May is Pet Cancer Awareness month

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/05/2022 (386 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Kali’s Wish Cancer Foundation is the first and only registered charity in Canada dedicated to helping guardians and their families who are dealing with pet cancer.

The foundation was launched in memory of Kali, a seven-year-old golden retriever who was diagnosed with a blood-borne cancer in 2003. Kali’s family was devastated by the news and struggled to find information about her type of cancer as well as the care and treatment options that were available.

The stress of having an ill pet can be overwhelming. Given their own experience, Kali’s family created Kali’s Wish Cancer Foundation to help educate and support other pet owners dealing with the same situation.

The vision of Kali’s Wish Cancer Foundation is that no one faces pet cancer alone and its mission is to provide the resources and emotional supports needed to navigate pet cancer.

Kali’s Wish posts information on its website about cancer prevention, the types and symptoms of pet cancer as well as treatment options. The foundation also helps facilitate connections to community resources that could be of assistance. In recognition of the pets that have passed away, it also features a pet memorial page.

Cancer in animals is not rare and the Veterinary Cancer Society estimates that one in four dogs will develop cancer at some point in their lives. My family has been affected by pet cancer, as our beloved cat Chelsea was diagnosed a number of years ago. Unfortunately, we were unaware of the support offered by Kali’s Wish Cancer Foundation had to offer.

In recognition of Pet Cancer Awareness Month, a campaign called “Stars for Kali’s Wish” is throughout May. Those who donate $1 or can place a star on the board to honour their pets fighting cancer, or those which have survived or passed away. Donations can be made online at www.kaliswish.org or at a participating Pet Planet store and will be used to develop educational tools, offer online expert advise and provide families with a free care package containing treats and toys. Income tax receipts are provided.

In addition to financial contributions, individuals wanting to help support Kali’s Wish can do so by volunteering or becoming a sponsor. Kali’s Wish is also on Facebook and has created a Pet Cancer Support Group page.