Meet Dexter, a lovable mixed-breed pup who’s been on a journey of resilience and love since his cancer diagnosis five years ago. His story, as told by his dedicated pet parent, shows how choosing the right care—and a little extra love—can make all the difference. With the support of FidoCure and his healthcare team, Dexter’s family found new ways to understand his health and keep his tail wagging. In this Q&A, you’ll hear how Dexter’s journey with cancer has brought his family closer than ever, proving that hope and connection go a long way.
Q: When did you first notice something was wrong with Dexter?
A: Five years ago, this December, I noticed a few drops of blood coming from Dexter’s hind area. Our vet examined him and found a chickpea-sized growth on his anal gland, which turned out to be adenocarcinoma. I was devastated by the news, having already lost several dogs to cancer.
Q: How did you approach treatment options?
A: My husband and I decided early on that we didn’t want to pursue aggressive treatment for Dexter. At 7 years old, he was already uncomfortable with medical procedures, and we prioritized maintaining his quality of life. Given the nature of his cancer, a cure wasn’t likely, so we opted for tumor removal surgery at the Veterinary Cancer Center (VCC) in February 2019.
Q: How did you discover FidoCure?
A: I first learned about FidoCure through the Veterinary Cancer Center in Norwalk, where I had been a client with my previous dog, Curry, who was diagnosed with cutaneous lymphoma. After Curry outlived his prognosis by six years, I was curious about FidoCure’s approach and wanted to explore any further insights it could provide for Dexter’s treatment.
Q: How has FidoCure’s approach benefited Dexter’s care?
A: After further analysis of Dexter’s samples, we received a report in a clear, understandable format. My vet was involved throughout, providing additional explanation on the treatment options. Dexter began a three-times-a-week dose of Palladia, which he still takes to this day.
Q: How has your time with Dexter changed since his diagnosis?
A: I love this question! Dexter has always been our only mixed breed; all our other dogs have been retrievers with a people-oriented personality. Dexter, by contrast, was a bit more aloof. But after his cancer diagnosis, I made a conscious decision to pull him into the “attention circle.” We’ve spent more one-on-one time, and I showered him with affection—eventually, he warmed up and became so much more interactive and affectionate. Now, he’s my little buddy, and we’ve even developed games we play together. I don’t miss an opportunity to shower him with love.
Q: Would you recommend FidoCure to other pet parents?
A: Absolutely. I believe that any information that helps in treating a pet’s cancer is invaluable. Each case is unique, and knowing more about their cancer can only help. I’d encourage any pet parent facing a cancer diagnosis to explore all treatment options and not consider a prognosis as the final word. With two dogs now having outlived their prognoses by many years, I’m convinced that love and attention can truly make a difference.
Q: What’s something special about Dexter’s personality or quirks?
A: Dexter is quite the opportunist! He has a single-minded focus, often on food. If he finds a morsel somewhere, he’ll always check that spot for more. Now he’s part of the “pack” with our two other dogs and loves spending time with me in my art studio. A funny little quirk of his developed a couple of years ago—he’ll sit in his special “food-catching” spot, especially around mealtime, and hope for stray pieces to come his way. My other dogs are in on it now, and it’s become a daily routine! If I ever lose track of Dexter, I know where to find him—hopeful as ever in his favorite spot in the kitchen.
