Canine Bone Cancer Warriors
Photos of “Dylan” courtesy of Debbie Safran.
“Dylan” Safran
Sweet Dylan, dubbed the laziest Greyhound by his mom, is a retired racing Greyhound who was adopted at 6 years of age. He was such a good racer that he retired "out" of racing!
His mom, Debbie, runs Chase Away 5K every year, which also benefits the National Canine Cancer Foundation via Chase Away K9 Cancer. In the midst of planning the ninth annual event in the fall of 2019, Dylan was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer), which seems to be a relatively common cancer in Greyhounds.
His family knew that there was something wrong long before x-rays were able to detect the cancer in his leg. According to Debbie, Dylan (unlike most dogs who prefer to mask their pain) would let them know when he was uncomfortable. Thanks to Dylan’s “insistence” that they visit the vet with him so frequently, his cancer was still found relatively early. He had his right hind leg amputated - the “gold standard” for osteosarcoma treatment - and underwent 6 rounds of chemotherapy. Debbie also sought out monthly acupuncture and added that to his wellness routine. One of the Safran family’s previous Greyhounds, “Ellie,” had significantly benefited from a combined approach of Eastern and Western medicine after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2006.
Despite being a very sensitive dog, Dylan tolerated chemotherapy very well. The Safrans were delighted when Dylan’s veterinary oncologist gave them the green light to bring him to the 2019 Chase Away 5K as a donation dog.
The Safrans have had to make a few modifications to Dylan’s lifestyle since his cancer diagnosis. For instance, they have needed to shorten his already-shortened walks. According to Debbie, he takes his retirement from racing “very seriously” and doesn’t like long nature hikes. Instead, they go for “Dilly Walks” - short walks meant just for him! Regardless of the modifications, he has adapted well and remains very happy.
As of the spring of 2021, Dylan has been living life to the fullest over a year-and-a-half after his cancer diagnosis. This is a very big milestone. The Safrans have had two previous Greyhounds with osteosarcoma and know what a difficult cancer it can be. Each day with Dylan is a day that the Safrans are incredibly grateful to have. #livelifetothefullest #tripawdsrule