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  1. From the Foster: Ellie Mae

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    I had the pleasure of fostering Ellie Mae for a fun-filled weekend at the end of September. This gorgeous girl is a five-year-old redbone coonhound and is the perfect adventure buddy. We had a ton of fun getting out and about in Richmond, and I can’t wait for her to find her forever family. Sweet Ellie Mae has a lot of love to give.

    She came into the office with two other Pixie’s Pen Pals pups named Cleo and Perry Mason, and the three of them played, played, played until it was time to go to their respective fosters for the weekend. Watching her play with Cleo and Perry Mason made it clear that she would make a great companion for another pup. She’s playful, friendly, and gentle — the three of them became best friends before long.

    The car ride to my apartment was a breeze. Ellie does so well in the car and enjoys just being able to look out the window and feel the wind in those adorable floppy ears. She’d make a great travel buddy for those who like to hike and go on little adventures.

    Once at my apartment, Ellie Mae was fairly curious about my two cats, who were not super thrilled that I brought a dog home. Ellie was still in play mode, so I kept the kitties and her separate for the weekend to minimize stress for all of my four-legged friends. If given a slow introduction, and if there was another doggie playmate in the household, I think Ellie Mae would ignore any cats that are around.

    Over the weekend, Ellie had no accidents and didn’t get into anything she shouldn’t have. She was an angle. We went on a bunch of really long walks, and Ellie was great on the leash. The only times she pulled was when we spotted another dog — she wanted to meet every potential new best friend! If called or guided with the leash, she would quickly get back to walking with me and sniffing anything and everything we passed. She likes so take in all of the sights and smells, but will keep moving with you without issue.

    In addition to our many walks during our three days together, Ellie went to the South of the James Farmers Market, on a trail hike on the Southside of the river, to the Richmond Dog Festival, and to Party on the Avenues. Ellie does get excited in environments where there are lots of dogs and people around, but there are few dogs who wouldn’t. It was during these times that Ellie became somewhat vocal — she wanted to say hello to everyone! Her barks, although persistent at times, were very friendly. Her tail was wagging the whole time. When I knelt down to pet her, or someone came by to give her some love, Ellie would quiet down. These super crowded events are a lot for dogs, but Ellie was very well behaved and only wanted to let other pups and people know that she was there. If she saw a treat in your hand, she would immediately sit and patiently give you all of her attention, so I’m confident a little training would help would help with any barking. At home, Ellie was quiet and calm.

    Ellie Mae would do great in a home that is fairly active. She loves to play, and really enjoys getting out of the house, even if it’s just for a leisurely walk around town. After all of our daily adventures, Ellie would snuggle up next to me on the couch and snore. She is so full of trust, love, and snuggles.

    To meet your future best friend, Ellie Mae, please reach out to Emily@fetchacure.com or call 804.793.8353. She’s continuing her obedience training at a Virginia correctional facility, but is ready to go to her forever home as soon as possible. After a few short days with her, I’m in love with Ellie Mae. You will be too.

  2. Angus: Our 2018 Mutt Strutt Spokesdog

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    Angus was adopted by Der Au when he was just 10 weeks old. She knew that Angus was for her the first time she saw him. Der Au also knew as soon as she adopted him that she was going to need help. She had adopted a Great Dane in the past, but that dog was already an adult and very well-behaved when she came into Der Au’s life. With 10-week-old Angus, she was entering new territory.

    She reached out to 2SpeakDog for guidance and was lucky to have trainers Kasey Herrera and Jennifer Kyzer come to her house within two days of bringing him home. That was the beginning of Der Au’s long, wonderful relationship with 2SpeakDog. She made sure to enroll Angus in any and all classes that they offered. He was the first pup to complete and pass multiple classes and was part of the first class to receive his American Kennel Club (AKC) Community Canine title. At just eight months old, Angus passed all his classes and graduated as a Canine Good Citizen.

    From there, Der Au made sure Angus was out and about as much as possible. He continued training at 2SpeakDog and even assisted the trainers by serving as a mentor for the other pups at the facility. Angus was not only smart, he was loyal, lovable, always willing to please, eager, gentle, protective, and large – his nickname was “Moose” after all!

    Then, a week before Thanksgiving 2016, Angus started showing signs that something wasn’t right. He didn’t want to eat, despite still acting like his playful, usual self. Der Au suspected that Angus ate something he shouldn’t have, so she took him to his veterinarian. After an exam and x-rays, Angus’ vet was stumped too. Like Der Au, he also brought up the possibility that Angus ate something.

    Because they weren’t sure what was coming across on the x-ray, they didn’t want to perform surgery right away. They gave Angus some medicine to try and resolve the issue, but it didn’t work as they had hoped. He continued to not be able to eat, and Der Au knew something was very wrong. Even though his energy and demeanor were the same, the fact that he wasn’t eating meant that this wasn’t a sustainable situation.

    Per the doctor’s instructions, Der Au took Angus back a week after his initial appointment. An ultrasound showed something on Angus’ spleen – a tumor. The doctor wanted to take Angus into an emergency surgery, given that spleen tumors are incredibly dangerous and can cause the organ to explode. That evening during surgery, Angus’ veterinarian removed a 4.5 lb. tumor about the size of a football. Following the surgery, Der Au took Angus to the emergency vet for an overnight stay and post-op care.

    Finally, in late December, Der Au learned that Angus had stromal sarcoma, which is a type of cancer seen in less than 5% of animals. After meeting with an oncologist, the doctor explained that this form of cancer is extremely aggressive. Der Au was told that she had, at most, a few months left with her boy.

    Der Au contemplated all her options after learning Angus’ horrible diagnosis. Treatment wasn’t an option and she did not want to prolong his suffering, so she let him live the best life she could over the next few months. During their time together, Angus taught and gave so much to Der Au. She made sure to do the same for him too. Four months and two days after his surgery, Angus passed.

    When asked what she’d like to say to other pet owners facing a cancer diagnosis with their own pets, Der Au had this to share:

    “All I can say is when anyone is given a diagnosis of cancer for their pet, first process the news and DO your research. Choose whatever treatment is best for your particular situation because no two cancers are exactly alike. Take each day at a time and love and cherish every minute you have with your ‘best’ friend. Allow your pet to let you know when they are ‘tired’ and ready to go–it is not a time to be selfish.  Never ever let them suffer.”

    Angus’ memory lives on in the mission of FETCH a Cure, which works to educate and provide financial assistance to families whose dog or cat has been diagnosed with cancer. As part of the nonprofit’s 2018 Mutt Strutt Pet Cancer Awareness Walk, we will walk in memory of Angus and all of the other beloved pets lost to this disease. Working with the community, FETCH can provide hope and options in the face of a cancer diagnosis. Together, we can save more best friends’ lives.

    If you would like to purchase tickets to the 2018 Mutt Strutt Pet Cancer Awareness Walk, please click here. You don’t have to be local or attend the event to help pets in need. Share your story and start your personal fundraising page or join a fundraising team by clicking here. Every dollar raised will go on to support pets battling cancer in Virginia, Maryland and DC. Thank you for helping people and pets in our community.

  3. Giving Virginia Shelter Dogs a Second Chance

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    At this time last year, a sweet, gentle six-year-old pup named Luke entered our Pixie’s Pen Pals program. Through a partnership with the Virginia Department of Corrections, the Pen Pals program places homeless dogs like Luke in correctional facilities to be trained and socialized by inmate handlers under the guidance of professional dog trainers. The program not only lowers euthanasia rates in local shelters, it also provides the inmate handlers with life-long skills.

    Luke adored his caretakers at the prison. They made him feel safe, and even began carrying him up and down the stairs when he began showing signs of pain in his back legs. As it turns out, his pain amounted to much more than simple knee issues – Luke needed orthopedic (TPLO) surgery for torn ligaments in both of his hind legs. For FETCH, the health of our Pen Pals dogs is a top priority, so the two surgeries, which cost over $5,000, were quickly scheduled.

    Now, a year later, and after a long recovery, Luke is living his dream life in his forever home. His parents, Rachel and Tyler, along with their three-year-old daughter, say that it was love at first sight with Luke.

    “His cute little wrinkly face and the way he crosses his paws when he lays down was more than I could handle,” Rachel says, “and I knew we had to add him to our family.”

    Luke has become especially close to their three-year-old, who loved on him and gave him plenty of “get better snuggles” following his second surgery.

    “In just a short amount of time Luke has become our 3 year old’s best friend. He is a constant companion and snuggler with all of us and he has had no reservations in loving us or becoming attached to us […] From the first day we brought him home it has felt like a missing piece has finally been filled and we are so glad we get to come home to his crazy self every day.”

    Without the Pen Pals program, Rachel hates to think about what kind of pain Luke would be in or where he would have ended up. Like Luke, other Pen Pals dogs with non-routine medical needs have gone on to be adopted by loving families that can’t image life without their companions.

    At FETCH a Cure, we believe in giving shelter dogs in our communities a second chance at life. We’d like to continue to rescue and house dogs with ongoing health issues. But to do so, we need additional support from animal lovers like you.

    Luke’s story is only one out of the hundreds of animals we’ve saved through the Pen Pals program. You can create another happily ever after for a rescue dog in need. Please make a contribution today by visiting our Donate Page, purchasing much-needed items from our Amazon Wishlist, or by mailing a check to FETCH a Cure at 5711 Staples Mill Road, Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23228.

    Any amount you decide to give will make a huge difference in a pet’s life. Thank you so much for enabling FETCH to help more people and pets in our communities.

  4. “Canine statue to be dedicated at Short Pump Park”

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    Courtesy of Henrico Citizen

    Special to the Citizen | on August 10, 2018

    By Jocelyn Grzeszczak, Special to the Citizen

    Short Pump Park soon will have a new permanent canine resident.

    In collaboration with FETCH a Cure, Henrico County Recreation and Parks Aug. 11 will reveal a red steel dog sculpture that will be placed directly outside of the fenced-in dog park.

    FETCH a Cure is a Henrico-based nonprofit organization that works to improve the quality of life for pets by spreading awareness about pet cancer, which affects an estimated six million dogs and six million cats each year.

    The statue, which is a part of the Steel Dog Project, will join approximately 200 other steel dogs in the Virginia, Maryland and D.C. area as a signature part of FETCH’s pet cancer awareness campaign.

    “When people see them, they’ll be reminded of pet cancer and that there are resources out there,” FETCH’s Associate Director of Development Sarah Moseley said.

    To begin the process of installing the statue, FETCH first reached out to Recreation and Parks and suggested Short Pump Park as a potential location, Recreation and Parks Marketing Specialist Pam Kempf said. The park, which is located on Pump Road, has become a popular spot for both families and their pets, she said.

    This will be the organization’s first sculpture in a public dog park; previous steel dog “litters” had been purchased by local businesses and individuals and were built on a smaller scale, Moseley said.

    “Business owners and other places have theirs on wheels so they can be displayed however they want to, brought outside, brought back inside,” Moseley said. “But this one will be secured to a base, so it’s more of a permanent installation.”

    The statue, measuring approximately four feet tall, four feet long and a foot wide, also will include signage with information about FETCH a Cure’s mission and how to contact the group.

    The organization started in 2006 after founder Mike Holland’s dog, Hannah, was diagnosed with nasal osteosarcoma of the skull. Holland had trouble finding information about the disease and what he could do, so he created FETCH to raise awareness and educate pet owners about pet cancer.

    One of the organization’s programs, Companions in Crisis, helps fund some of the treatment costs for pet owners who are unable to bear the financial burden of cancer treatment, Moseley said.

    “Anyone with a dog or cat can know [that] even routine care gets pretty expensive,” she said. “We just like to give people hope when they get that scary diagnosis, and they know that we’re here as an option. Our mission is to build a community where no one is denied a choice for their pet’s health due to lack of options, education or funding.”

    Through individual donations, annual events such as a charity gala and golf tournament, as well as the steel dog sponsors, FETCH is able to cover about 20 to 30 percent of pet cancer treatment costs for each recipient, Moseley said.

    Henrico Recreation and Parks officials decided to get involved because of FETCH’s important and rarely-discussed message, Kempf said.

    “It’s a positive thing that they’re doing for the families that are in Henrico and the Richmond region,” she said. “They educate people, they raise awareness about a topic that I don’t think a lot of people know about. It’s a really helpful message for our dog owners to hear about.”

    To catch the first glimpse of the new installation, as well as learn more about FETCH and pet cancer education, attend the unveiling ceremony located in front of the Short Pump Park dog park. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place Aug. 11 at 10 a.m.

  5. Barkley: Therapy Dog, Best Friend and Cancer Survivor

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    Courtesy of Barkley’s mom, Kathleen, and written in April of 2018:

    Barkley is a 5 year old lab/hound mix that we adopted almost three years ago from the SPCA in Richmond. Barkley quickly became a beloved member of our family.

    I am a nurse working at Tucker Pavilion at CJW Medical Center. Tucker Pavilion is fortunate enough to have an incredible pet therapy program, having two full time dogs that provide therapy to our patients in therapeutic group settings. These dogs had been professionally bred and trained for being facility dogs by Canine Companions for Independence. After witnessing these dogs with our patients over the course of some time, I realized that my dog, Barkley had the perfect temperament to be a facility dog. I approached the director of the pet therapy program and learned what I would need to do to train him to be a therapy dog. I trained him on my own over the course of a year. We earned CGC certification and Alliance of Therapy Dogs certification. We became a member of Caring Canines and volunteered, getting as much experience as possible in hospitals, schools and day centers. Finally about 5 weeks ago, Barkley was ready to come on full time. So now Barkley comes to work everyday with me and one of therapists brings Barkley to groups throughout the day. The staff and the patients have fallen in love with Barkley.

    This is a quote from Facebook that the director of the pet therapy program, Daniel Ronquillo posted:

    “A month ago my most recent addition to my Pet Therapy Program at the hospital has been Barkley, a 5yo hound-lab mix.  Gentle, loving, and incredibly empathetic, is truly a part of the nature of Barkley’s soul.  He knows exactly how to touch the hearts of my patients.  Within several weeks of working full-time, we all were heartbroken to discover he has cancer.  Kathleen (“Kathy”), an RN I have had the privilege of working with, is companion/owner of Barkley, and worked very hard over the past year to have him trained and certified, in order to join our program.  Barkley is far too important to all of us, and we are not giving up.  Fortunately the cancer is contained to one of his back legs, which will be removed.  I know many of you knew how difficult the loss of Fraser was last year, during his fight with cancer.  My hope is that many you of will help us in raising funds for Barkley’s upcoming surgery.  Thank you so much.”

    One week ago Barkley was diagnosed with a liposarcoma in the left rear leg. The prognosis is good, if the leg is amputated. The veterinarian has explained to me that it will aid the surgeons greatly in removing all of the tumor if Barkley has an MRI. The sooner the procedure is done the better the chances of a positive outcome. There is a strong chance if the entire tumor is removed that the cancer may never reoccur, and Barkley could live into old age. Just the diagnostics have cost almost $1400. […] I am working every day, 12 hours shifts, to make overtime to pay for the procedure. I started a go-fund-me page at the encouragement of my colleagues. My friends and colleagues have been unbelievably supportive. We have raised over $2000. The procedure with MRI is estimated to cost $5,500. This is why I am asking for your help. My son, John who is 15, and I will be very happy to volunteer, in any capacity at Companions in Crisis.

    […]

    Barkley has a way of reaching patients suffering from any range of mental illnesses, from depression to psychosis that often times we cannot. It is a joy to watch patients light up when they see Barkley walk on the unit. Most importantly Barkley is my best friend and a beloved member of our family and I will do anything to save his life.

    Barkley’s Post-Surgery Update

    I just wanted to give you an update. Dr. Mercurio ended up operating on, Wednesday, 4/18 because he wanted to clear his schedule. Barkley’s was the only surgery they did that day. From prep time to extubation the procedure took about 7 to 8 hours. The mass had grown up into the pelvic area so he had to take out part of the pelvis which is called a hemipelvectomy. This surgery is rarely done. Luckily we had Dr. Mercurio, who had done these in the past at other facilities. There are very few doctors that have done this surgery in the area. It was a very difficult surgery. When he took out the tumor he marked the regions that were lying close to vital organs. The entire leg and all tissue removed was sent off to pathology. The pathology will tell us the grade of the tumor,  if the tumor was encapsulated and how clean the margins were.

    That should come back in 10 days. Barkley was kept on IV fentanyl, ketamine and lidocaine, along with IV fluids and antibiotics, for the first two days. He stood the first night and walked about 40 feet the next morning. He came home from the hospital on Friday and is resting comfortably with me. I have taken the week off to care for him. He has been walking, three to four times a day. He had his JP drain out on Monday. He is tolerating food and water and appears to be in minimal discomfort. I have been monitoring his wound and insuring that he gets his meds on time. He is still on frequent pain meds, anti inflammatories, and daily antibiotics.

    I want to assure you that the grant money was put to good use. Barkley could not have received better, more highly skilled, state of the art care. Dr. Mercurio and his surgical team were amazing. Everyone at VVC treated Barkley, myself and my son wonderfully. […] Again a big thank you to [Companions] in Crisis for helping make this possible.

    pet cancer treatment