I decided to start this blog to chronicle Homer’s journey as I follow along with him on his battle with cancer.

Many of you know all about Homer, the original Thank DOG I Am Out rescue pup. Thrown out of the speeding vehicle as a puppy ,the blunt force of landing rotated his back left leg 270°. By the time I rescued him at around one year old the leg had calcified at the joint. Because it had good blood flow and he was able to scratch with it and kneel on it the decision was made to leave it.

Over the years (of which now it is 12), Homer has continued to impress the world with his amazing personality and his lack of acknowledging that he is a little different. He has had a very healthy life until July 19, 2021.

The day started out as usual, sunny, lots of walks and treats. That night – out of the blue – a small , soft malleable lump seemed to have popped out of the joint on his back good leg, the right leg.

Having run the rescue for 12 years I thought I diagnosed it quite well and went to sleep thinking it was a fat tissue lipoma. Nothing to worry about.

I was leaving for Africa in 7 days but had the wherewithal to book a quick appointment to have the lump aspirated. A few days later I was in the air on my way to Africa, results pending, no real concern on my end. My instincts were wrong, Homer was diagnosed with a deadly, but slow growing “soft tissue sarcoma”. Apparently about 15% of dogs are diagnosed with these cancerous tumours – they are graded 1-3, and then staged …

Homer was graded a “2”. Apparently a “grey” area, but not a “1” so intervention is required.

Had it popped out on his bad leg we could have amputated the leg and been done with it. The universe had other plans… it was his good back leg – so making him a double amputee at 12 years old was not an option.

Thanks to the amazing team VCA Canada Vancouver Animal Emergency and Referral Centre , Dr Ford and Sakals, the obvious bump was removed but the tentacles of this cancer remained and will grow in between his tendons and ligaments.

Our only option once we determined that the cancer had not spread was to venture down to WSU Pullman Veterinary College in Pullman, Washington, for 2 weeks of radiation.

That’s where we will be heading this Monday October 4th, 2021.

That is where our Installment # 2 will pick up.

We at Thank Dog I Am Out Dog Rescue want to share our knowledge with others so if any of this helps someone who may all of a sudden see a lump appear – please don’t assume it’s nothing.

Heading to WSU College of Veterinary Medicine WSU Pullman, Washington with Homer who needs 2 weeks of radiation treatment to kill this cancer.

Just sayin – choose Alaska Airlines! They were amazing, the process was seamless! Wasn’t too sure before we left so at the suggestion of Mary Milton I taped a short bio onto Homer’s crate and well … the love flowed (see Installment # 3 for the “tears of joy” part)

We made it and our fantastic Karla Weeks-Mccowin and her hip’n happening husband Peter picked us up at SeaTac and are hosting myself, and a very confused Homer for the night. Tomorrow is a BIG day for Homer. After we do a five hour drive from Seattle to WSU VetMed, his treatment starts as soon as his intake is complete … and I go home for two weeks until he is ready to be discharged.

Again – when flying with a pet , especially a sick one who is travelling in cargo – I cannot say enough great things about an airline that clearly had compassion for animals AlaskaAir.com you rock! A tough journey made easier when strangers care. The Portland Pet Food Company food (for seniors, sick and picky dog’s) is still a hit when nothing else is.

Radiation treatments so far 2/6. Still smiling, a bit out of sorts, naturally confused , but no physical side effects so far. Thank you Kayla WSU College of Veterinary Medicine, in WSU Pullman for taking care of Homer.

Thank you Portland Pet Food Company for keeping my boy eating which is shocking to me because he wasn’t eating much – so simple and yummy.

Facts:

– 20% of dogs will get a “soft tissue sarcoma”

There are many types – Homer’s cancer likes to grow in between the tendons and ligaments which is why it is so hard to surgically remove it. In time and with pressure the cancer had nowhere to go but out, which is how I saw it… one day there it was – soft, not painful, and movable.

Treatment Plan

• surgically cut out what they can

• ex ray and aspirate lymph nodes to determine whether or not the cancer had spread

• if “no”, then options are presented

Homer’s prognosis :

• No treatment – painful regrowth and death for Homer in  2-3 months
• Radiation – 6 treatments can bring an average of 1.5 -2 years of quality life

The “but’s”:

The cancer can come back

The radiation may not clear enough of a margin to succeed

Post radiation can cause burning at the site, blistering a week after the treatments that will require topical intervention, fur loss, re growth of the fur at the site area in a different colour

Huge relief to have Homer back home safe and sound. We travelled over hills and through deserts, by plane, and by car to go pick Homer up. Huge thank you to the best hosts ever Karla Weeks-Mccowin and her ever so patient Peter for their help along the way. We were able to get the Thank Dog I Am Out Dog Rescue “OG” busted out of WSU College of Veterinary Medicine ‘s  radiation treatment center. Big thank you to the amazing veterinarians and to Sam and Kayla (soon to be vets) – thank you for taking such care of Homie, we hope his journey was helpful to your understanding this disease.

We are hopeful for two more Christmas’s or more!

For their launch in Canada, Portland Pet Food Company is donating 5% of net profits from sales at all Pet Valu and Tisol family stores from September through December to Thank DOG I Am Out!

We are so excited to see this amazing food come to Canada – our dogs love it! It makes a great “topping” for those fussy eaters, and are also excellent transportable meals for hikes, camping or traveling in general.

Head over to miss604’s blog for more details about the Portland Pet Food Company and the fantastic partnership with TDIAO.

Conrad is officially Canadian!

He travelled with 9 others from Paws Rescue Qatar! Conrad drove, flew, drove, boarded, then drove again but finally rolled into beautiful BC thanks to SO many amazing people along the way. So thankful for Alison, Emily, Tanya Quaranta, Michelle, and our Thank Dog I Am Out Dog Rescue transport team led by Rick and Jodi. Not to mention the tireless coordination efforts of Mary Milton! Conrad is now decompressing at his Saluki savvy foster home. Conrad will be available for adoption soon – remember , he is a miracle pup! Nothing but awesomeness from here onward! Check out his before and after photos below…