Chloe, a Breast Cancer Survivor Dog

October is breast cancer awareness month. For every woman out there, the words breast cancer can stop you in your tracks. For once breast cancer survivor, it became her goal to help others in the comfort, that they too can survive, her name is Chloe.

Chloe was six years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to have a mastectomy. Chloe is unique because she is a dog. That is right dogs can get breast cancer. Chloe was adopted from a local shelter here in Cleveland, She was a mix breed Jack Russell, One day her owner felt a lump in the nipple area where a female dog nurses. The vet thought it could be a fatty tumor, which is a common lump on dogs, but to be sure he tried to remove it, only it wasn't fat that came out. About $1,200 later. The fatty tumor turned into breast cancer, and a mastectomy was performed..

Chloe had chemo treatments, which was about 5 treatments, she lost her fur, and she was lifeless. One day Chloe's mom had to work, she is a hematology/oncology nurse at a local hospital in Cleveland. Chloe had just had a treatment and was ill from the treatment. Her dad, took her to the hospital where Chloe's mom worked. He thought maybe it was best to put Chloe down. One the patients happen to be getting ready to walk into the chemo room, and saw Chloe, and asked her owners, if that was her dog who had breast cancer. The patient asked to hold Chloe, and as she held Chloe, she wept. Chloe looked like she was trying to snuggle with this woman, the two breast cancer survivors were comforting each other.

That night Chloe seemed a little more life like. As a test, the next week Chloe's owners came to the chemo room and the recipients were eager to see Chloe, there four legged fellow breast cancer survivor. They took turns holding her and taking comfort in Chloe. Again that night, Chloe was more life like. Chloe's owners talked to the hospital, and Chloe was part of a volunteer program called PALS. It a program where pets come to the hospital to help cheer up the patients. Chloe's destination, the chemo room.

With each Visit Chloe got better, and the patients took pride in seeing her. One year later, Chloe is cancer free, and she still see her patients who have renamed her Dr. Chloe. There is a waiting list to see this cancer survivor. There is something special about This dog and her bond with her two legged cancer survivors. Woman have requested pictures of Chloe, to help them get through, the breast cancer battle.

The chances of a dog getting breast cancer is about 1%. A man has a better chance of getting breast cancer, then that of a dog, but the chance is there. Dogs are like humans, they get the same diseases as we do, and even take the same medications. Animals can not tells us they are not feeling well, so best to notice changes, in a dog's behavior, skin, or coat conditions. Make sure you take them for regular check ups as well.