Dog Battles Terminal Cancer. Dear Dr. Carol, We would like to take a moment, and thank you, for being a compassionate veterinarian, during Harleys’ battle with end stage cancer. Harley lost his battle on June 26th, 2009. Harley lived almost 6 weeks past his unexpected terminal diagnosis. As compassionate pet owners, and nurses we opted to not treat Harley with chemotherapy. With that decision, his prognosis was reduced to days for survival.
Devastated by the news; we looked to you, Dr. Carol for a holistic approach. We wanted Harley’s final days on earth to be filled with the highest quality of life. We wanted Harley to have the chance to just be a dog, and we just wanted to love him. Dr. Carol, you gave him that and so much more. We are eternally grateful for the quality time you gave us. Harley’s time far surpassed our expectations. The quality of his final weeks was truly unbelievable. He remained pain free, he ate, he played, and he got to do everything he wanted to with dignity.
The PAAWS Vitamins, along with the multiple all natural supplements (probiotics, gum mastica, kidney essentials, digestive enzymes), anti-cancer diet, and necessary fluids you provided us with proved to be the perfect combination. Losing a pet is never an easy thing to endure; especially losing a young pet, Harley was only 3 ½ years old, but you assisted us through it all.
Our goal from the start was to do right by Harley – we did not want him to be in pain or to suffer so that we did not have to say goodbye. You gave us that – it was the perfect canine hospice. During the weeks – Harley thrived – he went to the nursing home, and put a smile on the resident’s faces just like he did as a puppy. They would give him a scratch and a kiss, and he was so happy.
We followed your number one piece of advice “love your dog“, and we did more than ever. We all agreed that he would tell us when his journey on earth was over – and he did. The day Harley told us all “no” (each of us in his own little way), we honored our promise to him. We took him and had him laid to rest. I will never forget the way he looked at me as he walked into the clinic with the tech to have his line put in. He just looked me in the eye and said “it’s okay Mommy I’m ready”. We all held him and kissed him goodbye as he was put to rest.
That was probably the most unselfish act – I have ever done in life. Although we were overwhelmed with loss -we had no regrets. We know that we did right by Harley with your treatment regime and guidance. Harley is now at peace alongside St. Francis watching over and protecting all creatures great and small. Dr. Carol, we thank you once again for allowing Harley to die with quality, love, and dignity.
Sincerely, Sandy, Donna and Jessica
