As a dog mom for more than 20 years, I’ve experienced the high costs, the ups, and the downs of pet care, especially when it comes to cancer. But before I delve into why I started Dog Cancer Journey, I’d like to share a little bit about me.
I’m a psychology graduate with a Bachelor of Social Sciences and an honors degree. I volunteered at a shelter for 4 to 5 years and have raised dogs throughout my life. My background helped with rehabilitating several dogs while raising and training my own.
How the Journey Started
But the most significant part of this process was when 3 special dogs entered my life. Sadly, they all passed from cancer, one after the other. Not only had cancer taken my dogs, but also those of friends and family. From Sasha’s mast cell cancer to Ice’s bone cancer and Blueberry’s hemangiosarcoma, I met with different veterinarians, sought a holistic veterinarian, tried new diets, and introduced alternative remedies.
Some veterinarians wouldn’t work with me, while others were willing to create health plans and packages for my pets. I tried every medication and treatment to save my dogs. But what I didn’t expect along the way was the misinformation I came across online. Certain treatments simply weren’t available or were unknown in the early 2000’s. I was surprised at the push for traditional therapies without consideration for nutrition, alternative remedies, and supplements that could really support pets with cancer. One such misconception was that initially, CBD was bad for pets. Later, there were claims that any CBD could help with pain and cancer. Subsequently, the market exploded with pet CBD products. Some with misleading health promises.
While I’m not a vet, my experience shows that treating pet cancer requires a comprehensive approach. Combining traditional medication with alternatives, such as medicinal mushrooms and nutrition, can really give your cat or dog with cancer a fighting chance.
Creating a Sense of Hope
My shock came after visiting a local vet who diagnosed Sasha with mast cell cancer. He said, “You’ve got 3 months if you’re lucky.” I was taken aback. Yes, she was already quite old, but the lack of compassion was really unexpected. It was at this stage that I thought, there’s got to be another way.
I’ve been in positions where I couldn’t afford veterinary treatment and felt lost and overwhelmed. I understand the struggles of treating pets with cancer, which inspired my journey to find helpful sources. Most importantly, I want to share my awareness and experiences with you, so that you can ask the right questions and make informed decisions.
What is Dog Cancer Journey
If your fur baby is facing a cancer diagnosis or has undergone treatment for cancer, my blog breaks down the benefits and possible risks of common treatments, surgeries, and alternative therapies. Perhaps you’re curious about chemotherapy for your dog or which supplements provide the best cancer-fighting properties. I describe my and my pets’ firsthand experiences with chemo, full-spectrum CBD, and many more natural solutions that may aid their recovery and support their immune systems.
Dog Cancer Journey is about doing what you can for your pet with cancer, even when circumstances change, and tough choices have to be made.
Coping with Pet Loss
In addition to affordable treatments and conventional medicines, I share my devastating losses to help you cope with pet grief. When Sasha passed, I was sure that I wouldn’t share my home with another pet. But only a few months later, I found Blueberry. You know that once you’ve loved and lost a pet, it’s nearly impossible not to welcome another furry companion into your life.
Pet Health Tips From Arthritis to Allergies
I’ve had several dogs and one cat, and apart from cancer, they’ve all struggled with common pet conditions. Allergies, digestive upset, and arthritis, to name a few. Dog Cancer Journey also delves into supplements you can safely use to alleviate your fur baby’s itchiness or ease their pain.
Final Notes
I must emphasize that Dog Cancer Journey is my blog, based on tried-and-tested measures for treating dogs with cancer. It is not endorsed by a veterinarian but includes accounts of my dogs’ treatments and research from updated journals and international clinical trials.
Whether you choose an all-natural route or conventional medicine to treat your pet with cancer, always research the pros and cons. Dealing with cancer in your dog or cat is a stressful experience. My message is, don’t forget to cherish the good days. You don’t know how much time they have left, so make it count.