 2007, I recall
Dr. Lachowicz advising that he believed Skipper's cancer would
go into complete remission.
But in February, 2008, a lump appeared
underneath Skipper's hind leg. Dr. Lachowicz examined it and
told me that the disease was now in relapse and out of remission.
He told me that he would have to use a "rescue drug" protocol.
While the swollen lump would occasionally go down, it never
went away. Eventually between March and early April 2008, lymph
nodes underneath Skipper's neck swelled and did not go down.
In late April, 2008, Skipper began
vomiting and could not keep down food. He also could not breath
properly and snored very loudly when he tried to sleep. I first
thought that this was a side effect of the now more aggressive
chemotherapy, but in the back of my mind I knew in my heart
that my little angel was suffering from the effects of the
cancer.
On May 1, 2008, my Mom went with
me to Red Bank Vet Hospital where Dr. Lachowicz confirmed my
worst fears, i.e., that the cancer had spread to Skipper's
liver, which was now pushing into his stomach causing pain,
as the X-Rays showed. The X-rays also showed lymph node swelling
in Skipper's rectal area and underneath his throat.
The options Dr. Lachowicz gave me
provided no comfort or relief to Skipper's suffering. Anyone
who has had to confront this illness with their dog knows what
this means. I broke down crying and made the most painful decision
I have ever had to make concerning my baby. I could not let
Skipper suffer.
My mom and I stayed with Skipper
after Dr. L and the girls brought him in to us. My Mom cried
and kissed him. She couldn't bear to stay in the room. I stayed
on the floor holding Skipper in my arms, crying all the time
and whispering in his ear, kissing him, and assuring him that
Daddy would eventually be with him.
Dr. L came him and got down on the
floor with me. I help Skipper as I heard him begin sleeping.
The snoring was very loud. My arms were cradled around him,
on my knees, bent over. My eyes were closed as I kissed the
back of his head. I then heard complete silence. I began to
cry again, as Dr. L patted me on the back and quietly walked
out of the room leaving me with Skipper.
If I could have taken the cancer
out of Skipper and given it to myself, I would have done it
in a heartbeat! There is nothing that I would not have done
for this little angel who touched my heart with his love. Skipper
was adorable, smart, funny, loyal, and loved me so unconditionally
and without any expectations, I wish that human beings could
take a lesson from him and other dogs like him.
To anyone who reads this, please
understand that there has got to be a way to rid our world
of this horrifying disease once and for all.
Buddy
UPDATE 04-21-08 — This
is my sweet, fun loving friend Buddy. I am the luckiest person
that I know because I was blessed with Buddy for his thirteen
years. Buddy was diagnosed with a nasal tumor in December 2007.
I noticed blood coming from his nose one evening in November
and rushed him to the clinic. After many tests the tumor was
discovered.
Buddy and I traveled and lived in
many different places in his thirteen years. Los Angeles, CA
Phoenix, AZ, Houston, TX, and finally Tucson, AZ. He made friends
wherever he went, and was always eager to go. He always was
excited for a ride or walk. When he was younger I would take
him rollerblading. We would start by him pulling me and end
with me pulling him. I have so many stories and memories about
my Buddy, and all make me smile and laugh. I have friends tell
me of their memories of Buddy and that is very special. One
of my friends decided on getting a dog of the same breed because
of the influence that Buddy had made on him.
On April 7th Buddy suffered a seizure.
The cancer had advanced. Buddy was with me in body for eleven
more days. April 18th, after two days in the intensive care
unit at the clinic, I had to make the decision that I had been
dreading for a long time. Our last moments together were spent
with me talking to him and reminding him how much he has meant
to me and how much I appreciated his friendship, loyalty, and
companionship. Buddy was in my arms when he passed. I felt
his little heart stop and we shared his last breath. I kissed
him and told him that I loved him.
Buddy is still with me wherever
I go in spirit. I know that one day we will be reunited and
the fun and games will begin all over again. I have no regrets
and wouldn't trade a minute with him for anything.
I love you so much Buddy and I miss
you more than anyone could ever imagine.
— Bradley
Hannah
UPDATE 04-05-08 — We
lost our beloved Hannah to hemangiosarcoma of the spleen and
liver in the early hours of April 1st, 2008. She was nearing
her 12th birthday. Her loss was so unexpected, it still seems
like a bad dream. She had spent the weekend competing in something
she so loved: a Dockdogs competition. Although she could no
longer jump as far as she once could, she was so excited to
leap into the water after her retrieving duck. She brought
home seven ribbons that weekend. The very next day, as I was
preparing her and our four other dogs' dinner, she was conspicuously
absent from the nightly lineup of hungry eyes watching my every
move. I called out to her, and finally found her lying on the
living room floor. She was lethargic, and could not get up
to walk. As I was on crutches from an injury three weeks before,
I called my wife, who had just left to volunteer helping cats
find forever homes. She returned immediately, and knew instantly
upon seeing Hannah that something was very wrong. A neighbor
was summoned to help load Hannah into a blanket and into our
van for a trip to the vet ER. She was losing blood, and an
ultrasound found a splenic tumor. She was stabilized, and transported
to another ER where surgeons were on-call to operate. As my
wife drove through a rainstorm, I lay on the floor of the van
holding her for the 35 minute trip. Through tears, I told her
she was the best dog in the world, and how much we loved her,
and how special she was. I prayed that she would be spared
any pain or suffering. On arrival, we made the decision to
have the surgery, just in case there was any chance to save
her. After an agonizing wait, the surgeons came out to tell
us the bad news; that it had spread to her liver, and she would
not live much longer, even if they were able to remove the
cancer. In the most difficult moment of our lives, we made
the decision to say goodbye to our precious Hannah. Although
it hurt us terribly, it was no longer about us, but about her
quality of life. She left us peacefully at 1:45 in the morning.
We took her home wrapped in a blanket,
and made sure that her canine brothers and sister had the chance
to say goodbye to her. In the order that they came to our family,
we showed them her body, and in the way only dogs can, they
said goodbye. We took her the next day to our friend and hometown
veterinarian, who cared for her since we were blessed with
her entering our lives, and would take care of her one last
time through cremation. A few locks of fur were collected,
and our friend said she would take a pawprint for us. We will
scatter her ashes in her hometown near Lake Michigan, where
she learned to swim and dive for rocks. Her spirit will run
free, unencumbered by any pain, soreness, or effects of old
age. She will always be with us, till the end of our days,
when we will be reunited once again.
We love you and miss you, our sweet
girl and punkin'—
Mike & Cindy, Bandit, Muffasa, Chompers
and Peanut.
Legend
May 1, 2007 — April 16, 2007
UPDATE 03-05-08 — Legend
lost a very short battle with a highly aggressive hemangiosarcoma
last year. It was a week from diagnosis to death. He burst
into our lives like a rocket and raced toward this final adventure
as he had done with every other adventure in his life. This
hole in my heart will never heal.
— Victoria
Phantom
UPDATE 03-05-08 — Phantom
was diagnosed with lymphoma (Stage IV - A) on November 15,
2007. He was born June 9, 1996 and is thriving under the Madison
Wisconsin Protocol. The cancer is in remission and we are looking
toward a bright and happy future for as long as we have together.
— Victoria
Trapper
UPDATE 07-08-07 — My
name is Joanne. My husband, Barry, and I live in Colorado.
Eight months ago, our white German Shepherd, Trapper (photo
attached) was diagnosed with Lymphoma. We elected to have him
treated with chemotherapy (Madison protocol) and feel very
fortunate to have been able to do this for him. We love Trapper
so much and feel blessed to have been able to afford this treatment
for him and to have him in our lives a little longer. Unfortunately,
approximately two weeks ago, Trapper came out of remission.
His cancer has become drug resistant and we are just spoiling
the heck out of him in his last days. He is doing very well
for the most part and remains on prednisone to help with inflammation
and any discomfort he may experience. My husband and I are
so happy to have been able to afford this treatment and in
response we want to help others that may not be as financially
blessed as we. In addition, we want to help your organization
financially so you may help others.
— Barry and Joanne (a.k.a
Team Trapper)
UPDATE 09-09-07 — Not
a day goes by that we don't miss Trapper. Please feel free
to visit our teamtrapper.com website
anytime. I will be updating it periodically and if there is
anything I can add to help you folks, please let us know. I
hope you are all doing well and enjoying the coming of fall.
Please know you are always close to our hearts and we hope
we can continue to help your organizations in the coming year.
With warmest regards and loving in memory of Trapper, — Joanne
and Barry
Ritz
UPDATE 03-05-08 — Ritz
came to us in May 1999 and was our Angel Frisbee's protege.
Frisbee was not friendly with other dogs, and we thought a
pup would be her tonic. What a difference a pup can make. Ritz
was a friend, a companion, a therapy dog, an absolute joy to
everyone. She NEVER showed aggression toward anything, not
even when confronted. She would just run to us like a bullied
child. She was pure loveliness personified from day one. When
Frisbee was taken from us suddenly in Feb 2000, Ritz was there
to hold us all together, as we were shaken to the core. Ritz
forever the clown and entertainer brought our family together
during our time of healing. Later in the year we brought Sassy
home, as a friend and playmate for Ritz, she had never been
alone and we thought she could use a friend. Sassy walked in
the door at 6 weeks old (us not knowing any better) and not
having learned the pecking order, took one look at Ritz and
said "Right, your number two?" and claimed the role of lead
dog in the pack. Ritz was more than happy just to be included.
From then on they were inseperable, joined at the hip, buddies.
Ritz was supposed to show Sassy the way, as Frisbee had done
for Ritz, but instead Ritz regressed back to puppyhood, and
now we had one very large puppy and one very small lead dog,
what a pair!
As the years have gone on, we realised
that we needed both of our girls, one the lovely friend, nearly
human, "therapy dog" Ritz, and one the guarding, protecting
, tough and sassy to the core "house dog" Sassy.
Ritz was our glue, our batteries,
our friend. She was there for us when we lost Frisbee, My wife's
Mum Sheila, and during my wife's recent long illness, she was
there comforting, and loving and always bringing smiles to
our faces.
We miss you baby,
— From Mum & Dad, Grandad & Sassy x
UPDATE 03-05-08 — Hi
again, I think I forgot to add... Ritz was diagnosed with splenic
hemangiosarcoma on Dec 5, 2007 following an emergency splenectomy
after it burst on Nov 27th/28th 2007 up until then she had
no warning signs.
And the Grand Canyon pales in comparison
as to the size hole she has left in our lives, Sassy included!
Many thanks
K&L&S
Heidi
UPDATE 01-27-08 — Heidi
Gaspard, beloved friend & companion, was diagnosed with carcinoma
December 19, 2007. She had been having complications with digestion
for months previous to her biopsy. The vet told us that we'd
be lucky for 6 weeks more. January 26, 2008 - 1 year, 1 month,
and 7 days later, she passed away. We were extremely fortunate
to have been given the gift of time with her. Her quality of
life was excellent in her condition for all of that extra time
as she continued to chase squirrels and play with her friends,
Boss & Gigi. She fascinated the science world as she beat so
many odds and was such a tough fighter. We felt blessed to
have been home with her and lucky that she wasn't in pain.
She was everything and more that we could have ever hoped for
in a companion and family member. She touched our lives and
stole our hearts. Until we meet again, I hope you make new
friends and wait for us to be with you once more. We love you
Heidi—
Brett, Erin, Boss & Gigi
Bingo
April 1, 2000—February 18, 2008
UPDATE 03-02-08 — Bingo
was truly inspirational to me! No matter what life threw at
him, he handled it with a dopey smile and a wag of his tail.
He truly is how I want to be! Three years ago, I lost my Border
Collie, Levi, to epilepsy. That was a difficult fight...we
never got good control over his epilepsy. When he went to the
Bridge, I decided I wanted another Border Collie. I searched
the rescues, applied, was approved, and the wait began. Every
dog I was interested in had a waiting list...great for them,
bad for me. One day I received a call from one of the rescues.
She told me there was a 4-year-old male Border Collie down
in Missouri at Animal Control. They didn't have a foster home
for him, and he was in danger of being euthanized if he wasn't
moved. I adopted him sight unseen...He had a rough start in
life, and I vowed to do everything I could to make him happy...he
was a great dog and deserved it. We tried agility. Border Collies
are supposed to be good agility dogs...NOT! Not "Bing", he
was the clumsiest Border Collie I've ever met. Flyball? NOPE!
No ball interest. Herding? Sheep? SHEEP! This was truly Bingo's
calling. It was beautiful to watch! I took him to a herding
instinct test and boy did the instinct kick in!! We started
taking lessons! In January of 2007, I noticed Bingo limping.
Occasionally. Then more frequently. When I had the vet check,
after numerous referrals to other specialists, it turned out
to be a neural sheath tumor.  After
much agonizing over it, I decided to have the leg amputated.
I knew we could deal with it, and the prognosis was good. On
May 5, 2007, Bingo became my beloved Tri-Paw Border Collie.
He bounced back quickly. Two weeks after his surgery, a section
of his incision necrosed and became infected. He went back
in for it to be cleaned and resutured. The next week, we returned
to the vet to have some more of the staples/sutures removed.
I mentioned to the vet that I noticed Bingo had these huge
lumps under his chin. They took an aspirate. The results came
back lymphoma. I was devastated. Again, after much soul searching,
I opted for chemotherapy. Bing did remarkably well. We had
a few bad days, but always came through them! Bing attended
summer Dog Camp in August, and Doggie Dance Camp in September.
We finished the 19 week protocol in Oct. 2007. A few weeks
later, I noticed Bingo straining to go to the bathroom, and
wanting to go urgently. October 20, 2007 we took him to the
vet...unbelievable!! The vet found a mass near his prostate.There
was nothing more they could do. I decided to try a holistic
veterinarian. We started holistic supplements along with Western
medications. He has started to be able to urinate on his own
and did well. Sadly, Bingo lost his fight on February 18, 2008.
No one expected my boy to fight for this long! I am grateful
for everyday we had! He fought bravely, always with that goofy
Bingo grin. He had a will like no other and a spirit that couldn't
be broken! Bingo is my canine soul mate and I love him dearly.
This was so unfair! Bingo was such a gentle soul...he truly
is my best friend! Things just won't be the same. I am lucky
to have had Bingo in my life...even for such a short time.
Letting him go was the greatest final gift I could give him.
Cancer didn't win...he won! He's finally free! Run free, sweet
Bingo, run free! I love and miss you...always.
—Mary
Rhayngo
UPDATE 02-13-08 — This
is my girl Rhayngo. Rhayngo was a beautiful creature who graced
me with her presence for 8 1/2 years. She was caring and loyal
and my very best friend. Rhayngo passed away on January 29,
2007, after suffering with Canine Cancer Lymphoma. She was
diagnosed only 3 weeks before her passing.
The loss of Rhayngo is devastating
to me as I think about her constantly. Everywhere I go is a
reminder of what she meant to me...and how much we loved each
other. I cannot put into words how incredibly grateful I am
to have shared a life with her. Rhayngo taught me incredible
strength, perseverance, courage, and loyalty from which I am
eternally grateful.
We were a team and now I am lost,
very lost. I pray that my angel is still watching over me.
—Michelle
Ira of Dog Island
199?—2008
UPDATE 04-15-08 — Thanks
again for allowing us to a part of Canine Cancer Awareness.
Ira passed away April 15, 2008.
UPDATE 01-29-08 — Ira
is of indeterminate age, I found in the West Indies on an island
called St. Kitts where I was attending veterinary school. It
has now been just over 10 years and he has lymphoma. He is
about four weeks into his diagnosis and the lymph nodes enlarge
everyday. He seems blissfully unaware as we have just gotten
back from our local dog park. I don't know if I will be able
to write about him once he is gone so here is my most beloved
friend.
—Ira
Sydney Roo
UPDATE 02-05-08 — Hello...I
am writing because my dog, Sydney Roo, was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma
today. She is a German Shepherd/Rottweiler mix who just turned
10 yrs old in Dec 2007.
She was acting totally fine untill Dec 2007...when
she stopped eating her regular dog food...she would actually
flip her dog bowl over and sometimes even throw it. Then she
stopped eating that dog food all together. I tried other brands,
dry dog food mixed with can dog food, that worked for a few
days and then she stopped eating that as well. Then I tried
straight can dog food, that also worked for a few days. She
also was not acting like herself...not wanting to play catch
anymore, not jumping on the bed to sleep at night, occasionally
going to the bathroom in the house and acting very restless...I
then noticed that she started to lose weight which is when
I took her to the vet.
She had lost 22 lbs since her last time at
the vet, 6 months prior. She had gone from 102 lbs to 80 lbs...I
believe that most of this weight was lost during that month
of Dec. The vet started with blood and urinalysis, thinking
that she might have diabetes-which turned out negative. Then
we started working on why she was anemic...started with the
thought that it could have been from a tick or flea disease
since she had some white blood cells in her urine and she had
a fever...so we started her on Doxycycline...after 1 week her
red blood cell percentage had gone down again...so we ruled
out the flea or tick issue. We did chest and abdomen x-rays
which did not show anything abnormal either. Then my vet told
me that it is time for an ultrasound as he felt it could be
a tumor in the spleen or the liver.
Today we went to a specialist, one of the best
on the East Coast, and had an ultrasound done. Sydney has multiple
tumors in her liver and her spleen. If it was just the spleen,
the spleen could be removed, but since they have migrated to
the liver, surgery is not an option. She is extremely weak
and very depressed. He said that she is suffering from this,
due to the anemia, she is having trouble breathing and also
the tumors are causing these organs to press up against her
stomach.
After all of the research that I have done,
it does not seem that Chemo is an option either. It might prolong
her life a month or two but it will not be a quality life.
I know that the tumors can rupture and cause massive bleeding
in the abdomen, which is very painful, as well as fainting
for her and that I cannot live with. So this week I will have
to say good bye to my best friend, or "My Precious" as
I call her, as she goes on to doggie heaven. Who knew that
a trip to the local Animal Shelter could turn out to be a 10
yr loving relationship.
Here is a picture of Sydney Roo
in her prime...as I will always remember her...
—Thanks
Gail
Johannes
UPDATE 01-11-08 — I
will feel honored to donate to this very good cause.
This is a picture of my sweet little boy, Johannes.
He was a mischievous little boy as you can see. This past October
5, I made the right decision for him and let him go. I was
there with him when he drew his last breath and I know he is
waiting for me.
He had been diagnosed with a very aggressive
prostate cancer on October 2 in New Mexico, a town of about
80,000 people. I live in a very beautiful smaller town and
the vets around here did not know what was wrong with him.
He had previously been successfully treated for osteoarthritis
in 2001 and had blown two lumbar discs in 2003. We treated
these and he was basically doing real well on aspirin, glucosamine/chondroitin
and occasionally a series of adequan shots. He was doing real
well until this past August when he all of a sudden he appeared
to lose the strength in his rear legs. I put him on R and R.
He seemed to take two steps backward and one step forward,
but always at the end of the week, he seemed a little weaker.
I had brought him to the local vets and even went for treatment
to an acupuncturist. We had had great results with that when
we were treating him for his lumbar problems. By mid September,
he continued to regress with the occasional good day. He was
getting all of the above treatment. The acupuncturist showed
me how to do this and Johannes seemed to feel a little better
after this treatment.
By late September, he was getting worse so
I scheduled an appt. with a vet. The first thing she did was
give him his first ever rectal exam (much to his chagrin).
She told me he had a mass behind his rectum wall and her partner
confirmed this. She told me to schedule an appt. with a cancer
specialist in Tuscon. We drove over there on October 4, 2007.
He had a good set of radiographs done along with an aspirate
of the mass and an ultrasound. She told me he had no treatment
options as the cancer had spread to his liver and his lungs.
I looked at the x rays and his whole little body was filled
with tumors. I took him home that night and had already made
the best decision for Johannes. There was no way I was going
to watch him get progressively worse and the vet was surprised
he was doing as well as he was. The next morning we drove to
the vet. He was having a good morning. He had the cutest little
way at dinner time or at the door when we were going on a walk
of barking so energetically that his front feet would leave
the ground. His last little walk from my car to the vets door
he was prancing along and feeling very good (he had been on
a regime of prednisone during his treatment). He had many of
his favorite treats and gobbled them up like he always did.
(He never had enough food)
I was able to be with him as the vet put him
to sleep with a powerful anesthetic. When he put the shot into
his little heart to stop it,he didn't flinch when the needle
went in buy he had a little reaction to the phenobarbital and
I held him until he drifted off. The vet says he sees this
in some of the breeds and assured me he did not feel any pain.
I feel better knowing I did the right thing for him. I miss
him terribly. He was such a sweet boy. He has taught me so
much about love. This has been a very difficult three months.
I have two older Dachsies at home, Gretta (16) and Ollie (14)
and we all miss him. I am hoping that by posting this tribute,
and sharing this loss, it may help someone else who is going
through this. In my prayers at night I always ask the Higher
Power to make sure Johannes has a warm dry place to sleep and
to help him look up previous dogs I have had; Holly, Nanook
and Emily. I also ask that he be given a dog biscuit as a bedtime
snack. I also thank him for the eleven years and seven months
he was given to me to love and be loved. I sure miss him. thank
you
—Tim
Tyler
UPDATE 12-12-07 — We
lost out beloved son Tyler on December 12, 2007 to hemangiosarcoma.
We believe he had the disease for 2 years after having his
spleen removed. He was not only courageous but refused to indicate
to us any pain he may have been enduring. We had no indication
of the cancer until we noticed blood in his left eye. Upon
a scheduled visit with a canine ophthalmologist we were informed
that a subsequent chest x-ray showed the immense cancer throughout
his body. He never showed any other symptoms. 2 days after
the diagnoses we had our close friend (and veterinarian) come
to the house because he was laboring in his breathing. She
indicated that it was a miracle that he was still alive with
the amount of cancer the x-ray showed. He simply went to sleep
after the shot was administered and never showed any suffering.
I will always remember him for his unconditional love for us.
He was abandoned with his sister 13 1/2 years ago in a box
in the street in front of our house. We took them both in and
gave them the best life we could offer and in return they gave
us more than anyone could ask for. I cannot look at a sunset
without him in my memory. His sister, Summer, is still with
us and we all miss him dearly. We loved our son very much and
will never forget him.
Kyra
UPDATE 10-26-07 — Hi,
My dog Kyra has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma. She is an
8 year old Rottweiler. She was diagnosed in December 2006 and
underwent a hemi-mandibilectomy. This involved the amputation
of half her bottom jaw in January 2007. She had 4 rounds of
chemotherapy. Then her left eye started to look unusual and
we brought her to an ophthalmologist. To make a long story
short, she had her eye removed and is now going through another
round of chemotherapy. Her chest xrays continue to be free
of cancer and she is doing great. You would never know that
she has OS. She is awesome. We have great doctors for her and
she is surrounded by love and continues to flourish from all
the attention. Here is a couple of pics....
I tried to make this a short story, sorry.....
All-A-Round LA Shadeauxman
born February 16th, 1993 — died November 26th, 2005
UPDATE 09-05-07 — Shadeuxman
you will forever be in my heart and on my mind. Whatever I
wanted you to do you were ready for it. We had so much fun
running in the agility ring, showing off in the obedience ring,
me watching you herd sheep and jumping for the stars to catch
a frisbee. You and your brother Boomer were best buddies but
you were my red dog heartbeat. You were always so active and
had a bright smile on your face. Your Dad and I watched cancer
rob us of a wonderful dog that will never be forgotten. For
almost 13 years we loved you with all our hearts. I held you
in my arms while cancer took you away. You are now the brightest
star in the sky and the wind chime that rings out in the big
oak tree. I feel you waiting around for your brother Boomer
because the two of you did everything together. Wait for me
too Shad My Man . . . . . . . . . I'll love you forever
— Mom
HONDO
UPDATE 07-20-07 —
HONDO is the best dog in the world!
His ears, his tail, his beautiful eyes, his perfect calm spirit
. . . I shall miss him so . . .
" i carry your heart with me, i carry it in my heart and i'm never without
it.
anywhere i go, you go, my dear." — e.e.cummings
— Kristin
MAX ONIFFREY
UPDATE 06-29-07 —
My Boxer Max, was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma
last year (2006) on Memorial Day weekend, after I came home
to find him unable to get up, and unwilling to eat. They brought
him into surgery and found a small tumor on his spleen (which
was cancerous). After removing his spleen, the vet advised
me of my options - 6 rounds of chemo ($250 each) or approx
2-3 months left with Max. He also mentioned that even with
the chemo, he'd probably only survive about 6 months. After
a couple weeks of talking to family and friends and a few people
who had been through this, I decided to go ahead with the chemo.
I am happy to say that now, over a year later (and about $6000
in debt (surgery and chemo), Max seems to be doing very well,
and hasn't had any issues since. Is the cancer gone? I don't
know, and it's hard to test for it, I was told. But, I'm so
glad I made the decision to go ahead with the chemo, and I
would do it again in a minute. He is totally worth it!!!
— Christine
COPPER
UPDATE 6-28-07 — Tribute
for Copper
In the beginning of May, 2007 just days after
receiving the referral of our baby girl that we are adopting
in China, we learned that our sweet boy of nearly 13 years
old had Fibrosarcoma cancer. The tumor was above and around
his left eye, and into his brain. He had been exhibiting some
signs of anxiousness over the past year, but Copper had always
been this type of dog. Our vet never suspected cancer. Not
until the day when we were in the vet's office and my husband
was the one to notice the small lump on his head. They xray'd
and did a biopsy and sure enough, we were left with the most
devastating news. Our Copper passed peacefully on June 26th,
2007.
My Copper, you are, were, and always will
be my love, my light, my soul. You have given me the tools
I need to become a Mom to our baby Hannah from China. I know
you were given to us for this reason, and let me tell you my
friend, you did one heck of a job. I have never loved anything
or anyone as hard as I did you. I hurt so badly right now,
I feel empty and alone. I miss you terribly, and am not sure
how to breathe without you. I am scared, but I know that you
are now happy and no longer in pain. Knowing that I will find
a way to go on. Know that I will love you forever and ever
and I long for the day that I will be able to kiss your nose
and head again. My dear sweet angel, rest in peace, and live
the life now that you so deserve to have. Until we meet again...................
— Colleen
FILLY
UPDATE 06-26-07 —
Thank you so much! Filly passed away last
Monday after her second round of chemotheraphy. We are all
grieving at the lost of such a very special companion. Thanks
for your support and kindness.
— Linda
UPDATE 06-01-07 —
I found your site this morning as I was trying
to learn more about Canine Cancer. My twenty-nine year old
disabled daughter, Angela, received her Golden Retriever service
dog a year ago from Assistance Dog Institute in Santa Rosa,
California. Two weeks ago she noticed that her dog was not
getting into her van as easily as before, and that her neck
seemed to be hurting her. She took Fillie to the vet and they
prescribed relaxant medication telling her that she probably
strained her neck playing with the other dogs.
In less than a week, she had a seizure and
was screaming in pain. We took her to emergency and then, when
she was stable, up to the institute vet. They thought she had
meningitis and began ordering tests. The outcome was stage
4 Lymphoma with cancer also in her spinal cord.
ADI is preforming all the tests and treatment
free and housing my daughter so that she can be with her dog
and grief the ultimate lost. They are providing her the support
at this difficult time. For Angela, her companion dog is her
companion. It seems so cruel that a girl who has suffered all
her life with disability and pain would also have her dog be
taken from her by cancer.
Please continue to provide information to
people dealing with canine cancer. It helps, even just a little,
to know that there are people out there who care. Also if you
can give me information how I can support her through this
lost, I would appreciate it. I just don't know what to say
to her.
Sincerely,
Linda Rodrigues
ANGEL
UPDATE 6-20-07 — My
Angel, a 7 year-old Lab mix, was diagnosed with cancer in January
2007. She had a malignant thyroid tumor. She was given a "grave" prognosis,
months to live. Chemo was suggested, but I just could not see
doing that to her, especially since the prognosis was not any
better with or without it. So I got busy, learning about alternative
treatments and consulted a holistic vet in New Orleans , Dr.
Adriane Segrera, who prescribed a high-fat, high-protein diet
and a regime of supplements. I made other changes, like getting
rid of all chemicals in my home, cleaning now only with vinegar
and water (and a touch of bleach for deep cleaning jobs), and
holistic treats (fruit and veggies).
Today, 6 months later, Angel is
doing great! A recent chest x-ray showed no metastasis. She
is happy and healthy and doing very well.
Peace,
Patty Meehan
Sunset, Louisiana
PESTO
September 1, 1997 — May 17, 2007
In Memory of
Pesto
We lost our beloved Aussie, "Pesto",
after a brief but courageous battle with hemangiosarcoma. Pesto
was first diagnosed in April 2007, after she began showing
symptoms of anemia and was occasionally, and very uncharacteristically,
off her food. We took her to her regular vet, and an ultrasound
showed a large tumor on her spleen. The vet wasn’t able to
tell if it was malignant or not without the biopsy results,
but said it looked very suspicious and recommended a splenectomy.
Pesto had never been sick a day in her life and was an otherwise
healthy, strong dog, so we decided to follow his advice and
had her spleen removed with the growth. While doing the surgery,
the vet saw no signs of growths spreading to her other organs.
The biopsy results on the tumor showed definite
presence of hemangiosarcoma. The vet explained to us the likelihood
of the cancer returning quickly, and once this happens the
end usually comes soon thereafter. He said it was a good sign
that they did not see obvious metastasizing at that point,
and that she might have many months to live. We decided not
to pursue chemotherapy after considering the suffering it would
cause Pesto and the very slim chances of it actually prolonging
her life in a significant manner. So, we brought her home to
her mom, Sheila, and she recovered very quickly from her surgery,
returning to full activity without three weeks. When I came
home from college, she was back to playing vigorous games of
tug-of-war in the backyard with Sheila (their favorite game!)
and I took them on several walks in the days after I got home,
down to the beach and on long car-rides … all some of Pesto’s
favorite things to do. She was always in good spirits, especially
when she got to be with us, and even when she was sick I never
saw her show even an ounce of bad temperament. She was just
a happy girl who loved life – one of my favorite memories of
her is how she would just run and run when we first let her
loose on the ocean beach, stretching her long legs and galloping
in big circles around us. What a beautiful animal.
Two days ago, I took Pesto and Sheila out
for what turned out to be our last afternoon walk, along a
bluff overlooking the Puget Sound. Pesto was doing so well;
she even jumped up on a rock wall and walked along it for a
while, seemingly back to her usual silly self. That night,
she gobbled up dinner, and when we had company over for supper
she was squirming her way under our chairs, as usual keeping
a close but nonchalant eye on any scraps that might come her
way … and she went out for the night with a cookie, happy as
always. But when my father got up in the morning and went out
to feed them breakfast, Pesto was just not right. She was lethargic,
weak, barely made it up to the door to greet her dad. He came
and got us and we all sort of knew that this was the end; she
was so sick, and even before her splenectomy she’d never looked
this bad. Her gums were pure white and her nose was so cold.
She seemed to be really suffering, too, and it was so awful
to see our cheerful little girl in so much pain. We took her
right to the emergency vet, where they found that she was bleeding
out in her abdomen; apparently the cancer had already metastasized
in the four weeks since her surgery, and one of the growths
had burst. We made the excruciating decision to put her to
sleep; it was so hard for all of us to let go of our baby girl
– she was born in our garage and I think that from her first
day, we became her "pack". We were the only family
she ever knew. At 9 1/2 years young, she was still a puppy
most of the time, always following one of us around the house
or yard with a toy stuffed in her mouth, or playing tireless
games of fetch. Even though we’d tried to prepare ourselves
for this day we knew was coming, it arrived so much sooner
than any of us had imagined it would: not even six weeks had
passed since we’d found the growth on her spleen. I know she
didn’t want to leave us – I’ve never known a more loyal dog,
she was literally there without fail, every time you turned
around or called her name – but I hope she understands that
we had to let her go and that she will wait in peace until
we can be with her again.
Sheila misses her especially, I think; she
had gotten so used to Pesto being her ears (Sheila is completely
deaf now) and also her closest companion. They groomed each
other by the hour, and it was so cute the way they would fetch
in tandem, each picking up one end of their rope Kong and tugging
it all the way down the lawn. Today, I tried to throw it for
Sheila by herself, and while she runs down the lawn to pick
it up, when she gets there she just stands over it and looks
around – waiting for Pesto to sweep in and grab it away. Things
won’t ever be the same around here without our silly little
girl.
Pesto, we love you so much and miss you deeply
… you wormed your way into our house and hearts (and beds,
usually, too!), and you’ve left some mighty big holes, many
of which will never be filled. You were God’s blessing to us,
and I think to me in particular – when I asked him for a brown-eyed,
blue merle girl, I never imagined I would really get one someday
– and one so perfect, at that. You were my dream come true,
and I will miss you forever.
I hope there are many squirrels
up there for you to chase.
Love from your "pack",
— Sheila, Amanda, Mom, Dad,
and Sophie.
DAKOTA
Yesterday May 11. 2007 we lost our favorite
Big Dog Dakota to Osteosarcoma of the jaw. Dakota was diagnosed
in August and we were told by many vets that chemo would maybe
buy him a few months. We immedietly started Dakota on all kinds
of herbs and vitamins and healthy meals like veggie stew and
salmon - which he could never get enough of. We did do chemo
for a few months but were told it could start messing up his
heart if we kept going - so we stopped chemo and focused on
holisitc medicine. Dakota was such a warrior - even with all
the bleeding - which he had plenty of - his spirit stayed strong
and kept up a fight to the end. I never met a dog like Dakota
- he truly was one of a kind. Such a handsome guy with so much
love in his heart and such a strong will to live. Over the
last few weeks I saw him really slow down and the tumors growing
in his mouth became so angry and I just felt so helpless -
but the big dog still had his appetite until the end. Dakota
had friends all over the world - he made such an impression
on everybody he met - he will be truly missed.
— Amy
O’REILLY
O’Reilly Overall was diagnosed in April
2007, with Lymphoma. She is currently at Stage V, with 95%
involvement of bone marrow. We currently have O’Reilly
under the 25 week University of Wisconsin-Madison treatment,
augmented with vitamin therapy. The biggest concern is that
there may not be enough bone marrow to recover. The week of
April 25 was good, O’Reilly is energetic and happy. When
we were given O’Reilly’s diagnosis, we were shocked.
Though she is a pound pup, she has always been strong, happy
and a great friend to family and friends (a couple of mail
carriers may take exception to that statement). The family
continues to pray for her comfort and happiness.
Best regards,
— Curtis B. Overall
CASEY
October 5, 1996 — March 5, 2007
In memory of
my Beloved Aussie Casey:
I lost my beloved friend Casey to a tumor
in his stomach, it took only a month to lose him, before I
knew it he was a very sick boy, I had no idea he was so sick
until it was too late.
He started all of the sudden vomiting and
not eating, I took him to the vet, the vet ran every test we
could think of, every test came back normal. Then Casey started
to eat again, not a lot, but he was eating, and keeping it
down. He never stopped being the active Casey he was, even
at 10 1/2 years old, he lo | 
