How your cancer can affect your pets

First, in the service of complete honesty, I am a person who needs a dog (and often a cat, too). Currently, my husband and I are living with a delightful, energetic, beautiful ten-month-old Golden, Charlie. If there were a single adjective to describe him, it would be happy. And happiness is what he adds to my life.

My own history with two breast cancers would have to include the dogs that lived those years with me. First, in 1993, shortly after completing chemotherapy for Cancer #1, we brought home eight-week-old, Jasper. I remember driving home, looking at him in the backseat with my young daughter and wondering which one of us would survive the other. I hoped, if I died first, that he would be a comfort to her. Fortunately, I stayed alive, and Jasper grew into a very large, sometimes crazy, but always beloved Golden Retriever.

Then came Ben, whom we adopted shortly after my second breast cancer in 2005. At the time, he was an emaciated, totally pathetic looking, very skinny sort-of-Golden who had been rescued from a shelter in Mississippi. He had a long zigzag scar the length of his spine; it looked as though someone had poured acid on him, and the hair there was always white. He and I slowly recovered together, and we were both helped by daily dishes of ice cream.

After Ben, who died too soon of cancer, we found perfect Daisy who came to us when she was two. Perfect because she never once, in her fourteen years, misbehaved or caused the slightest bit of trouble. She was also a Golden, beautiful in her youth, and always gentle, quiet, unobtrusive, and, yes, just perfect. Our years together had other flavors of loss and grief, and she was a comfort through them all. After her death in December of 2018, we thought perhaps we were done with having a dog. Then, one night in February, I dreamt that the doorbell rang. Sitting on the porch, all alone, was a Golden puppy. In the morning, there was an email from a friend, telling me about a litter that had just been born and urging me to consider a puppy. Hence… Charlie.

Many times through the years, I have heard stories of pets who comforted and loved throughout cancer treatment. They gave limitless love and cuddles and reasons to get out of bed and out of the house. They didn't criticize or complain or become frustrated with our bad moods or sadness. Those of you who have furry companions understand, and the rest of you are probably tired of all the pet-loving stories you hear from others. If you have an extended hospitalization, it is sometimes even possible to arrange for a visit from your pet. Ask your nurse about the possibility.

I have known a few people who believe that their dogs found their cancer. You may have heard the stories about some dogs being able to smell cancer (or something that changes in your body when there is a cancer present). Personally, I am skeptical of these claims, but I am always willing to listen and maybe be persuaded.

There can be, however, some issues with caring for pets during cancer treatment. The most obvious problem can be providing for their needs if you are hospitalized or just too ill to manage their physical care. It is always smart, if possible, to plan ahead for these times and enlist the assistance of family or friends or neighbors. It is also smart to have an emergency plan. If you need to suddenly be admitted to the hospital, it is helpful to already know what will happen to your dog until you come home. If you live alone, make sure someone else knows your plan and consider posting it on the refrigerator. For the days that you are home but exhausted, include walking my dog in the list of tasks for which you enlist assistance. Pet care should be right on the list, maybe at the top, along with meals and transportation to the doctor's office.

Sometimes, our own medical issues make it problematic to care for a pet. For example, if you are undergoing intense chemotherapy or planning for a stem cell or bone marrow transplant, your doctor may advise you to find a temporary placement for your pet. If that is impossible, at least ask about the prohibitions around cleaning the litter box or cleaning up any accidents. If a cat scratches you, be very diligent about immediately cleaning the wound and be alert for signs of infection.

Cost can be a concern. Regular pet care is expensive, and, if you have to hire dog walkers or pay for boarding, it is even more. Don't be shy about telling your vet about your situation and asking for any suggestions regarding local resources. CancerCare's Paw Program sometimes offers financial assistance. The Humane Society of the United States lists assistance programs that can help.