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Sniffing out cancer before tests show it's there.
Written by Dennis Michael Lynch.
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Summer and me.
GOD’s CREATURES
This Is Not By Chance
I think God put everything and everyone into place with a designed plan and purpose. I think we fail to understand this fully, case in point: dogs. They are deemed as house pets — but the role they serve is so much bigger than we understand. — DML
A Loyal Companion Saves a Life
Recently, a 48-year-old Californian woman faced a life-changing moment thanks to her Chihuahua-Maltese mix. Diagnosed with lobular carcinoma, a common form of breast cancer, the woman credited her dog for sensing the illness before medical tests confirmed it. The dog’s unusual behavior—persistent sniffing around her breasts and conveying unusual sadness, resting his head on her lap following the sniffing —prompted the lady to push for mammograms despite initial medical dismissals. A biopsy confirmed the cancer, underscoring the power of a dog’s intuition. Her story should resonate with all of us, especially those of us over 50, highlighting how pets can be lifesavers.
My wife, Mary, has been battling a harrowing neurological illness. When it was at its worst, we went for a series of tests. For weeks, we anxiously awaited spinal tap results, and Mary, convinced of a dire outcome, slipped into a slight depression. Our dog, Summer, is ALWAYS inseparable from me, but she sensed Mary’s distress.
Mary’s condition forced her to sleep downstairs due to mobility issues, I remained upstairs. Sensing Mary’s depression, Summer chose to stay by her side every night—a surprising shift that was undeniable. Remarkably, once the spinal tap results confirmed Mary’s life wasn’t at risk and her depression lifted, Summer returned to sleeping with me upstairs, unprompted. This intuitive bond highlights the profound emotional support pets can offer during challenging times.
Dogs offer more than companionship; they deliver measurable health benefits, especially for those 65 and older. Studies show pet ownership reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and boosts cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association notes dog owners are more likely to meet physical activity goals, as daily walks improve mobility and combat sedentary lifestyles. For seniors, pets alleviate loneliness, fostering emotional resilience. A 2023 study found 80% of breast cancer patients felt their pets provided love and a positive presence, acting as emotional buffers during treatment. Dogs also encourage routine, giving older adults purpose—feeding, grooming, and walking create structure in retirement years.
Detecting Health Issues: Research from 2021 showed trained dogs identified breast cancer in urine samples with 100% accuracy, suggesting a unique ability to smell volatile organic compounds emitted by cancer cells. This olfactory prowess makes dogs potential early-warning systems for older people, who face higher cancer risks.
To maximize health benefits, experts say to choose a dog suited to your lifestyle—smaller breeds for less active seniors, or adopt a trained service dog for specific needs. Regular vet checkups, a balanced diet, and safe exercise routines ensure your pet thrives, enhancing your bond. For those unable to own pets, therapy dogs or cat cafés offer similar emotional boosts without full responsibility.
These stories prove dogs are more than pets—they’re health allies. For people 50 and over, a dog’s loyalty can spark joy, movement, and even life-saving awareness, making them invaluable companions.
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Take the bite out of rising vet costs with pet insurance
Veterinarians across the country have reported pressure from corporate managers to prioritize profit. This incentivized higher patient turnover, increased testing, and upselling services. Pet insurance could help you offset some of these rising costs, with some providing up to 90% reimbursement.