Why is there a post about breast cancer on an animal related page you may ask?  

Cancer affects everyone in some form at one time or another. You may have a friend, family member or yes even a pet that is stricken with the disease. Cancer sucks.

One of our staff members decided last year to participate in the Avon 39 Cancer walk. It takes place in the San Francisco Bay Area in July. 39 miles in two days. Each walker is required to raise a minimum of $1800. This walk is a little different the money raised stays local to help people in our area. Why is this relevant for an animal shelter blog? I am getting to that. While she and a volunteer are training for the walk we pulled a sweet terrier mix from the county shelter. Here is where it gets animal related.

Introducing Sally.

She is a super sweet outgoing little dog. Many dogs are surrendered to shelters every day. Many of them with medical issues that the owner is unaware of or unable to afford care for the pet and decides to surrender it to a shelter. Sally was one of those. Sally had cancerous mammary masses on both sides of the mammary chain.

The masses could be removed but it was going to require two separate and very invasive surgical procedures.  So the question becomes is it possible to do surgery? We felt that she deserved a chance. We sent her up to U.C. Davis for a consultation and they accepted her for surgery providing we would submit the masses for analysis. We did. It came back cancer.

The next question was are they still willing to do the second surgery for her?

The answer was yes.                 

She healed up from her first surgery and was ready to go up for the next round. This sweet girl always maintained her amazing attitude. She loves everyone. Her surgery was successful and she is off all medication and ready for her forever home.

There are a few points to the story.

1. Please spay or neuter your pets. Mammary or testicular cancer is almost non existent in dogs that are spayed or neutered. It is worth it. Sally’s condition could have been avoided.
2. Keep an eye on your pets and have any unusual bumps, lumps, or masses checked by your veterinarian.

Sally is now available for adoption and waiting for her forever home.  She is a sweet little dog that seems to like just about everyone.  Will you be Sally’s happily ever after??