Canine Cancer affects 1 out of every 3 Dogs.
Will your dog be the one?
Facts about Canine Cancer:
- Cancer is the #1 Cause of Death in Dogs.
- 1 in 3 dogs will get cancer and 50% of those will die of Cancer.
- Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) develops slowly, with no signs detectable until the late stages when the tumors are resistant to most treatments.
- Less than 50% of dogs treated for Hemangiosarcoma survive more than 6 months.
- Cancer is robbing us of our beloved companions at an unacceptable rate!
- Most pet owners find their dog has cancer when it's too late for successful treatment.
The Power of Community:
Join the movement to eliminate cancer as a major health problem in dogs through education, outreach, and research.
Finding a cure for canine cancer requires a united effort—a collective determination to invest in research, share knowledge, and break down barriers that impede progress. It is through collaboration, across veterinary medicine, scientific research institutions, and passionate advocates, that we can push boundaries and accelerate advancements in cancer treatment and prevention. By pooling our resources and expertise, we inch closer to unlocking the secrets of this complex disease.
Join the Movement...
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Suni's Story
In September 2006, Suni and Elicia were an internationally ranked agility team. For more than a decade, they could be seen competing on nationally televised events such as the ESPN GREAT OUTDOORS GAMES, the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge, and many other top agility venues.
One weekend they were competing and winning. The next weekend Suni Was fighting for her life. The diagnosis was Hemangiosarcoma. She was given one to four weeks to live.
A fighter to the end, Suni succumbed to the disease three months later. She was the reigning 2006 AKC 16" National Champion. Suni leaves behind a legacy of competitive excellence and a following of supporters and admirers unrivalved in the sport of agility.
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Tobie's Story
Tobie's story begins on a fateful day in 2012 when our lives were forever altered by a devastating car crash. Despite the chaos and confusion, Tobie's unwavering spirit carried her through the wreckage, emerging as a survivor against all odds. Her resilience and determination inspired those around her, serving as a beacon of hope amidst the darkest of moments. From that point forward, Tobie's journey became one of strength, love, and unwavering courage.
Following the crash, Tobie's extraordinary spirit propelled her toward incredible achievements. She defied expectations and went on to win two World Championship titles, showcasing her remarkable talent, dedication, and unwavering bond with Elicia. Tobie's triumphs not only celebrated her exceptional abilities but also symbolized the triumph of the human-animal bond, reminding us of the extraordinary things we can accomplish together.
Just as Tobie's star was shining brightly, fate dealt a cruel blow. In the midst of her triumphs, she was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma, a devastating form of cancer. The news shook our world, leaving us in disbelief and grappling with a profound sense of loss. Despite our collective hope and fervent prayers, the disease took Tobie from us far too soon, leaving an immense void in our lives.
Celebrating Tobie's Legacy:
Tobie's legacy extends far beyond her accolades and victories. Her story encapsulates the beauty of resilience, the power of love, and the profound impact our animal companions have on our lives. She touched the hearts of many, inspiring us to never give up and to cherish every moment with our beloved pets. Tobie's unwavering spirit, even in the face of adversity, continues to be a guiding light, reminding us to live each day with purpose and to celebrate the bond we share with our dogs.
We honor her spirit by cherishing the lessons she taught us about resilience, determination, and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals. In our grief, we find solace knowing that Tobie's legacy will continue to inspire others, reminding us to live fully, love deeply, and appreciate the incredible gifts our animal companions bring into our lives.
Life is a tapestry woven with unpredictable twists and turns, where moments of joy and triumph coexist with heart-wrenching tragedy. Tobie, a courageous and resilient soul, exemplified the indomitable spirit of a survivor. From the wreckage of a life-altering car crash to the pinnacle of two World Championship titles, Tobie's journey was an extraordinary testament to perseverance and the strength of the human-animal bond. However, as fate would have it, Tobie's story took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma. In just one week, we lost a true champion, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.
Although her life was tragically cut short by Hemangiosarcoma, Tobie's journey was a testament to the power of resilience, love, and the unwavering bond between humans and animals. Tobie's legacy lives on, reminding us to embrace every precious moment and to hold our beloved companions close to our hearts.
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How Suni is still fighting Hemangiosarcoma
The Suni Fund was created in honor of Suni, my heart and soul, who at the age of 11 ½ died in the prime of her agility career. As one of the most widely recognized agility dog icons on Animal Planet and top Agility Dogs in the world, she was not only a model representative for the USA at international events, but also for the Australian Shepherd breed. Suni touched many people’s lives both in and out of the sport of dog agility. She represented the true meaning of teamwork and relationship, shining with all of the attention.
Losing Suni to cancer left me feeling cheated – cheated out of a long life together. Everyone knows their time with their beloved animals is limited. But, to be full speed ahead in prime form one day, and the next day save her life and be told she only has 1 to 4 weeks to live, just seemed wrong and unfair.
I wanted to continue making a difference in the world in honor of Suni, as we did during her life in the sport of dog agility. So even though her body may be gone, her spirit will live on. She touched so many people’s lives both in and out of the agility ring, that I felt we could use this level of recognition to benefit others who might find themselves in a similar situation. I want to raise the level of awareness and education about this disease in order to save lives. I don’t want anyone else to go through what I did.
I was introduced to the NCCF when I received a card with a picture of Suni on the front, and a note stating that a large donation had been made in honor of Suni by many of her friends and agility fans. It was then I realized what an impact losing Suni to cancer would have not only in my life but in the world of dog agility. She was so respected and loved by so many people, that I felt we could help promote action to find a cure.
After speaking with Gary Nice, I decided to work with the National Canine Cancer Foundation because it truly is a “nationwide, contribution-funded, non-profit corporation dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem in dogs.”
My goal for the Suni Fund is to raise the level of awareness for a specific type of cancer called Hemangiosarcoma. It is a cancer of the blood and is most often found in the spleen or heart if it is diagnosed at all.
As I went through the three extra ‘bonus’ months with Suni and did everything possible for her treatment in hopes of a cure or buying quality time together, I came to realize just how many dogs in the sport of dog agility have died of Hemangiosarcoma. Most of the dogs, however, were not able to get the extra time as Suni did, because it was not diagnosed in time. Even more, there is still no cure.
A number of contributing factors can play into this, but no one knows how to determine if dogs are predisposed to H.S.A. Certainly, we need to find a marker so that preventative action can be taken. Also, if dogs are lucky enough to be diagnosed before the condition is too far gone, we need to find a treatment to cure them.
This is our purpose. The Suni Fund is focused on supporting grants for Hemangiosarcoma cancer research so that accurate diagnoses, preventative treatments, and a cure can be found! I believe that any of the treatments and cures that we find for cancer in dogs will benefit cancer in humans as well, so what have we got to lose!?!
We need your help to save lives! Don’t let another animal die because we didn’t find a way to stop the cancer from killing them!
Why Suni?
I would like to honor her by allowing her recognition and notoriety to bring more attention to finding a cure.
