My 12-year-old dog, Emmy, is whipping cancer. She’s transformed over the last four weeks. Here’s how we’re doing it.
After a kidney cancer diagnosis (Tubular adenocarcinoma of the kidney), and a less than one year survival prognosis — if we removed the kidney and followed with chemo — we decided to fight it with science and nutrition. The goal, no suffering, and good, happy days for as long as possible. So far, we’re winning.
At diagnosis (4/12/16), Emmy had periodic vomiting, very little appetite, and lethargy. She was losing weight, was disengaged and mostly wanted to be alone, which is very unusual for my girl. I knew she didn’t feel good. Was she leaving? My first goal was to see if I could get her eating again.
The day after diagnosis I changed her diet from Simple Formula Wellness dog food (which I believe to be a high-quality food) to an all-human diet plus Nancy’s Superfood Pet Supplement. We started with scrambled eggs cooked in a tiny bit of coconut oil. She went for it.
My friend and animal healer, Nancy Seymour, inventor of the superfood supplement I’m using, is using her years of nutrition experience and guiding me every step of the way.
Her appetite immediately improved, but she was losing weight, down to 52 pounds. So, we increased the carbs. I alternated oatmeal and brown rice at meals, always sweet potatoes, plus a small amount of protein. A snack can be cottage cheese mixed with canned pumpkin. Peanut butter on mashed banana. I make Greek yogurt blueberry pops as a superfood treat. We limit the protein to no more than 20% of her diet so we don’t tax the kidneys. Anything that isn’t processed (meaning — you can see it in her poop!), I put in the blender. Easier to eat, easier for her body to digest. Every nutrient of the food is used by her system.
To be clear, this isn’t a table scraps diet. It’s a low salt, good oils (coconut and olive), good fats, good carbs and a controlled amount of protein. It took me about a week to get the hang of it.
Our results so far: She’s jumping up and down when it’s time to eat. She rolls around in the backyard. We walk 2-3 times a day.
That doesn’t look like a dog that’s dying to me. The cancer is still there, but she isn’t suffering. She’s happy, engaged and making the most of every day.
It makes me think, if we can transform a dog with cancer in just a few weeks using whole foods and nutritional supplementation, shouldn’t we be considering that option for people in the same predicament?
Nancy, you have been such a gift to her and us for all these years. We are so grateful for you!
#TeamEmmy
Vet visit update: Dr. Wages: “When I saw you were coming in for a bump on her gum, I thought what?! This dog is a miracle. She should’ve been dead a long time ago. She looks great. Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it. I don’t believe she is in any pain. She looks like an old dog; she doesn’t look like an old dog with cancer.” You should’ve seen Emmy dancing around, smiling, so chipper this morning!
Holiday update: Check out our video of Emmy enjoying Christmas!
https://www.facebook.com/shellysleslie/posts/10211311188156917
Update: Emmy is now 13, who last April gave up eating and connecting with family. Shows what a great owner can go with nutrition coaching and supplement. Still going and going. (Renal cancer tumor now the size of an orange).
Link video of Emmy in red coat
Read more about Emmy’s story here!
