Bocker Labradoodle’s Journey with Cancer
Today’s inspiration Monday is dedicated to our pal and one truly amazing therapy dog, Bocker Labradoodle. I had an amazing time visiting the giant Labradoodle and his mom, Marie, this past week. After hearing of Bockers diagnosis a year ago, it was so inspiring to see first hand how healthy and happy he is. He greeted me with his infectious smile, famous Bocker head tilt and undeniable positive energy. His strong will and perseverance are a true inspiration for anyone battling or affected by cancer. Now he’s on a mission to help end cancer for pets everywhere.
Bocker’s Journey
About a year ago, Bocker who has done so much for so many—from differently abled children and adults to raising money for good causes— was diagnosed with lymphoma.
Read: Bocker Labradoodle Fights Cancer
He and his mom Marie are such caring and giving people, it was really unfair for such a hardship as cancer to happen to them. But the pair has proven they are unstoppable. After 25 weeks of chemotherapy, Bocker is once again wagging his tail and smiling.
See Bocker in our TV episode, Dogs Make A Difference
Cancer is horrible, whether it occurs in humans or our canine companions. But the link in curing both may be closer than you think. In a paper published on September 16, 2015, in Genome Research by Elvers et al, researchers successfully defined molecular subtypes of lymphoma from three dog breeds in comparison to the same human cancer.
“Working with the tumor DNA of golden retrievers, cocker spaniels, and boxers, we have identified genes with known involvement in human lymphoma and other cancers as well as novel genes that could help in the discovery of much-needed new treatment options for cancer.” – Dr. Jessica Alfoldi of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
Once again dogs, who we so closely share our homes and lives with, are able to make a huge difference, this time aiding in our understanding of cancer in both species.
Read: Research on cancer in dogs helps humans via AKC Canine Health Foundation
Canine cancer that takes way too many dogs too early. Malignant Lymphoma (tumors in the lymph nodes) is one of the more common cancers in older dogs. Help Bocker put an end canine cancer by supporting the new #CurePetCancer photo contest this November.
How You Can Help: Nationwide Pet Contest
Post your pet photos throughout November with #CurePetCancer (make sure the photo setting is public) on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and Nationwide Pet will give Animal Cancer Foundation $5 (up to $20,000) for each photo published for pet cancer research. It’s a simple way you can help raise money for cancer research and awareness. End this disease that affects so many we love.
This past weekend the Pet Cancer Awareness Walk took place and it was a huge success! The Animal Cancer Foundation was presented with a $27,617 cheque for cancer research. Join the fight and lets end cancer together.
Love Bocker? Support his efforts by purchasing one of his pawsome products:
Show your pride in a Team Bocker T-Shirt. New design now out!
Chasing Bockers Tail: Read all about Bocker’s life in this book featuring many unseen photos.
Make 2016 a Bocker year! Order your Bocker Calendar at: https://www.bocker.tv/shop
Famous Dogs of Facebook Colouring Book: Coloring isn’t just for kids—it’s a way for anyone to overcome stress and get back to their creative side. Some people even consider it a meditative activity. That’s why adults are hooked on coloring books. Get your autographed copy today!
It is always good to hear of a postive outcome with Lymphoma. Bailey is doing better than expected although we chose not to do chemo and are only doing Steroids. We wish your friend well.
So glad Bailey is doing better. I wanted to share this as Bocker is raising $ to help people and dogs so they don’t go through the financial and emotional burden alone. Hoping the steroids work well (Chemo is not for all). Wishing you all the best XOXOX Susie and Kilo
Yes, unfortunately I have lost several dogs to cancer, including one to lymphoma when she was only 5-6 years old. I am glad Bailey is doing so well and hope he continues to kick cancer’s butt!
I’m relieved to hear this lovely pup’s story has a happy ending.
It’s great the chemo helped Bocker. I’ll have to make a note to participate.
Bocker is gorgeous. Sadly we lost both our last two dogs to cancer. We definitely agree that funding cancer research for dogs helps humans too!
We lost Cookie to cancer- she was a big lab and nearly 14 but it made her last 6 months miserable so like to support efforts to beat it. Also great if helps humans too.
Bicker is such a special dig, I’m sorry he’s had to go through this but glad he’s doing well w/ treatment. One of my friend’s dogs, Frankie, is battling canine lymphoma as well. He is a wonderful therapy dog too.
Live & biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Does Frankie’s family need help or someone to talk to. I am sure Marie would share. She is truly amazing and knows some great support organizations etc
Those cuddle brocker’s are just too cute. cancer sucks, way to to brocker kicking it’s ass!
I love a story where the star beats the odds! Great update on Bocker. Thanks so much!