Blog | The National Canine Cancer Foundation https://wearethecure.org Together We Are The Cure Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:51:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Actually Need? (By Age & Breed) https://wearethecure.org/how-much-exercise-does-your-dog-actually-need-by-age-breed/ Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:51:19 +0000 https://wearethecure.org/?p=40293

If you’ve ever wondered whether your dog is getting too much exercise, too little, or exactly the right amount, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions dog owners have, and the honest answer is: it depends. A lot.

According to Danielle Rakestraw, a certified trainer and shelter engagement specialist at Best Friends Animal Society, there’s no single formula. The right amount and type of exercise depends on your dog’s individual breed, age, size, personality, and overall health, not just a chart.

Why exercise matters: body and mind

Exercise isn’t just about burning energy. It affects your dog on two levels, physical and mental, and both matter.

Physical benefits include maintaining a healthy weight, supporting joint and muscle health, improving cardiovascular fitness, and better sleep quality.

Mental benefits are just as real, though less obvious: reduced boredom-driven destructive behavior, lower anxiety and stress, and genuine mental stimulation. Dr. Susan Nelson, a clinical professor at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, notes that dogs need an outlet for their energy or they can develop destructive behavior, and that a dog who gets adequate exercise is simply a happier, more content dog to live with. That last point matters more for some breeds than others. Working and herding breeds, in particular, were bred to think for a living, not just move. A tired body isn’t the same as a satisfied mind, and a dog who’s physically worn out but mentally under-stimulated can still be restless, anxious, or destructive.

By age

Puppies are bursting with energy but their joints and growth plates are still developing, so short, frequent bursts of play beat one long walk. A good rule of thumb is about five minutes of structured exercise per month of age, twice a day, until they’re fully grown.

Adult dogs, generally one to seven years old, need the most consistent daily exercise: most do best with 30 to 60 minutes of real activity a day, not just a stroll around the block.

Senior dogs still need to move. Regular, gentler exercise keeps joints mobile and muscles strong. Shorter, more frequent walks usually work better than one long outing.

By breed type, with real examples

High-energy breeds (Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, most working and herding breeds) genuinely need real exercise, often 60-90 minutes a day, and thrive on mentally demanding activity, not just physical. Good options: running or jogging alongside you, fetch, agility courses, herding-style games (even in a backyard), target training, and advanced obedience or trick training. These breeds especially benefit from “job-like” activity that gives their brain something to solve.

Moderate-energy breeds (many spaniels, retrievers, terriers) do well with 30-60 minutes of varied activity. Good options: daily walks combined with fetch, swimming, moderate hiking, and scent-based games like hiding treats around the yard.

Lower-energy breeds (Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, many toy breeds) still need daily movement, just shorter and gentler. Good options: short leisurely walks, gentle indoor play sessions, and puzzle feeders for mental engagement without physical strain. Flat-faced breeds tend to have more heat intolerance than longer-nosed breeds, so they should avoid strenuous exercise, particularly in heat, since they overheat more easily doing the same activity as a Collie or Lab.

The real test

Numbers are a starting point, not a rulebook. A dog getting enough exercise, physically and mentally, is generally calm at home, sleeps well, maintains a healthy weight, and isn’t destructive out of boredom. If your dog seems restless, gaining weight, or acting out, more movement (and more mental engagement) is often the simplest fix.

]]> Dog Nutrition 101: What’s Actually in Good Dog Food https://wearethecure.org/dog-nutrition-101-whats-actually-in-good-dog-food/ Mon, 07 Sep 2026 23:38:45 +0000 https://wearethecure.org/?p=40313

Walk down the dog food aisle and you’ll see “grain-free,” “holistic,” “human-grade,” and a dozen other labels competing for attention. Some of it matters. A lot of it is marketing. We sat down with Dr. Rollins, a veterinary nutritionist, on the We Are The Cure Podcast to separate the two.

What actually matters on the label

Look for a named protein source (chicken, beef, salmon) as the first ingredient, not a vague “meat by-product.” Check for a statement that the food is formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for your dog’s life stage, the baseline guarantee that a food is nutritionally complete. And match the food to life stage: puppies, adults, and seniors have meaningfully different needs, particularly around protein and calorie density.

The grain-free lesson: a cautionary tale worth knowing

A few years ago, grain-free diets dominated the market, often marketed as healthier or even cancer-protective. According to Dr. Rollins, that push was driven almost entirely by marketing, not medical evidence. The unintended consequence: many manufacturers simply swapped grains for high levels of legumes like peas and lentils. In dogs eating diets marginal in protein and taurine, with a lot of that protein coming from legumes, researchers began noticing a possible association with dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition. As Dr. Rollins put it, the relationship is “multifactorial” and “very complicated,” likely involving both genetics and diet, and still not fully understood. The bigger lesson: when a pet food company markets what a food doesn’t contain, it’s worth asking whether there was ever a real reason to avoid it in the first place.

If you want to cook at home, do it the safe way

Homemade diets can absolutely work, and veterinary nutritionists build them for clients regularly, often to manage specific medical conditions. But there’s an important distinction: a professionally formulated homemade diet is complete and balanced, with the right vitamins and minerals added in. An ad hoc homemade diet (say, sweet potatoes and lamb) usually isn’t, and can quietly cause nutrient deficiencies over time.

If you want to explore home cooking, Dr. Rollins recommends starting at balanceit.com, a resource built by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist that provides complete, balanced recipes along with the supplements needed to round them out. For anything more customized, especially for a dog managing a medical condition, a consultation with a veterinary nutritionist (often available via telemedicine nationwide, with a referral from your regular vet) is the more reliable path.

A few other things worth knowing

Exotic proteins aren’t automatically the answer to allergies. Duck, venison, and elk diets have become popular for dogs with suspected food allergies, but Dr. Rollins flags a real issue: unless a manufacturer thoroughly cleans equipment between production runs, an “elk” diet may still carry trace contamination from a chicken diet made on the same line, similar to how peanut cross-contamination works in human food facilities. True food allergy diagnosis typically requires an elimination diet or a hydrolyzed protein diet under veterinary guidance, not just switching to a novel protein off the shelf.

Salmon is great, but not as a sole protein source. It’s an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, but a diet built entirely around salmon can push vitamin D too high, since dogs are more sensitive to excess vitamin D than humans. It’s usually paired with a second protein source for balance.

The 10% rule for treats and table food. If you want to share human food or treats, keep it under 10% of your dog’s total daily calories. Go beyond that regularly, and you risk throwing off their calcium and vitamin balance, even if the extra food seems harmless.

The bottom line

Good nutrition doesn’t have to mean chasing the latest trend. A named protein source, AAFCO life-stage certification, and a healthy weight and coat are strong everyday signals you’re on the right track. For anything more specific, whether that’s a medical condition, a suspected allergy, or questions about your dog’s diet during cancer treatment, a conversation with your vet or a veterinary nutritionist is worth far more than another label claim.

Full conversation with Dr. Rollins available on the We Are The Cure Podcast.

]]> Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language https://wearethecure.org/understanding-your-dogs-body-language/ Mon, 07 Sep 2026 17:05:59 +0000 https://wearethecure.org/?p=40269

A quick note before we start: dog behavior is a genuinely deep field, and this article is meant as a general, everyday guide, the kind of thing that’s useful on a normal walk or at home. If your dog is showing aggression, severe fear, or other behavior that concerns you, that’s a job for a certified professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist, not a blog post. This is a starting point, not a substitute for professional help.

Dogs communicate constantly. Through their ears, tail, posture, and eyes, they’re telling you exactly how they feel, if you know what to look for.

The tail

A wagging tail doesn’t always mean “happy,” and the details matter more than most people realize. According to Renee Rhoades, an animal behaviorist at R+Dogs, dogs actually show at least five distinct tail positions: a fast, high wag usually signals anticipation (like waiting for a treat), a high, sweeping wag often means genuine excitement, a stiff, still, upright tail can mean your dog feels threatened and is assessing a situation, a loose, low, hanging tail usually means your dog is relaxed, and a tucked tail signals fear or anxiety.

The ears

Relaxed, neutral ears mean a relaxed dog. Ears pinned back can mean fear or submission. Ears fully forward and alert often mean your dog has spotted something interesting, or is on guard.

The whole body

A play bow (front end down, rear end up) is one of the clearest and most delightful signals dogs give, an open invitation to play. A stiff, still body with a fixed stare is worth paying attention to, since it can precede a defensive reaction. A relaxed, loose-bodied dog with soft eyes is a genuinely content dog.

The eyes

Soft, relaxed eyes signal comfort. Wide eyes showing the whites (sometimes called “whale eye”) usually signal stress or discomfort. A hard, direct stare can be a warning sign, especially paired with a stiff body.

What the experts say

Reading body language isn’t guesswork, it’s a real skill that professionals study closely. Certified dog behavior consultant Michelle Mullins puts it simply: with dogs, “what they’re feeling and what their body is saying is exactly the same thing.” Unlike humans, who can mask emotions, dogs’ bodies are a fairly direct readout of their internal state.

Dr. Melissa Bain, a veterinary behaviorist at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, notes that visual communication is especially important for dogs, since it can shift instantly based on how an interaction unfolds. That’s why a single signal rarely tells the whole story. Context, and the combination of signals together, matters more than any one cue alone.

Why this matters

Learning to read these signals helps you understand your dog’s world. It can help you know when they’re truly enjoying a greeting versus tolerating it, when they need space, and when they’re simply, happily, being a dog. If you ever notice a pattern of fear or aggression you can’t make sense of, that’s the moment to bring in a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist. But for everyday walks and everyday life, the better you get at reading these basics, the stronger the conversation between you and your dog gets, even without a single word.

]]> Sewing Dog Collars for a Cure: Transforming Pet Loss and Grief into a Force for Good https://wearethecure.org/sewing-dog-collars-for-a-cure-transforming-pet-loss-and-grief-into-a-force-for-good/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:00:33 +0000 https://wearethecure.org/?p=40213 After losing a beloved dog, the quiet emptiness left behind can feel overwhelming. For Brianna, healing began at her sewing machine after her beautiful dog, Shasta, passed away from lung cancer. She poured the love she still carried for Shasta into creating handmade dog collars, turning a personal passion into a fundraiser supporting canine cancer research. With every collar she sewed, Brianna found a meaningful way to honor Shasta, work through her grief, and help create hope for other dogs and the families who love them. Her story is a powerful reminder that when you are coping with the loss of a pet or facing the heartbreak of a terminal diagnosis, using your talents to support a cause close to your heart can give your grief a place to go and transform the love you shared into an active force for good.

Shasta’s Fight Against Lung Cancer:

“Shasta was born in 2011 and rescued by a loving family in Oregon. She spent her days exploring outside, swimming, and going to work with her dad.

In 2021, Shasta moved across the country with her family to Florida, where she visited the beach and made new friends. She was one of the most energetic and intelligent dogs you could ever meet. She loved sleeping in, playing fetch, and, most of all, spending time with her family.

Unfortunately, in early 2023, what began as a small cough and a quick trip to the veterinarian ended with a life-changing cancer diagnosis. Shasta had an aggressive form of lung cancer that had already spread rapidly. Little did we know that we would have only two more weeks with our sweet girl.

She left behind shattered hearts and a desire to help other families facing the same heartbreak.

In honor of Shasta, I started an Etsy shop featuring handmade dog collars that help raise funds for the National Canine Cancer Foundation. From sports teams and holidays to patterns for every personality, there is a collar for every pup. A portion of the proceeds from every collar is donated to NCCF.

Even if I am able to help just one dog through these collars, all the work will have been worth it.” – Brianna C.

Turn Your Passion Into a Canine Cancer Fundraiser

Brianna’s fundraiser began with two things she already had: a love for sewing and a deep desire to honor Shasta. By bringing those together, she created a meaningful way to support canine cancer research while keeping Shasta’s memory at the heart of everything she makes.

Your fundraiser can begin just as simply.

Think about what you enjoy doing, what you know how to make, or how you naturally bring people together. You might sell something handmade, host a dog walk, organize a bake sale, partner with a local business, hold an online fundraiser, or create an entirely new idea inspired by your own dog.

With Canine Cancer Awareness Month coming in November, now is the perfect time to take that first step. You do not need to have every detail figured out today. Begin with one idea, choose a dog you want to honor, and imagine how your talents could help create hope for other dogs and families.

Every fundraiser begins with one person deciding to do something. Together, those individual acts of love bring us closer to a cure.

Together, We Are the Cure.

If you would like to do a fundraiser or need help getting started – fill out the form below!

]]> 4 Words – Honor, Grieve, Inspire, Heal https://wearethecure.org/honor-grieve-inspire-heal/ https://wearethecure.org/honor-grieve-inspire-heal/#respond Tue, 01 Sep 2026 21:42:44 +0000 https://wearethecure.org/?p=34287

When an owner loses their dog, along with the shock and emotions of the whole thing comes the need to honor the dog they have spent their lives with.  The years of loving and being loved by one of the most selfless beings we will encounter in our lives are over in an instant, we are not ready, we still have love to give but now we have a "hole in our heart where once was a love of a dog" as Gary says. Out of this emotion people look to honor their dogs in both small and big ways.

You grieve as you live, work and breathe, putting one foot in front of the other day after day. So many people have written that when they honor their dogs, the grieving process moves along.  It helps to move forward with something, more than to stand still and watch the world keep on living while you have had such a significant loss.

These people who move through their grief to honor their dog by sharing their story, handing out check your dog cards or even by fundraising for a cure become an inspiration for others.  They inspire people to monitor their dog’s health, educate themselves and others, or even to try doing a fundraiser so they too can make a difference. They even inspire people to move along in the grief process by knowing they are not alone.

By honoring, grieving and inspiring they begin to heal.

This is also how the National Canine Cancer Foundation got here; 20 years ago we honored Bailey, we grieved him and in the creation of NCCF we have inspired others and we are healing too.  We are honored to be here and to have met so many people who have had to journey through cancer and to keep striving for a cure for cancer in our dogs.

Together, We Are The Cure –

Join us.

]]> https://wearethecure.org/honor-grieve-inspire-heal/feed/ 0 From Diagnosis to Goodbye: Navigating Dog Cancer Grief and End-of-Life Care https://wearethecure.org/from-diagnosis-to-goodbye-navigating-dog-cancer-grief-and-end-of-life-care/ Wed, 20 May 2026 17:22:21 +0000 https://wearethecure.org/?p=38886 There’s a moment that changes everything.  It might happen in a quiet exam room, during a phone call, or while reading test results that feel difficult to understand. One word, cancer, and suddenly, time feels heavier and uncertain.

If you have walked this road with your dog, you already know this is not only a medical journey. It is an emotional one, shaped by hope, fear, love, and grief.  For many pet parents, this experience brings both dog cancer grief, but also a quieter and often unspoken form of mourning known as anticipatory grief or the grief that begins long before goodbye.

The Shock of a Dog Cancer Diagnosis

Hearing that your dog has cancer often brings a sense of shock and disbelief.  Even when something felt “off,” hearing a dog cancer diagnosis can feel surreal. Many pet parents replay conversations with their veterinarian, search for answers late at night, or wonder how this could be happening to their dog.

During this stage, urgency sets in.  Questions about treatment options, prognosis, and next steps quickly follow. You may find yourself stepping into the role of advocate, determined to make the best possible decisions for your dog.  Beneath it all, there is often fear, quiet, constant, and deeply human.

Holding Onto Hope During Dog Cancer Treatment

After the initial shock, hope often takes center stage.  Hope for effective treatment.  Hope for one more good month, week, or day.

Whether your path includes medical treatment or a focus on comfort-based end-of-life care for your dog, this phase is defined by showing up with intention and love.  There may be good days when your dog feels like themselves again, moments that feel meaningful and reassuring.  At the same time, these moments can bring uncertainty and questions such as, Are we okay? Did we catch it in time?

Throughout the dog cancer journey, hope and fear frequently exist together.

Living with Anticipatory Grief in Pet Loss

This is the part of the journey that is discussed far less often, the waiting, the watching, and the time spent in between.  You may notice every change in appetite, energy, breathing. Many pet parents become hyper-aware, trying to stay present while also preparing emotionally for what lies ahead.

This is where anticipatory grief in pet loss often takes hold.  You may experience deep sadness even on good days, guilt when you are not by your dog’s side or emotional exhaustion from carrying so much uncertainty.  They are a natural outcome of loving a dog through serious illness.

Making End-of-Life Decisions for Your Dog

At some point, a difficult question begins to surface: How do I know when it’s time?  This is one of the most painful aspects of loving a dog through cancer.  There is rarely a single, clear-cut answer. Instead, clarity often comes gradually through subtle changes and through the deep bond you share with your dog.

Many pet parents wrestle with questions such as: Am I waiting too long?  Am I not doing enough? What if I make the wrong decision?   These questions come from love.  Choosing comfort, peace, or the prevention of suffering are acts of compassion. Thoughtful end-of-life decisions for dogs are never about giving up; they are about honoring the relationship you have built together.

Saying Goodbye: A Peaceful End-of-Life Experience

When the time comes, everything seems to slow down.  You may try to hold onto every detail, the feel of their fur, the rhythm of their breathing, the way they look at you.  Creating a calm, loving environment can help support a more peaceful end-of-life experience for your dog.  Even in the heartbreak, there is something steady and true: you were there.  You loved them through it, and they did not face it alone.

Coping with Dog Loss and Grief

After goodbye, the silence can feel overwhelming.  Grief after losing a dog to cancer is deeply personal. It does not follow a timeline and often comes in waves.  You may find yourself second-guessing decisions, experiencing profound sadness or emptiness, or feeling a sense of loss that others may not fully understand.  These experiences are a natural part of pet loss grief, and they deserve to be acknowledged.  The bond you shared was real, and the loss you feel is real.

Caring for Yourself While Caring for Your Dog

When a dog is facing cancer, it is common for pet parents to direct nearly all their energy toward caregiving.  Appointments, medications, monitoring symptoms, and decision-making can become all-consuming. And while your love and dedication matter deeply, so does your own well-being.

Supporting a dog through illness while carrying anticipatory grief is both emotionally and physically exhausting. Without realizing it, many pet parents begin to operate on empty.  Self-care during this time is not selfish it is what allows you to keep showing up with presence, patience, and love.

What Self-Care Can Look Like During the Dog Cancer Journey

Self-care does not need to be complicated or time-consuming. Small, intentional moments can make a meaningful difference:

  • Taking breaks without guilt
    Stepping away for a walk, a meal, or a quiet moment helps you recharge and continue caring with intention.
  • Allowing others to support you
    Trusted friends, family members, or pet care professionals can help share the emotional load.
  • Making space for your emotions
    Sadness, anger, guilt, or even moments of relief are all valid parts of anticipatory grief and pet loss grief.
  • Staying present for the good moments
    Not every moment needs to focus on what is coming next. Allow yourself to fully experience the routines, companionship and love that still exist.
  • Setting realistic expectations for yourself
    You do not need to be perfect. You only need to be present.

You Matter in This Story Too

It is natural to center on your dog.  But this journey includes you as well.  You are carrying decisions, uncertainty, love, and grief often all at once. Caring for yourself does not take away from your dog’s experience; it supports it.  What matters most is not perfection, but presence, showing up with love and having the emotional capacity to be there in the moments that count.

We have put together a self care checklist as a gift to you or a friend during this hard time.

Request your free Self-Care Checklist

You Don’t Have to Navigate Pet Loss Grief Alone

If you are somewhere along this journey either at the point of diagnosis, in the middle, or after loss, support matters.  Having a space where your experience is seen and understood can make a meaningful difference.

About the Writer:  Dr. Heather Teter is the owner of The Pet Care Club of Central PA and the founder of the Heart to Paw support program. She shares her life with five rescue animals, including her beloved dog Stevie—a sweet, loving boxer mix who is truly the heart of her household—and four rescued cats, Marlie, Moose, Blackie, and Sapphire.

Heart to Paw was created to provide compassionate, non-clinical grief support for pet parents navigating the loss of a beloved companion. The program honors the depth of the human–animal bond and offers a safe, validating space to process grief, honor love, and gently find a path forward.

If you are experiencing the loss of a pet and feel unseen or misunderstood in your grief, Heart to Paw is here to walk beside you with understanding, compassion, and care—at your own pace.

Learn more at: https://thepetcareclubofcentralpa.org/heart-2-paw-service/

Related Links:

Disenfranchised Grief: Why Losing a Pet Can Hurt So Deeply and Feel So Lonely

Coping With Loss

]]> Coping With Loss – Rocky’s Hope: When a Limp Becomes Something More https://wearethecure.org/rockys-journey-with-canine-cancer/ Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:36:22 +0000 https://wearethecure.org/?p=5630

Updated in April 2026

 

Rocky’s story started with a limp, and a reality no family is ever prepared for.

It lives on not just in memory, but as part of our Friends pages, where families honor their dogs and turn heartbreak into hope by raising funds that support the mission of the National Canine Cancer Foundation.

But before it became a story of legacy, it was just a normal day that changed everything.

The Day Everything Shifted

April 11, 2025.

A terrible day.
The first day of the end.

It was the day Rocky’s family heard the word no dog owner is ever ready for. Cancer.

Osteosarcoma.

Rocky, a gentle giant Great Dane, was 8 and a half years old. Still playful. Still full of life. Still very much a puppy in spirit.

The only sign that something was wrong was a sudden limp.

That is how quietly something devastating can begin.

What Is Osteosarcoma in Dogs?

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer in dogs, and it is known for being both aggressive and fast-moving.

It most often affects large and giant breeds, especially dogs like Great Danes, Rottweilers, Greyhounds, Irish Wolfhounds, and Saint Bernards. These dogs carry a higher risk simply because of their size and bone structure.

One of the hardest parts about osteosarcoma is how it presents. Early signs can look like a minor injury. A limp. A bit of swelling. Something easy to dismiss or watch for a few days.

But underneath, the cancer is already at work.

By the time it is diagnosed, it has often progressed, and in many cases, microscopic spread has already begun even if scans look clear.

The Impossible Decisions

After Rocky’s diagnosis, his family was faced with two options.

Keep him comfortable with pain medication, knowing time would be very short.

Or choose amputation, a difficult surgery that could offer more time and a chance at continued quality of life.

The decision was not easy. The cost was overwhelming. The emotional weight even more so.

But Rocky’s spirit made the choice clear.

He was not ready to go.

And neither were they.

A Fight Fueled by Hope

Rocky underwent amputation, and while the surgery was tough for his family, he showed them exactly who he was.

Within a month, he was running again.

Adapting. Living. Still full of joy.

Chemotherapy followed, with the hope of slowing or stopping any spread that could not yet be seen.

And through it all, there was hope.

Hope that the cancer was not as aggressive as feared.
Hope that the surgery had bought them more time.
Hope that Rocky would continue to thrive as a tripawd.
Hope that somehow, he would beat the odds.

Never Enough Time

Despite everything, the cancer spread to his lungs.

On July 12, 2025, just three months after his diagnosis, Rocky passed away.

Three months.

For a dog who still had so much life in him, it was nowhere near enough.

The loss of Rocky left a space that cannot be filled. The kind of loss that changes you. The kind that makes you question how something so vibrant can be taken so quickly.

Turning Loss Into Purpose

Rocky’s story does not end with his passing.

It continues through Rocky’s Hope.

Through the decision to honor him, to share his story, and to help fund research, education, and early detection efforts so that other families might have more time than they did.

Because that is what this community does.

We remember.
We honor.
And we act.

Rocky now lives in the hearts of the people who loved him.

And through Rocky’s Hope, he is part of something bigger. A mission to find better answers, better treatments, and one day, a cure for canine cancer.

So that one day, fewer families have to hear that diagnosis.
And fewer goodbyes come far too soon.

On this sad anniversary for this family, would you make a donation on their Friends page in support of their wish to find a cure for canine cancer.
]]> Disenfranchised Grief: Why Losing a Pet Can Hurt So Deeply and Feel So Lonely https://wearethecure.org/disenfranchised-grief-why-losing-a-pet-can-hurt-so-deeply-and-feel-so-lonely/ Tue, 10 Mar 2026 23:36:12 +0000 https://wearethecure.org/?p=38324 Grief is often thought of as something that follows the loss of a human loved one. There are rituals for it, language for it, and social permission to pause, to mourn, to receive care. When a beloved pet dies, many people discover that their grief doesn’t fit neatly into the categories society recognizes. The pain is real and often profound yet it is frequently minimized, misunderstood, or even dismissed. This experience has a name: disenfranchised grief.

What Is Disenfranchised Grief?

Disenfranchised grief occurs when a loss is not openly acknowledged, socially supported, or publicly mourned. The grief exists, but the griever feels they do not have the “right” to grieve or at least not openly. This can happen when the relationship is not socially validated, the loss is minimized or compared away, the grief is expected to resolve quickly, or the mourner feels pressure to “be fine”.

Pet loss grief fits squarely into this category. Even as pets are described as “family,” the emotional reality of losing them is often treated as less serious, less legitimate, or less deserving of support than other forms of loss.

Why Pet Loss Grief Is So Deep

For many people, pets are not just companions they are daily sources of unconditional love, emotional anchors during stress, illness, or loneliness, witnesses to life’s routines and a constant presence that shapes the rhythm of home. In the United States, 67% of all households have one or more pets and 97% of American pet owners consider their pet to be a part of their family.

Unlike many human relationships, the bond with a pet is built on consistency, caregiving, and mutual reliance. Pets are there in quiet moments, in hard moments, and in spaces where words aren’t needed. When that presence disappears, the loss is felt not just emotionally, but physically and relationally. The home feels different, routines collapse and silence becomes loud. If you deeply loved your pet and felt a strong bond with them, you will likely hurt deeply.

Despite the reality of these changes, many grieving pet parents hear messages like “At least it was just a dog.”, “You can always get another one.” or “They lived a good life, be grateful.” These responses, even when well-intentioned, can compound grief rather than soothe it.

The Hidden Burden of Disenfranchised Grief

When grief is not validated, people often begin to question themselves. They may wonder “Why am I this upset?”, “Shouldn’t I be over this by now?” or “What’s wrong with me that this hurts so much?” As a result, many pet parents may grieve in isolation, suppress or minimize their feelings, avoid talking about their loss or return to responsibilities before they are emotionally ready.

This internal conflict, between the depth of the loss and the lack of permission to grieve, can lead to complicated grief, anxiety, guilt, or prolonged sadness. In some cases, pet parents are also carrying additional layers of pain such as decision-related guilt surrounding euthanasia, trauma from medical crises or sudden loss, previous unresolved losses reactivated by the death or a sense of identity loss tied to caregiving. Without acknowledgment and support it is difficult to process our grief.

Why “Moving On” Isn’t the Goal

Grief is not something to fix or rush through. Especially in pet loss, healing doesn’t mean forgetting, replacing, or minimizing the bond. It means making sense of the loss, integrating love and memory into life moving forward, learning how to carry grief without being consumed by it and feeling seen and supported rather than dismissed. Healthy grief means acknowledging and expressing your feelings about your loss. Your feelings are what they are.

Never feel shame over feelings of love and loss. The way that you outwardly express your grief is your way integrating your thoughts and feelings about your loss into your life.

Creating Space for Valid Grief

When pet loss grief is named and validated, something shifts. People often feel relief that their reactions are normal, permission to mourn without shame, safety to talk about their pet and their pain, or a renewed sense of connection rather than isolation. Support doesn’t erase grief but it makes it more bearable, easier to navigate, and human. That support can take many forms: education, gentle guidance, reflective listening, and practical tools that honor both the emotional bond and the individual grieving style.

You Don’t Have to Grieve Alone

Disenfranchised grief thrives in silence, but it softens in the presence of understanding.

About the Writer:  Dr. Heather Teter is the owner of The Pet Care Club of Central PA and the founder of the Heart to Paw support program. She shares her life with five rescue animals, including her beloved dog Stevie—a sweet, loving boxer mix who is truly the heart of her household—and four rescued cats, Marlie, Moose, Blackie, and Sapphire.

Heart to Paw was created to provide compassionate, non-clinical grief support for pet parents navigating the loss of a beloved companion. The program honors the depth of the human–animal bond and offers a safe, validating space to process grief, honor love, and gently find a path forward.

If you are experiencing the loss of a pet and feel unseen or misunderstood in your grief, Heart to Paw is here to walk beside you with understanding, compassion, and care—at your own pace.

Learn more at: https://thepetcareclubofcentralpa.org/heart-2-paw-service/

]]> FDA Approves Laverdia: A New Oral Treatment for Dogs With Lymphoma https://wearethecure.org/fda-approves-laverdia-a-new-oral-treatment-for-dogs-with-lymphoma/ Fri, 20 Feb 2026 20:24:09 +0000 https://wearethecure.org/?p=38200 Laverdia vs. Tanovea: Key Differences in Canine Lymphoma Treatment

A diagnosis of lymphoma can stop dog parents in their tracks. Whether you’re facing this for the first time or you’ve already walked this road with a beloved canine cancer warrior, one thing becomes clear very quickly: treatment decisions matter and options matter.

In recent years, veterinary oncology has continued to evolve, and a newly FDA-approved drug called Laverdia™ represents an important step forward. At the same time, another medication, Tanovea-CA1®, has already been helping dogs with lymphoma in specific situations.

Here’s what dog parents need to know about both treatments, how they differ, and what this progress means for dogs diagnosed today.

Understanding Canine Lymphoma

Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in dogs. It affects the lymphatic system and often progresses quickly without treatment. While lymphoma is rarely curable, many dogs can achieve meaningful remission and maintain good quality of life with appropriate care.

Treatment plans are individualized and may include chemotherapy, targeted drugs, or palliative care depending on the dog’s health, cancer type, and family goals.

What Is Laverdia™?

Laverdia (generic name: verdinexor) is the first FDA-approved oral medication specifically approved for the treatment of canine lymphoma.

Unlike traditional chemotherapy drugs that require IV administration at a veterinary clinic, Laverdia is given by mouth, typically at home, under veterinary supervision.

Laverdia works by inhibiting a protein called XPO1, which cancer cells rely on to survive and multiply. By blocking this pathway, the drug helps slow lymphoma progression.

Why Laverdia’s FDA Approval Matters

The approval, granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is significant because it:

  • Confirms safety and effectiveness through regulated clinical trials

  • Marks the first oral FDA-approved treatment for canine lymphoma

  • Expands treatment options beyond injectable chemotherapy

Laverdia does not replace chemotherapy for all dogs, but it adds an important new category of care.

What Is Tanovea-CA1®?

Tanovea-CA1 (rabacfosadine) is another FDA-recognized drug used in the treatment of canine lymphoma.

Tanovea:

  • Is administered intravenously (IV) by a veterinarian

  • Is classified as a chemotherapy drug

  • Has received conditional FDA approval for treating lymphoma in dogs

It is often used:

  • As a single-agent treatment

  • In dogs whose lymphoma has relapsed

  • When standard multi-drug chemotherapy is not an option

Tanovea has been an important tool for veterinary oncologists, particularly in rescue or alternative treatment settings.

Laverdia vs. Tanovea: Key Differences

Here’s a clear comparison to help dog parents understand how these two drugs differ:

Feature Laverdia™ Tanovea-CA1®
FDA status Full FDA approval Conditional FDA approval
Administration Oral (at home) Injectable (IV, in clinic)
Drug type Targeted small-molecule inhibitor Chemotherapy
Vet visits Fewer required Regular clinic visits
Role in treatment New option, quality-of-life focused Established lymphoma option

Both drugs can be effective in the right circumstances and neither is automatically “better” than the other.

Which Treatment Is Right for a Dog With Lymphoma?

The best treatment depends on several factors, including:

  • Stage and type of lymphoma

  • The dog’s overall health and age

  • Prior cancer treatments

  • Family preferences and quality-of-life goals

Some dogs may do well with traditional chemotherapy. Others may benefit from newer options like Laverdia or drugs like Tanovea. Many treatment decisions are guided by a veterinary oncologist, who can help tailor care to each individual dog.

What This Means for Dog Parents

For families facing lymphoma today, the approval of Laverdia means more choice, more flexibility, and continued progress in canine cancer care.

For families who have already lost a dog to lymphoma, it represents something equally important: proof that research, advocacy, and awareness continue to push treatment forward so future dogs may have better options and better days.

Canine cancer care is evolving, and every new approved treatment brings us closer to more personalized, compassionate options for dogs and the people who love them.

Related Links: 

Where Are Lymph Nodes In Dogs And How Do You Check Them?

What Are Good Tumor Margins in Dogs and Why Are They Important?

How To Help Pay For Your Dog Cancer Treatment Cost: 7 Fundraising Ideas

Newly Diagnosed Dogs

]]> Why Grief For Our Dog Hits Harder at Christmas And Why That’s Okay https://wearethecure.org/why-grief-for-our-dog-hits-harder-at-christmas-and-why-thats-okay/ Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:27:17 +0000 https://wearethecure.org/?p=37963 If you’re missing a dog this season, you may notice the grief feels heavier, sharper, or more unexpected than it does during the rest of the year. You’re not imagining it and you’re not doing anything wrong. The holidays have a way of bringing emotions to the surface, especially holiday grief, and especially when it comes to the dogs who shared our lives so wholeheartedly.

Here’s why grief can feel more intense during Christmas… and why every bit of what you’re feeling is okay.

Christmas Is Filled with Rituals and Our Dogs Are Part of Them

Our dogs are such a big part of our life and our hearts. At Christmas time, we factor them into our holiday traditions.  Some people do photos with Santa. Some hang stocking and let their pups open them on Christmas morning. Our dogs have special Christmas blankets and sweaters that are in the living room. I have even seen a story of a dog who decorated the tree each year with one of their favorite stuffies. Regardless of the tradition, they all hold a special place in our hearts and when the time comes around for the tradition and your pup isn’t there, the sadness or sudden emptiness makes grief during the holidays hit especially hard.

Memory Triggers Are Everywhere

Holiday scents, sounds, and sights carry powerful emotional memories.
A certain ornament.
The jingle of a collar.
The blanket they curled up in by the fire.

These sensory triggers can reopen places in the heart you thought had begun to heal. This isn’t a setback it’s your love reminding you of its depth.

The World Says “Be Merry”… Even When You Might Not Be

Another reason holiday grief feels heavier is the pressure to feel joyful. Holiday culture can make you think that sadness doesn’t belong here and that can leave you feeling “out of step” with everyone around you.

But your emotions don’t need to match the season. Grief doesn’t follow a calendar.

Christmas Magnifies the Meaning of Time

The end of the year naturally prompts reflection. If you lost your dog recently, or even years ago, this season may bring up thoughts like:

  • “This is our first Christmas without them.”
  • “Last year at this time, they were still here.”
  • “I wish I could go back.”

These reflections aren’t wrong or unhealthy. They’re part of the love you carry. Acknowledge the feeling and allow yourself to feel it.

Love Doesn’t Disappear And Neither Does Grief

Grief is simply love with nowhere to go. When you loved deeply, you grieve deeply. And when the holidays highlight how much your dog meant to you, that love (and that ache) rises to the surface.

This is not a sign that you’re failing to heal.
It’s a sign that your bond was real.

It’s Okay to Feel It All

You can cry and still enjoy Christmas lights.
You can miss your dog and still laugh at a holiday movie.
You can feel heavy and hopeful in the same hour.

Grief is not the opposite of joy; they often sit next to each other during the holidays. You’re allowed to feel everything that comes.

A Final Thought

If the season feels harder this year, let that be okay. Let your heart do what it needs to do. Missing your dog doesn’t take away from the holiday spirit—it simply adds depth to it. Grief is love expressed a different way. As you move through the season, you might find a new way to honor and remember dogs that have been such a part of your life.

Related Links:

Creating New Traditions to Honor the Dogs You Miss

Healing from Dog Loss: Grief, Gratitude & Generosity

 

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