November 6, 2025
Leave a Comment
In honor of Pet Cancer Awareness Month and in light of Koru Bear’s recent retirement as a therapy dog and diagnosis with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), we were invited by Pet Partners to share our story as part of a joint awareness campaign.
Through this reflection, I hope to bring light to the strength, love, and lessons that come from walking through life’s changes with a therapy dog — from joyful visits to facing a cancer diagnosis, and learning that even after retirement, purpose and connection never truly fade.
Our therapy journey was all about sharing comfort, joy, and bringing smiles. Koru Bear’s gentle golden heart shone brightest during visits to seniors in memory care and hospice—where his soft nuzzle or gentle paw brought peace and connection in the quietest, most meaningful ways.
When Koru Bear was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a type of blood cancer, everything changed. Though I was grateful it was caught early, it was still a difficult truth to face. I immediately went into research mode—determined to understand what this meant for his life. With his immune system now compromised, I became extra attentive to every detail—his appetite, energy, and even the smallest behavioral changes. Our routine changed too: we chose safer walking routes, scheduled regular vet visits, learned to interpret bloodwork, added supplements, and spent countless moments in careful observation. Through it all, Koru Bear’s happiness never wavered. His bright smiles and wagging tail reminded me that joy can exist even in the face of challenge.
This journey taught me lessons I hope every therapy-dog handler remembers. First, always listen to your dog—observe their cues and prioritize their comfort and quality of life above all. Retirement is not an ending, but a gentle transition. There are many ways to keep your dog active, engaged, and fulfilled without the demands of therapy visits. Koru Bear may have retired from therapy visits, but he continues to bring joy as an “office dog,” greeting clients and sharing quiet moments of comfort. While I’m more selective about where we go now, Koru Bear still loves his walks and meeting people—he continues to bring smiles wherever he goes.
And finally, plan ahead. Start thinking about retirement before you have to. Health changes or a cancer diagnosis can happen unexpectedly, as it did with Koru Bear and me. Life can shift suddenly, but having a plan for your dog’s next chapter helps ease the transition for both of you. That way, when the time comes, retirement feels like a natural shift rather than a sudden loss.
Koru Bear’s golden heart continues to shine, reminding me every day that his love and purpose haven’t ended with retirement or a cancer diagnosis — they’ve simply taken on new forms.
Koru Bear’s journey is a reminder that even in life’s hardest moments, our dogs continue to teach us grace, courage, and unconditional love. By sharing our story, we hope to raise awareness about pet cancer and inspire other pet parents to listen closely, cherish deeply, and honor every stage of their dog’s life. Because love doesn’t stop with a diagnosis—it simply finds new ways to shine.
Pet therapy animal volunteers change lives. If your dog has the qualities to be a therapy dog and you’d like to join the Pet Partners therapy dog volunteer team, we invite you to visit Pet Partners Volunteer tab on their website to learn more. Together, you and your dog can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
English (US) · 