Courageous canines fighting cancer

At Veterinary Specialty Care in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, we often see pets at their sickest. But times like these can also bring out the best in pet owners. They show their compassion and love for their pets. I am a strong believer that you not only choose your pet, but your pet chooses you. Pets know the people who will love them to the fullest. Here are a few of our most memorable patients and clients:

JADE

Jade is 7-year-old pit bull who was diagnosed with multicentric lymphoma in November 2011. Meghan adopted her from the Lowcountry Pit Bull Rescue in 2007. “I have memories of taking Jade to the beach when she was younger,” Meghan says. “She loves jumping in the waves and playing fetch in the sand. She is definitely a princess. She knows what she wants and how to get it!”

After her diagnosis of lymphoma, Meghan was scared and didn't know what to expect. “Jade handled her treatments very well and Dr. Wall, Dr. Taylor and all of the technicians took such good care of her.

“Throughout her treatments, Jade maintained her energy and positive attitude. There were only a few instances where she got sick after her treatments, and the staff at VSC was always there to answer my questions. She did lose her whiskers, and a few have finally grown back after being in remission for more than two years. My family calls her the miracle dog.” Jade completed chemotherapy successfully and is currently in remission."

LAYLA

Layla is an 8-year-old, mixed breed pup who was diagnosed with malignant mast cell tumor. Her owner, Deborah, told me that her daughter found Layla in 2007 in Nashville, Tennessee. She was named after the famous Eric Clapton song. Mrs. Davis says, “We fell in love immediately! I have multiple sclerosis, and Layla has a gift of knowing how I am feeling. When I need to rest, she is always by my side. And when I feel like a walk, she is ready to go. Sometimes I feel she understands me more than most members of my family. She has given me a world of unconditional love.” 

After Layla's diagnosis of cancer, Mrs. Davis said a small part of her wanted to give up. But, after crying for about a week she shook off the fear and decided that she and Layla would beat this. “We have loads of prayer and natural foods. I do everything in my power to help her fight this disease. Having Dr. Taylor, Dr. Wall and everyone at VSC has been and continues to be a wonderful blessing,” Mrs. Davis says. “They have all listened to my fears, answered many questions and have been there for us at every turn. I look forward to Layla being in their care for a long time to come. I need her in my life, and thanks to everyone at VSC she is doing well.”

Adam Oliver is a technician at Veterinary Specialty Care in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.