Category Archive: Uncategorized

1. Alternative Medicine Can Make A Difference

   November 10, 2014 3:58 pm Comments Off on Alternative Medicine Can Make A Difference

   

   by Dr. Tracy Lord, Four Paws Holistic Care

   Classically, alternative medicine has been used in cancer patients to help buffer side effects from chemotherapy and radiation as well as to help with pain control.  Acupuncture and herbs can, without question, be very effective to promote appetite, decrease nausea, stimulate the immune system and even promote heart function; making them a great asset to any chemotherapy or radiation patient.  Further, acupuncture can be a very effective means of pain control whether the pain results from cancer or is due to an unrelated condition such as arthritis.  This is especially significant as chemotherapy protocols often prevent conventional pain medications from being used.

    

   In addition to its supportive role, alternative medicine can be used to directly treat cancer.  Recent studies and clinical trials have definitively shown that herbs and supplements are more than palliative.  They act directly against tumor cells, often to great effect, working by inhibiting pathways that tumors rely on to escape detection and eradication by the immune system.  By slowing cell division in some cases and disrupting a tumor’s blood supply in others, herbs and supplements are able to make a real difference in an animal’s prognosis.

    

   Both the tumor and the patient’s constitution help a practitioner choose the most effective treatment for each patient.  Single herbs or supplements as therapy are generally not strong enough, but by using combinations and optimizing diet, it is expected to see naturopathic oncology patients live with great energy and vitality. The use of alternative modalities changes the way the body responds, not only to the tumor, but to all of its stressors, improving quality of life and in most cases quantity of life as well.

    

   November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month! 

   For the month of November, FETCH a Cure has partnered with local retailers, restaurants and businesses to help raise funds and awareness for pet cancer! We will keep you up to date on events, ways to help, support group and information sharing and updates on Companions in Crisis pets who are undergoing treatment. Visit http://fetchacure.org/event/spots-pet-cancer-awareness-month/ for more information  and how you can get involved and help raise awareness and funds for pet cancer.

2. My Dog has Cancer. Now What?

   November 3, 2014 7:05 pm Comments Off on My Dog has Cancer. Now What?

   

   by Dr. Alison Rhoades, Midlothian Animal Clinic

   Frequently, a cancer diagnosis makes everyone in the family feel helpless.  After deciding on a treatment plan, owners often want to know what they can do to help keep their pet comfortable during treatment.

   First, let’s talk about nutrition. A nutritious diet will help your pet’s body have the energy it needs to fight cancer.  There are prescription diets available designed for cancer patients. They are high in protein to help prevent muscle loss, and supplemented with fatty acids to help reduce chemotherapy side effects.  These diets are also designed to be pretty tasty for animals who may have a poor appetite.  Many animals are also able to stay on their current food, as long as it is of good quality.  If there is a day when your pet’s appetite is not good, sometimes tempting them with chicken and rice or scrambled eggs will get them eating and still be bland enough for a sensitive tummy.  There are also medications available to control nausea in cancer patients.

   Second, we encourage regular but not strenuous exercise.  Many pets are able to continue their current level of exercise, but bear in mind they may tire faster.

   Third, they may continue to be around other dogs that you know are vaccinated and not ill. We discourage visits to dog parks and other places where large numbers of dogs congregate since our pet’s immune systems are not as able to fight off infections while they have cancer.

   Lastly and most importantly, enjoy them and love them. Some cancers are curable, but many are not.  While your pet is being treated hug them a little longer, bring them their favorite treat, let them get on the bed. The time we have with them is precious.

    

   November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month! 

   For the month of November, FETCH a Cure has partnered with local retailers, restaurants and businesses to help raise funds and awareness for pet cancer! We will keep you up to date on events, ways to help, support group and information sharing and updates on Companions in Crisis pets who are undergoing treatment. Visit http://fetchacure.org/event/spots-pet-cancer-awareness-month/ for more information  and how you can get involved and help raise awareness and funds for pet cancer.

3. A Home for Snoopy

   October 15, 2014 4:11 pm Comments Off on A Home for Snoopy

    It had finally happened.  After over a year in the FETCH a Cure’s Pixie’s Pen Pals  program, Snoopy, a chubby hound mix with a heart of gold, had been adopted.  Not  only was he adopted, but he was the 200th adoption to happen at the Fluvanna  Correctional Center for Women.  Not only was he the 200th adoption, but Snoopy  was my first adoption as the Pen Pals Coordinator at FETCH a Cure.  I thought for  sure this was a sign.
   

   The following day, I received an update from Snoopy’s new mom, who stated that  he’s great around the family and they love him already.  She also asked for advice  on introducing Snoopy to her pet cat.  I sent her some information on cat-to-dog  introductions, and she dutifully followed the instructions.  However, her cat-to-dog  introductions did not have the desired outcome:  Snoopy loves to chase cats and  was overly interested in what the cat was doing.  Despite this disruptive and  worrying behavior, his owner decided to contact us for more advice and information to create a harmonious home.  She was ready to work at it rather than give up–a pet is a commitment that she doesn’t take lightly.  However, after speaking to one of our trainers about the behavior, all parties came to the unfortunate decision that Snoopy had to be returned for the safety of the cat.

    

   One week after being adopted, Snoopy was returned to FETCH a Cure.  It was a heartbreaking scene for me:  Snoopy and his new adopter were so obviously attached to each other, but his adopter had to make a decision that broke her heart for the sake of the innocent pets involved.  His adopter insisted on writing a glowing recommendation for Snoopy.  She stated that she has no idea how Snoopy has been in our program so long because he’s such a “perfect gentleman.”

    

   “Snoopy is an extremely affectionate, loving boy who will snuggle up with you, try to sit in your lap, spend the day watching old movies with you, or jog around a bike path with you, all with the same happy temperament.  He is friendly with everyone.  His behavior is impeccable.  I have never known a dog so perfectly house-trained and so disinterested in belongings that are not his.  He will not touch your things.  Although he loves his food, he will wait until you tell him to take it before eating a treat or his dinner.  The only time he barked was the first couple of days when he saw strangers walking in front of the house, although he is alert in the evening and will sit up and watch and listen if he hears a noise in the middle of the night.  It is a delight to have him around.

   It’s very easy to love Snoopy.  After just one week, I cried when I had to take him back.  He did nothing wrong, he just did not get along with my cat.  I hope someone will give him another chance.  He will do his very best to make you happy.”

    

   Snoopy’s adopter wants you all to know that he’s really the most amazing dog and we all want to see him find the perfect forever home.  Snoopy will be at the South of the James Farmers Market on Saturday, October 18th, from 10am until Noon, and at our 4th Annual Mutt Strutt on Sunday, October 26th, from 1pm until 3pm.  Please come out and meet this wonderful boy and give him the chance to be your best friend.

4. Strutting Around–It is Fall After All

   October 7, 2014 5:15 pm Comments Off on Strutting Around–It is Fall After All

   Happy Fall everyone! It is such a lovely time of year, and, at least in our opinion, a little bit slower paced than the rest of the year! There are so many sights and scents and sounds to savor in the fall–I bet your dog loves this time of year too!
   Every fall FETCH a Cure hosts a pet cancer awareness walk called “Mutt Strutt” that aims to raise funds for Companions in Crisis–our financial assistance program for families who need cancer treatment for their pets. This year’s walk will be at Deep Run Park on October 26th. Dogs are encouraged and we look forward to seeing all of them, but, we are always extra thrilled to see the survivors! Every year many dogs who are battling cancer, or who have been through the battle join us for the one mile walk to show their support for what we do. Many of our participating teams are families who have benefited from our CIC fund and use the opportunity to give back to the organization–but, many are just animal lovers like we all are, who want to lend a helping hand.

   If you are interested in getting involved with FETCH a Cure, this is a marvelous opportunity. Through our website, you can start your own fundraising page as an individual, or, create a team, and help collect donations from your own family, friends, neighbors and coworkers. We have fabulous prizes for individuals and teams that raise the most for Mutt Strutt; but, we both know the real prize is always the happy grins and wagging tails and pet community that comes together to support the strides being made in pet cancer education, awareness and treatment. We are also looking for volunteers to help “behind the scenes” to make the day a great success.  If you would like more information on helping us set up and host the Mutt Strutt, please email rebecca@fetchacure.com!

   Please come out and enjoy a beautiful fall day with us. The day of the walk will include all sorts of pet-centric vendors, a food truck, an apple cider stand with handmade pet treats, activities for kids and dogs and, of course, a beautiful one mile walk around the lake–to absorb the colors of changing leaves, the crisp fall air and the shared energy and strength, directed at one great cause. Register to join us, today!

   We look forward to seeing you–and your best friend!

    

5. FETCH to receive a $5,000 check from GOOGLE!

   September 30, 2014 2:37 pm Comments Off on FETCH to receive a $5,000 check from GOOGLE!

   FETCH a Cure and Team of James Madison University Marketing Students Named Global Winner and Social Impact Winner in Google Marketing Challenge 

   Student teams from around the world competed in this year’s Google Online Marketing Challenge, an internationally renowned marketing competition in which students run live campaigns for real clients. A team of James Madison University students selected Richmond non-profit, FETCH a Cure as their partner for the challenge with the goal to build awareness for FETCH and construct an online marketing campaign using Google AdWords, Google Analytics, and Google+ that is socially conscious and engages the community.

   FETCH was chosen by the team after Brian Forrester, owner of Richmond based Dynamic Web Solutions and FETCH a Cure board member, was a guest speaker in Dr. Theresa Clarke’s class. Clarke, marketing professor in the JMU College of Business says, “It ended up being a perfect fit because this team really wanted to make a meaningful difference for their client’s online marketing efforts.  Brian was a true angel for my students because he helped make the connection between JMU and FETCH a Cure.”

   The JMU team – Ashleigh Rojanavongse, Rachel Lam, Lauren Hale and Kaci Lassiter – was named the AdWords Business Global Winner, the competition’s top honor, by beating over 2,500 teams from around the world. In addition to the top honor, they also received the third place award in the Social Impact portion of the Challenge, which evaluates the quality of each team’s campaign as well as their chosen non-profit organization’s impact in the larger community. Because of this recognition, FETCH a Cure will receive a $5000 donation from Google.

   FETCH a Cure will use the $5,000 award to continue to educate pet owners about cancer in companion animals and to help families cover the cost of treatments for pets who have been diagnosed with cancer. Robin Moncol, Director of Development for FETCH a Cure, says, “To receive global awareness and a financial award from Google for FETCH a Cure is beyond impactful for our organization. We cannot thank the students, Dr. Clarke and Brian Forrester enough for their hard work, dedication and commitment to making a difference in the lives of pets and families in our community.”