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In January, 2007, our 6-year-old Golden Retriever, Sonja, was diagnosed with lymphoma; we were devastated. Sonja's been the light of our lives since she was 5 weeks old, so the thought of her threatened by this deadly disease was horrifying. Fortunately, we found great support, guidance, education and treatment from so many sources.
Our first line of defense came from our friends at Aacacia Animal Hospital (www.aacaciaanimalhospital.net), with Dr. Laure Ross, leading the team who diagnosed Sonja's disease. Although Sonja's symptoms were very non-specific, Dr. Ross persisted until the source of her strange behavior and general 'just not right' condition was identified. Dr. Ross administered early treatment to support Sonja until her first oncology visit.
Our next stop was the Murrieta office of California Veterinary Specialists Angel Care Cancer Center (www.cvsangelcare.com) where Sonja was immediately placed in the care of Dr. Greg Ogilvie and Dr. David Proulx, two of the top veterinary oncologists available today. She was declared 'in remission' after her third treatment, and continues an aggressive course of chemotherapy to help ensure the longest, healthiest life possible for her.
Our best support always came from family and friends who've always been there to help us with support, jokes, hugs, advice, fundraising ideas and just being there when we need them.
Somewhere along the way, I was directed to a very special group of people who participate in an online support group called "Lymphoma Heart Dogs". This is simply a group of folks who've experienced the pain, frustration and sense of loss that accompanies a lymphoma diagnosis for a very special friend.
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