Pet Owner Stories

Rusty

Pet Owner Name: Suzanne Goulet

City & State: Fallbrook, California

Pet's Name: Rusty

Diplomate's Name: Dr. Brenda Phillips

Specialty: Oncology

Care Center Name: Veterinary Specialty Hospital, San Diego

Date of Story: February 5, 2008

How you met your Diplomate / Diagnosis:

Last year, I decided to volunteer as a foster mom for the Cavalier Rescue Group. In April 2007, I received a call from the Rescue Chair for the Western Region asking me if I would be interested in fostering a six and a half year old brother and sister pair named Rusty and Gina. Unfortunately, at the time of placement in foster, Rusty was already battling lymphoma.

After a visit with my regular veterinarian, we were referred to the Veterinary Specialty Hospital in San Diego for a consultation with Dr. Brenda Phillips, one of two Oncologists on staff there. Upon review of Rusty's medical records, Dr. Phillips discussed the treatment options available. We decided to move forward with Chemotherapy and began these treatments shortly thereafter.

Rusty responded very well through the first series of chemotherapy treatments; however, in September he relapsed and so we began a roller coaster ride of emotions as we tried to find that miracle chemotherapy drug that would "cure" my beloved Rusty of this dreadful disease. Unfortunately, that miracle never came. Sadly, on November 5th seven months to the day that Rusty and his sister were placed in foster, Rusty lost his battle with cancer; a battle he fought so valiantly.

Just two days before his passing, we spent a remarkable day at the beach where he discovered the joys of playing in sea water, and uncovering all that nature has to offer; including a clam shell that he tried so hard to open. Ironically, our original plan that day was to participate in the K9 Cancer Walk; however, due to the fires in Southern California, the walk was postponed until the following weekend, after Rusty's passing.

I like to think that our day at the beach was meant to be a time for the two of us to share and enjoy, and we certainly did! In his honor, Rusty's sister Gina and I participated in the K9 Cancer Walk bearing his picture on my chest and our memories together in my heart. He was truly one remarkable boy and he is dearly missed by his "mom", sister Gina, and two Cavalier brothers!

The love and care that Dr. Phillips and her staff provided to Rusty during his weekly chemotherapy visits was nothing short of awe inspiring. It also made it easier on me as I knew he was is very capable and loving hands for his day long weekly visits. Not only am I forever grateful to Dr. Phillips and her staff for allowing me the seven months I was able to spend with Rusty, I am deeply moved by the love and support they gave Rusty while he was in their care.

Pet Owner Committee

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