Cancer sniffing Dogs
Now, that really got me thinking..and i went home and told my hubby about it. We both remembered how my dog tootsie would jump on me every morning and start scratching at my breast. I would get upset with her and we were trying to make her behave and not do this. One time she even left a scratch mark. No matter how i tried i couldn't break her of this habit. She was scratching in the exact spot of my tumor! coincidental? I really don't think so. If only my senses had been as keen as hers I would have got checked many months before I did. Or if only Tootsie could talk. I now believe she was trying to tell me. Just thought I would share this with you.
love and hugs
Jackie
Comments
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Great story Jackie, and I
Great story Jackie, and I truly believe this. We moved to Jacksonville Texas in December 2007, and "inherited" the family dog that belonged to the family who previously owned the house. (THey couldn't take the dog with them because there was no yard.) Anyway, we fell in love with her, and especially my husband. They were pals. However, any time I would come out of the house, the dog would immediately stop what she was doing, and come to my side. If I sat, she layed at my feet. If I walked, she walked with me. As soon as I would go inside, she would return to her previous activity with my husband. Three months later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I have always felt that she sensed something was wrong, and was trying to be comforting. After my surgery to remove the tumor, she would come to me when called, but didn't have that need to be constantly by my side. Ironic, or just something that can't be explaine?. Maybe we should listen more to our pets. I love that dog.
Hugs,
Judy0 -
Cancer-Sniffing Dogs
Hi, Jackie, I read a couple of years ago an article about a dog detecting cancer. The story was that a woman's dog was pawing at her leg. Something about her leg kept drawing the dog's attention. It turned out that she had a cancerous lesion there. Doctors speculated the spot might have some scent that the dog could pick up.
I wish also that somehow Tootsie's actions could have been interpreted. There is so much that we humans don't know. I hope that testing is being done on the scent/cancer possibility. You know Tootsie and the other dogs smelled something that was different.
Aarf to Tootsie. Did you catch any fish yesterday?0 -
Thanks for sharingMoopy23 said:Cancer-Sniffing Dogs
Hi, Jackie, I read a couple of years ago an article about a dog detecting cancer. The story was that a woman's dog was pawing at her leg. Something about her leg kept drawing the dog's attention. It turned out that she had a cancerous lesion there. Doctors speculated the spot might have some scent that the dog could pick up.
I wish also that somehow Tootsie's actions could have been interpreted. There is so much that we humans don't know. I hope that testing is being done on the scent/cancer possibility. You know Tootsie and the other dogs smelled something that was different.
Aarf to Tootsie. Did you catch any fish yesterday?
Jackie, I have a "tootsie" too! If you click on my post and go into expressions you can see a pic of her. I know pets are so sensitive to what we go thru, my little tootsie never left my side thru my recoveries. they do have a special sense about them, in many ways. What was the name of the movie??
Melanie0 -
Hi Mimimimivac said:I believe this, too
I think animals have senses that we don't really understand. The cancer sniffing dog is a good example. BTW, is that Tootsie in the picture, Jackie? She is very sweet looking.
Yes that is Tootsie in the pic, and she is very sweet and such a loyal companion to me. I found her poster up at a grocery store asking for a home. She had been left down by the river and was half-starved to death, had a broken leg and a cherry pit in her eye. I nursed her back to health..and she has been my faithful friend and fishing buddy. She loves to run in the badlands of MT. And i enjoy these outings as much as she does.She never lets me out of her sight for long though.
One time Bob and i were in a different town with her and took her a ways out in the country to run. She ran to far and we couldn't find her. We drove around for hours. Finally we had to go back to the Motel..i was in tears thinking i would never see her again, but low and behold she was sitting right in front of our motel door. She sniffed us out!! She has a very keen sense of smell..and i believe with all my heart that she smelled my bc.
I bet you are busy making plans for your much needed vacation!! hope you have a wonderful time!
Hugs
Jackie0 -
MelanieGreeneyedGirl said:Thanks for sharing
Jackie, I have a "tootsie" too! If you click on my post and go into expressions you can see a pic of her. I know pets are so sensitive to what we go thru, my little tootsie never left my side thru my recoveries. they do have a special sense about them, in many ways. What was the name of the movie??
Melanie
Your Tootsie is adorable! I looked at your expression page..did you know my husbands name is also Bob!! and what WAS the name of that movie???
jackie0 -
Hi MoopyMoopy23 said:Cancer-Sniffing Dogs
Hi, Jackie, I read a couple of years ago an article about a dog detecting cancer. The story was that a woman's dog was pawing at her leg. Something about her leg kept drawing the dog's attention. It turned out that she had a cancerous lesion there. Doctors speculated the spot might have some scent that the dog could pick up.
I wish also that somehow Tootsie's actions could have been interpreted. There is so much that we humans don't know. I hope that testing is being done on the scent/cancer possibility. You know Tootsie and the other dogs smelled something that was different.
Aarf to Tootsie. Did you catch any fish yesterday?
Arf.. from toots! We didn't get to fish yesterday..it was too windy here. But we did plant flowers and have a barbeque it was a very pleasant but quiet day.
I hope you are feeling stronger Moopy! were almost through the hard part!! And i know we will see their flashlights any day now! My best to you.
Hugs
jackie0 -
I have heard of that and I
I have heard of that and I think it's amazing and true. I don't know how sensitive my cats are but the one stepped on my breast and it hurt so bad then 2 weeks later I found the lump. I'm trying to think if they are doing anything different now then they did before. I sure hope they can let me know.
love
jan0 -
I think I saw that info on
I think I saw that info on the news quite some time ago. At the time I was diagnosed, I was taking care of my son's Husky and she'd sniff my breath and look sadly at me. She had a keen sense of smell too. Either that or she didn't like what my breath smelled like. That would be pretty bad if a dog didn't like it.0 -
I have read about this and
I have read about this and seen it on Animal Planet. I believe there are dogs who can smell cancer. I do not know whether dogs can be trained to smell it if they don't have the natural talent, like some dogs can be trained to sniff drugs or contraband, etc. I suppose we all need to be better attuned to our pets, eh?
Take care, seof0 -
Hi JadieJadie said:dogs reaction
Hi Jackie I was just wondering how your dog reacted to you after you had your surgery. Such an interesting story.
Jadie
After i had surgery tootsie did not jump on me at all. When i had to sleep in the recliner for awhile with lots of pillows she laid on the floor beside me. If i am on the couch now she is right beside me and when i go to bed she has a little doggie bed right beside me on my side of the bed on the floor. She does like it outside now that the weather is better..but still sniffs my breath and looks at me funny. I think she smells the chemo.
hugs Jackie0 -
Wow! I totally believe this...
Hello, Jackie, and ladies. WOW! Had to reply because I'm a crazy, insane dog lover (like so many of you here, obviously!) - and... YES, I've heard of cancer detection dogs. I believe that this is actually being clinically tested right now, for effectiveness & accuracy. I think the dogs are quite accurate with skin (topical) cancer, so far. Also, there's some sort of urine test for cancer that isn't the most reliable. The urine is traditionally mixed with some sort of chemical. But, the dog sniffs the urine & is more accurate than the chemical!
You dog, Tootsie, looks like a real sweetheart. And, I'm so happy that you have her unconditional love & constant companionship. I had wonderful support from family & friends during the worst of my treatment time. But, only my beloved little dog - Abigail (that's her picture above "Christmas Girl") - was my 24/7 buddy. Had a few of those days when I simply didn't want to or thought I just couldn't get out of bed. But, I had to - to take care of her, let her out, feed her. Which was a good thing. Got me out of myself. She gave to me so much that cannot be measured nor fully put into mere words.
I sincerely believe our pets have healing powers that are simply not understood, at least not yet. And, I also firmly believe that the spirits of the animals we welcome into our lives & cherish as companions go to heaven to meet up with us there. For me, it won't be heaven if ALL the dogs I've ever loved are NOT there!
Wouldn't it be wonderful if they COULD talk? Although I sincerely believe that they DO communicate with us. We just have to learn THEIR doggie language!
And by the way... Tootsie was the name of my very first childhood dog! Love that name! She was a chihuahua/terrier mix; and, I was only about 3 years old when my parents brought her home. According to my parents, I picked her name because my favorite candy was Tootsie Rolls! (I have to take their word for it.) I have no memories that predate Tootsie in my life. A little picture of her is within a magnetic frame on my refrigerator; so, I see her every day.
All the best to you, Jackie, and Tootise.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
Judy's Dog...creampuff91344 said:Great story Jackie, and I
Great story Jackie, and I truly believe this. We moved to Jacksonville Texas in December 2007, and "inherited" the family dog that belonged to the family who previously owned the house. (THey couldn't take the dog with them because there was no yard.) Anyway, we fell in love with her, and especially my husband. They were pals. However, any time I would come out of the house, the dog would immediately stop what she was doing, and come to my side. If I sat, she layed at my feet. If I walked, she walked with me. As soon as I would go inside, she would return to her previous activity with my husband. Three months later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I have always felt that she sensed something was wrong, and was trying to be comforting. After my surgery to remove the tumor, she would come to me when called, but didn't have that need to be constantly by my side. Ironic, or just something that can't be explaine?. Maybe we should listen more to our pets. I love that dog.
Hugs,
Judy
Hello, Judy. Kudos to you & your husband for adopting the dog that came with your house. A lucky dog, indeed. You & your husband opened your home & your hearts to her, and look what you got in return!
Am so glad to know you have her love & companionship.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
Judy's Dog...creampuff91344 said:Great story Jackie, and I
Great story Jackie, and I truly believe this. We moved to Jacksonville Texas in December 2007, and "inherited" the family dog that belonged to the family who previously owned the house. (THey couldn't take the dog with them because there was no yard.) Anyway, we fell in love with her, and especially my husband. They were pals. However, any time I would come out of the house, the dog would immediately stop what she was doing, and come to my side. If I sat, she layed at my feet. If I walked, she walked with me. As soon as I would go inside, she would return to her previous activity with my husband. Three months later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I have always felt that she sensed something was wrong, and was trying to be comforting. After my surgery to remove the tumor, she would come to me when called, but didn't have that need to be constantly by my side. Ironic, or just something that can't be explaine?. Maybe we should listen more to our pets. I love that dog.
Hugs,
Judy
Hello, Judy. Kudos to you & your husband for adopting the dog that came with your house. A lucky dog, indeed. You & your husband opened your home & your hearts to her, and look what you got in return!
Am so glad to know you have her love & companionship.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
Judy's Dog...creampuff91344 said:Great story Jackie, and I
Great story Jackie, and I truly believe this. We moved to Jacksonville Texas in December 2007, and "inherited" the family dog that belonged to the family who previously owned the house. (THey couldn't take the dog with them because there was no yard.) Anyway, we fell in love with her, and especially my husband. They were pals. However, any time I would come out of the house, the dog would immediately stop what she was doing, and come to my side. If I sat, she layed at my feet. If I walked, she walked with me. As soon as I would go inside, she would return to her previous activity with my husband. Three months later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I have always felt that she sensed something was wrong, and was trying to be comforting. After my surgery to remove the tumor, she would come to me when called, but didn't have that need to be constantly by my side. Ironic, or just something that can't be explaine?. Maybe we should listen more to our pets. I love that dog.
Hugs,
Judy
Hello, Judy. Kudos to you & your husband for adopting the dog that came with your house. A lucky dog, indeed. You & your husband opened your home & your hearts to her, and look what you got in return!
Am so glad to know you have her love & companionship.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
Another Tootsie!GreeneyedGirl said:Thanks for sharing
Jackie, I have a "tootsie" too! If you click on my post and go into expressions you can see a pic of her. I know pets are so sensitive to what we go thru, my little tootsie never left my side thru my recoveries. they do have a special sense about them, in many ways. What was the name of the movie??
Melanie
Hi, Melanie. Your Tootsie is cute as can be!
If you're interested, see my own Tootsie story within "Wow! I totally believe this..." post.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
A Believer
I am right there with believing that our pets can sense if something is not quite right. I am a first time dog owner. A friend gave me Joey, a jack russell terrier, a month after my Mom passed away. She thought it would help if I was not alone. The pup and I got used to each other. He is just a bit too smart at times.
Before I even knew about my breast cancer, Joey would always sniff at my right breast. It did not matter if I were cuddling him or bending over. He would just poke his nose there and look up at me. This went on almost a year before they found the cancer.
Then being a boy dog, Joey took to always coming up behind me as we were going down the stairs and giving me a poke in the butt, trying to sniff. I thought it was just boy dog behavior. Well 7 months later came the ovarian cancer.
Since my surgeries, Joey does not sniff in those areas at all. He does stay close to me and follows me from room to room. Always watching, always ready for a snuggle.
And as for the sniffing. Well, 2 months ago he started sniffing at my right knee and licking at it. Well, that has been my bad knee for 2 years now, and it will eventually need surgery to repair it. He seems to know when it is bothering me as he eases up a little when we go out walking.
And no, I am not making this stuff up. I really think our animals are here as a gift to us. And I think if we pay more attention sometimes, they will "tell" us things we need to know. I know I would miss my little guy if he weren't here with me. Cindy0 -
Another Jack Russell Owner (or, are we owned by them?!?)Cindy54 said:A Believer
I am right there with believing that our pets can sense if something is not quite right. I am a first time dog owner. A friend gave me Joey, a jack russell terrier, a month after my Mom passed away. She thought it would help if I was not alone. The pup and I got used to each other. He is just a bit too smart at times.
Before I even knew about my breast cancer, Joey would always sniff at my right breast. It did not matter if I were cuddling him or bending over. He would just poke his nose there and look up at me. This went on almost a year before they found the cancer.
Then being a boy dog, Joey took to always coming up behind me as we were going down the stairs and giving me a poke in the butt, trying to sniff. I thought it was just boy dog behavior. Well 7 months later came the ovarian cancer.
Since my surgeries, Joey does not sniff in those areas at all. He does stay close to me and follows me from room to room. Always watching, always ready for a snuggle.
And as for the sniffing. Well, 2 months ago he started sniffing at my right knee and licking at it. Well, that has been my bad knee for 2 years now, and it will eventually need surgery to repair it. He seems to know when it is bothering me as he eases up a little when we go out walking.
And no, I am not making this stuff up. I really think our animals are here as a gift to us. And I think if we pay more attention sometimes, they will "tell" us things we need to know. I know I would miss my little guy if he weren't here with me. Cindy
Hello, Cindy. From one dog lover to another, thanks for sharing your story about Joey. And, I'm crazy about Jack Russells - wouldn't have any other type of dog! That's Abigail in my photo.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
Your Girl
Susan...your girl is very pretty. And I think our dogs own us. Having a Jack has certainly kept me on my toes. Not just because he is lively, but smarter than I am sometimes. Mine is a reason to keep going..he needs a walk, fed, a cuddle. And when he looks at me with his big brown eyes, I melt. Glad to know you Susan! Cindy0
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