Dogs are much more than mere pets; they are profound teachers, imparting valuable life lessons to their human companions. Renée Alsarraf, DVM, DACVIM (Onc), shared insightful reflections during her keynote lecture at the Fetch dvm360 conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey. With over 30 years of experience as a veterinary oncologist and the author of the memoir Sit Stay, Heal: What Dogs Can Teach Us About Living Well, Alsarraf conveyed six life lessons learned from her canine patients and her own dog during her journey through cancer.
Overcoming Adversity
Alsarraf’s own battle with endometrial cancer, diagnosed in 2018 despite no clinical signs and routine checkups, profoundly shaped her perspective. Her treatment included a radical hysterectomy, 25 sessions of radiation therapy, and extensive chemotherapy, all accompanied by various side effects. Through this difficult period, she found inspiration in her dog patients, who became her role models for resilience. “They set the bar higher for me, giving me hope and determination,” Alsarraf reflected.
Lesson #1: Dogs Never Judge
The first lesson humans can learn from dogs is their unwavering acceptance. “We all have periods in our lives where it’s hard to face another person, where we’re embarrassed by a misstep,” Alsarraf noted. Unlike humans, dogs do not judge; they simply love and accept us as we are. Their emotional intelligence allows them to sense our feelings without imposing moral judgments.
Alsarraf shared a poignant example involving her own dog, Newton. “Despite my chemotherapy hair plastered to my skull and wearing my pajamas for days, [Newton] loved me just the same,” she recalled. His unconditional love reminded Alsarraf of her worth and provided the strength to persevere through her challenges.
Lesson #2: The Benefit of Being a Pack Animal
As pack animals, dogs thrive on companionship and collaboration, a concept that Alsarraf highlighted during her lecture. This innate instinct to support one another is crucial for survival in the wild. Alsarraf pointed to research showing that owning dogs has numerous health benefits, including improved emotional well-being and lower blood pressure.
She shared the story of Frannie, a police bloodhound diagnosed with a gastric mast cell tumor. Despite concerns that chemotherapy might impair her sense of smell, Frannie continued her work and set a record in New Jersey for her successful rescues. “I believe that we are much better as a pack… supporting each other,” Alsarraf emphasized. This inner circle of support fosters a sense of connection and belonging, reminding us of the importance of community.
Serving Society Through Canine Companionship
In closing, Alsarraf expressed her belief that dogs enter our lives when we need them most. Each dog brings unique lessons, reinforcing the bond between humans and canines. “As veterinarians serve dogs, they are also serving society,” she stated, reflecting on the profound lessons she has learned from her canine patients throughout her career.
These insights highlight not only the resilience and unconditional love embodied by dogs but also their invaluable role in promoting emotional health and community support among humans. Through their simple yet profound existence, dogs continue to teach us essential life lessons that can help us navigate the complexities of life with grace and understanding.
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