'My dog started acting strangely - it saved my life'
A woman credits her dog for saving her life after its anxious behavior led to her breast cancer diagnosis.
Chase Johnson, a 36-year-old woman from the UK, recounts how her dog Cato, a Labrador and retriever mix, displayed unusual behavior that eventually led to a critical health diagnosis. Cato began acting anxious and whimpering around her which prompted Chase to investigate the cause. The dog's behavior escalated when it poked her left breast with its nose; she felt discomfort and subsequently discovered a lump.
After finding the lump, Chase sought medical attention from her primary care provider. Following a series of appointments and a mammogram, she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease. Chase acted swiftly by undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, a lumpectomy, and lymph node removal, which proved successful, and she is now cancer-free.
Chase's story highlights the strong bond between pets and their owners and underscores the importance of additional awareness regarding health issues. An oncologist remarked that had Chase not followed up on her dog's concerning behavior, her prognosis might have been significantly worse. This case serves as a reminder of the potential role pets can play in our health and well-being.