T.S. & Little Bear by Debra Lynne and Frank Vitale

Imagine having two pets diagnosed with different cancers die within six months of each other? Well, our story is probably not so unique, nonetheless it was quite a trauma for us. But this is about bravery and spirit and great care...

Our dog, Little Bear's battle was short-lived. Diagnosed with mast cell carcinoma, she underwent two surgeries and a rush consultation at Tufts University Veterinary Hospital in Medford, MA, specialists in veterinary oncology, along with a course in homeopathy, and a change in diet to "raw foods." None of which resolved this rapidly growing nasty cancer, which took her life within two months time at the age of 10. We gather little is known or available at this time to treat this kind of cancer in both pets and people; at least we could find little research or effective treatments. It is our hope that Animal Cancer Foundation and its research initiatives will one day dedicate resources to this similarly occurring cancer in pets and people.

T.S., our cat, who had more than nine lives, was a different story. Diagnosed with intestinal lymphoma, we were encouraged to consider chemotherapy. After an initial consultation and learning that cats tolerated chemotherapy much better than people, we decided to give it a go. Nearly three years later, with two remissions, T.S. lived to nearly 19 years of age. He mostly tolerated the chemotherapy well, with more good days than bad. When he went out of remission for the second time, the lymphoma spread to his brain and we were in a day to day situation. Regardless, with the strongest spirit we have ever witnessed, T.S. lived an additional six months past the final diagnosis and without treatment. Every day was a gift. He fought it until the last possible moment -- it was miraculous, but we would not have been so fortunate to see him live a much longer life, if it had not been for the advances in cancer treatment for cats with lymphoma and for the amazing care he received.

This dedication is a tribute to Dr. Gerald Post and to Dr. Paul Howell and the Animal General (NY) team that were responsible for every extra day we had with T.S. (and Little Bear). Thank goodness cancer therapies have become available (and are successful) in treating our best friends. It is our hope that the work of Animal Cancer Foundation will make positive strides in further treatment and prevention of cancers from which all of our furry friends and family will ultimately benefit.

Note to those experiencing cancer in their pets...please find a veterinary oncologist in your area, please find the resources necessary for treatment if available (you will be glad you did) and please help support Animal Cancer Foundation in its important mission.