Here’s How Pets Have Helped Some Cancer Survivors and Patients During Their Journey with the Disease

Each week on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, CURE® asks its readers to share their thoughts with a #CureConnect discussion question.

This past week, we asked: “How has your pet/pets helped you during your experience with cancer?”

Here’s what some of our readers shared:

• “My dog, cat and horses have been my closest companions and source of not only comfort but healing! I just finished writing a book called Grace, Grit & Gratitude, which is all about my journey of healing with the power of horses.” – T.C.
• “Both my dogs played a critical role in my cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. They knew I was having health issues and were always by my side to cheer me up. I'm sad to say our oldest dog (died) last year, and our other dog is close to end of life.” – G.G.
• “(My dog) Emma was lying beside me when I was too sick to get up. When my neighbor came to take her out for a potty break, she wouldn’t leave me. They had to carry her out and after she finished potty, she ran back to the door to come back in. She immediately jumped up on the bed and stayed there all day beside me.” – K.M.
• “My (cat) Joey snuggles with me after every chemo treatment.” – A. B.
• “During chemo when I had a fever, my (cats) Axel and Lussi wrapped themselves around me like a neck pillow. They provided warmth and comfort.” – T.N.
• “(My dog) Diva was my earthly angel. While going through chemo she was my shadow. I would sometimes get so cold and shiver that she would jump up on the couch and keep me warm, and would not let me out of her sight. Diva also made sure I got some exercise. She crossed the rainbow bridge in April 2019, and I know she still watches over me.” – D.H.
• “When I was diagnosed with (acute promyelocytic leukemia) in 2010, I had a cat named Quicksilver and a dog named Zoe. When I came home from the hospital, they were both so glad to see me. For the longest time they sat on, or beside, me. Their companionship was such a comfort to me. When I was in the hospital, I received stuffed animals as gifts to represent them. In 2013, when my bone marrow failed, I no longer had Quicksilver but a new dog, Howie, had joined my household. Howie and Zoe gave me a reason to get up every day and to keep fighting. I wanted so badly to be able to walk and play with them again. They are intrinsically linked to my cancer journey. Both Zoe and Howie died a year ago and I feel like a chapter in my life has closed. I now have Bianca for the next part of my journey.” – M.I.
• “Heidi, the not so mini Schnauzer got me outside and exercising even when I didn’t feel like it.” – M.H.

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