Help Your Dog Fight Cancer: An Overview of Home Care Options; Featuring Bullet's Survival Story

Ms. Kaplan, who was a professional veterinary writer to begin with, wrote this book for the rest of us when, after her beloved Bullet was diagnosed with lymphoma, she discovered that there was no basic "how to" book for dog owners facing the same challenge. The result is a book that is both a handy reference, containing a wealth of information--about canine cancer, the various treatments, ideas for special diets, and so on--and a "support manual" that you can (and will) turn to over and over again as you and your dog fight the disease. I read other cancer books, as well as a wealth of information online (about "people" cancer as well, since much of the chemotherapy is the same), but this was clearly the most valuable book. Ms. Kaplan closes with the story of Bullet's passing (years after his battle began), and I found a great deal of support in reading that while trying to come to terms with my own experiences. The book also contains sidebars by various veterinarians and includes tips on how to spot early signs of cancer. I wish the book was much more visible: It should be on the suggested reading list for every new dog owner.

We bought this book when we found out our Bogart had cancer. It is full of information and gives you hope. And when you learn your dog has cancer that is the first thing you need to cling to because without it, your dog is lost. This book was our cancer Bible during Bogart's fight and we returned to it often to help us get to the next day. Bogart is gone now, gone over the Rainbow Bridge, beaten by the awful cancer but if your beloved pooch has cancer I urge you to get this book. It was the most helpful of the numerous we purchased when we got the devastating news.

Conveniently enough, Laurie Kaplan reviews her own book for us in the following paragraph: "His 'bedside manner' was perfect. He spoke clearly, explained everything to me in an unrushed manner and he took his time answering all of my many questions thoroughly." She's talking about the vet who supervised chemotherapy for her beloved Bullet, but she could as well be talking about her own book. It's like having a calm, friendly, no-nonsense person sitting next to you, explaining everything you could possibly want to know about cancer in dogs, from possible-and-avoidable causes to treatment options to home care to moral, emotional and financial considerations. I had already bought and read this book when my dear Ginger was diagnosed with bladder cancer, and it helped guide me through her losing battle and do the right thing for her at each step of the way.

This book has been phenomonal -- Laurie Kaplan's advice for assembling a cancer care team is very helpful, particularly to dog parents who may be "new" to the worlds of holistic and complementary medicine. Laurie's advice helped us implement the homemade diet all of our dog's veterinarians had recommended (a high protein, low carb diet is highly recommended by both holistic and allopathic (traditional) veterinarians for canine cancer patients -- as a side note, Laurie recommends Hill's N/D, which is a prescrpition food formulated for cancer patients. I prefer a similar grain-free, high protein/low carb food called "Innova Evo," which is made by Natura Pet -- the nutritional content and price are almost the same as N/D, but Innova's ingredients are more natural/higher quality, in my opinion. This is a brand new food that wasn't on the market when this book was published. website: www.naturapet.com). Perhaps most importantly, this book gives us caregivers hope and a real sense of being able to help our canine friends through this ordeal. Laurie also emphasizes that the degree to which each of us decide to treat (or not to treat) our pets' cancer is a personal matter, with no "wrong" decisions. I highly, highly recommend this book -- three cheers to Laurie Kaplan!!

The grim diagnosis of cancer for a beloved pet is shocking and devastating. When my Siberian Husky was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, I spent the following three days on the Internet researching the specific type of cancer, treatment options, oncologists, diets, supplements and anything else that might help fight her prognosis. I had more questions than answers. I first saw Laurie's book at my oncologist's office. It confirmed my own research, but also offered a wealth of additional information. It is a compassionate and supportive book that offers hope and help. The topics are comprehensive and insightful and are meant to help you and your beloved companion combat a frightening disease. Laurie and Bullet's story is truly inspirational. She has great compassion for our four-legged best friends and for the people who love them. The book is truly a gift.