Celebrating a Miraculous Birthday and Raising Funds for Canine Osteosarcoma Research

On 15th October 2007, five and a half year old Deerhound Darcy was a normal, healthy dog who'd been out for a good run and had played with her canine family members. The following morning, she walked across the living room and broke her front right leg. Darcy was x-rayed within hours and by 3pm, a diagnosis of bone cancer was given and her owners, Bev & Marc Doyle (of Oldham, UK) were given the options of euthanasia or amputation. They opted for amputation.

Darcy returned home the following day and began her recovery from surgery. The biopsy results showed that the cancer had been the dreaded osteosarcoma and three weeks after surgery, Darcy began her chemotherapy (She had Carboplatin, Doxorubicin, Carboplatin & Doxorubicin at three week intervals).

Statistically, in 98% of cases, a dog with Osteo will already have a spread of the disease, before the owner is aware that the dog has it full stop.

Every milestone that Darcy achieves is celebrated with great love and pride.

On her 6th Birthday (just less than 6 months after diagnosis) she had a party at home. On the first anniversary of her diagnosis, she had another party at home (both were attended by many of her human supporters).

On 6th April 2009, Darcy will - quite miraculously - be celebrating her 7th birthday and this time, the party will be held in Heaton Park, Manchester (click for map) and as well as being a big celebration for Darcy, it will also be an opportunity for Darcy and her family to raise funds for research into canine osteosarcoma. All funds raised will go to The Greyhound Health and Wellness Program at Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine which is headed by the world renowned Dr Guillermo Couto. Although the word greyhound is in the title, the research carried out as part of the wellness programme will of course help other dogs as well as greyhounds. Information on the programme can be seen here. Dr Couto is aware of Darcy's fundraising and when the funds are sent in, it will be specified that they are used for oncology research.

If you (and your dogs) would like to join Darcy and her family at this event, please contact Bev by email and she will provide full details of the exact venue, time etc.

Bev is also accepting charitable donations to be used specifically for oncology research in dogs. Bev has a PayPal account set up for this purpose. If you would like to donate then please contact Bev directly.

Darcy, Duffy & Marc