Aimee Quemuel - 42 Rules to Fight Dog Cancer. Real Stories and Practical Approaches to Dealing with Dog Cancer

Copyright 2010, 2012 by Aimee Quemuel

All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher.

Published by Super Star Press, a Happy About imprint 20660 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 210, Cupertino, CA 95014
http://42rules.com

2nd Edition: November 2012
1st Edition: August 2010
Paperback ISBN (2nd Edition): 978-1-60773-106-1 (1-60773-106-1)
Paperback ISBN (1st Edition): 978-1-60773-030-9 (1-60773-030-8)
eBook ISBN: 978-1-60773-031-6 (1-60773-031-6)
Place of Publication: Silicon Valley, California, USA
Library of Congress Number: 2010923749

Trademarks

All terms mentioned in this book that are known to be trademarks or service marks have been appropriately capitalized. Happy About, nor any of its imprints, cannot attest to the accuracy of this information. Use of a term in this book should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark.

Warning and Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to make this book as complete and as accurate as possible. The information provided is on an "as is" basis. The author(s), publisher, and its agents assume no responsibility for errors or omissions nor assume liability or responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages arising from the use of information contained herein.

Praise For This Book!

"Having access to information such as what Aimee shares in her book has been reassuring and so educational. She has made this journey of fighting dog cancer a little more bearable, and inspired hope and optimism."
Annick Fournier, Owner of Anouch, Golden Retriever with Cancer

" 42 Rules to Fight Dog Cancer is all about the HERO's journey we are invited to walk when our dog has been given a cancer diagnosis. This journey often feels like a 'fight.' As you will discover the 'Rules' are really about learning to navigate this journey in a way that honors ourselves, our dog and the special bond we share. This is the true essence of healing. This is the gift we are invited to receive."
Liz Fernandez, DVM, Acupuncture for Pets

"After reading 42 Rules to Fight Dog Cancer , I am impressed with the concise approach the book offers on not only DEALING with a dog who has cancer, but also methods and steps on how to AVOID the possibility of contracting a cancerous disease. When we are faced with a tough challenge in our dog's life, it's comforting to know that this book will give you the direction and guidance to get you through your challenge. A MUST READ for any dog owner."
Mark Siebel, Owner - Lead Trainer/Behaviorist at DOGGIE STEPS Dog Training, LLC.

" 42 Rules to Fight Dog Cancer is a great guide full of helpful tips. It is a must read for anyone facing the dreaded diagnosis of cancer for his or her pet. Following the information in this book will give your pet the best chance of fighting this horrible disease."
Shawn Messonnier, DVM and award-winning author of The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my beloved Cody and to all the dogs and their owners who are currently fighting or have fought dog cancer. You are forever in my heart.

Cody Boy: November 8, 1995April 7, 2008
Survived cancer 519 days

Acknowledgments

There are so many people to thank for this book. First, I'd like to thank the contributors to this book, as without them, there would be nothing to be thankful for. I would also like to say thank you to my incredible friends and family, who provided me with continuous support and encouragement during and after Cody's cancer ordeal.

I especially would like to say thanks to those who went above and beyond the call of duty towards the end of Cody's life when he became paralyzed. This was an extremely stressful time for me, as it challenged me not only emotionally but also physically, as I had to move around a 75-pound dog. To Chelsea and David Linn, who helped me clean the feces off Cody when he first went down while we were in San Francisco. To my brother, Geoffrey Quemuel, who made Cody a special sling to help keep the circulation going in his legs. To my dad, Nestor Quemuel, who not only allowed Cody to swim in his pool, but also helped me in the grueling task of getting him in and out of his life jacket, which, without back legs, was not easy. To my mom, Joscelyn Quemuel, who would bring me food to keep my strength going. To my sister, Jinky Mosdale, for graciously putting up with a very sick dog in our then shared home. To my very dear friends, especially Aura Gonzales-Kuehl, who provided me with much needed emotional support despite the death of her father.

You are the people that touched my heart in ways I cannot explain and I will never forget.

In July 2000, I found out that my dog had cancer. I was shocked and devastated. Bullet was a strong, healthy, nine-year-old Siberian Husky and it was hard for me to believe that he had cancer. Thanks to my background as a researcher and medical animal writer, I was able to quickly gather the information I needed to formulate an attack plan. It was an all-out war, and I'm happy to say that we beat Bullet's cancer.

No matter how much information you accumulate, there is just no substitute for the sharing of stories. In this book, Aimee Quemuel has compiled wonderful canine cancer stories from people who fought (or are fighting) cancer for their dogs. Some are survival stories, some are not, but all will give you vital information and support in addition to some of the most heartwarming outpourings of love you will find anywhere. Each story illuminates one of Aimee's forty-two rules to fight dog cancer. The stories bring each rule to life by providing personal, real-life experiences in support of that rule. The rules that Aimee chose to include do a great job of covering some of the most important things to do and not to do if your dog has cancer.

A few of the stories you'll read were submitted by people who put their dogs through cancer treatment with help from the Magic Bullet Fund (MBF). As you might have guessed from the name, I founded this fund in honor of my boy Bullet. MBF provides financial assistance for people who have a dog with cancer, but cannot afford treatment costs. To date, the fund has seen eighty-six beautiful dogs through treatment that would not have had treatment without our help. The fund subsists on donations from individuals and corporations. You can apply for help or make a donation at
http://www.themagicbulletfund.org.

The sharing of stories is an ancient art. In 42 Rules to Fight Dog Cancer , Aimee provides a valuable resource of canine cancer rules and stories, but she doesn't stop there. Aimee also created an oasis on the Internet where we can share and pass on to new generations of dog lovers information that will help them, educate them, and encourage them to fight dog cancer.

Aimee's web site keeps the art of storytelling alive to help people who have dogs with cancer. At http://www.fightdogcancer.com , you'll see many stories by people fighting canine cancer. Read them to share the writer's discoveries, experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Some stories will show you what others have done for their dogs with the same type of cancer that you're fighting, and whether it worked or not. You'll find ideas that will help you make treatment decisions, diet decisions, and choices of supplements or alternative treatments. And, while you're there, don't forget to share your story with people who will truly understand and value your commitment, determination, and emotional investment.