Shelter pleads for loving home for a cancer-stricken dog who only has 6 months to live
If you had cancer, you would want to be surrounded by family and friends who loved you in your final moments. That’s why one Mansfield, Ohio-based animal shelter was looking for a home to take in a dog with cancer – somewhere where he could live his last days with a loving family. Unfortunately, with less than six months to live, time was running out for the poor pooch.
Factor is taken into the animal shelter
Named Factor, the Boxer came to the Richland County Dog Warden’s Office & Shelter as a stray. It was while getting a routine checkup before being taken into the shelter that the staff made the sad discovery: Factor had cancer. Worst of all, the vet estimated he only had six months, at most, to live.
Shelter staff look for a forever home for Factor
To find Factor a loving home to spend his last days in, the shelter made a plea to the public on its Facebook page:
“We are currently looking for someone to open their heart and home for our handsome big guy, Factor. Factor came to us as a stray with a very large mass on his back. We took him to the vet for surgery to remove the mass and received some very disheartening news. Factor had a large mast cell tumor and has 6 months or less to live.
We do not want this sweet boy to spend the rest of his life at the shelter and we are looking for someone that would be willing to be a hospice foster. If you have room in your heart and home for this big sweetie, please stop into the shelter at 810 N. Home Rd to meet Factor and fill out a foster application.”
And while he still had to be tested to see how well he did with other cats and dogs; the staff said Factor was very sweet and friendly. However, they also wanted him to heal from surgery before being sent to a new home. In the meanwhile, however, they planned to find him one.
An update on Factor
Luckily, the shelter gave everyone some good news in an update post. They wrote:
“UPDATE: We have a rescue group that has stepped forward. He will be leaving our shelter. Thank all of you for your interest and kind words! Factor is a very special boy and we are happy he will be in a home environment with a family!”
Factor will soon have a happy and loving home to spend his last days in, and he’ll finally get to experience what it’s like to be loved before crossing the Rainbow Bridge.
Cancer in dogs
Half of dogs over the age of ten develop cancer at some point in their lives, states Pet WebMD. The types of cancers that dogs generally develop include malignant lymphoma, skin cancer, bone cancer, as well as various tumors. In some cases, the dog can survive cancer. In others, however, all you can do is make them as comfortable as possible while they live out their last days.
How to detect cancer in your dog
The best way to detect cancer in dogs is to pay attention to their bodies. If you notice any swelling, which is common with lymphoma and tumors, have them checked out by a vet. You should also check their skin for any signs of discolored or otherwise unusual lumps, By catching cancer early, you have a greater chance of saving your dog’s life.
Check out this video with more advice on dealing with cancer in dogs.
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