by lighting another"
~Unknown
Kali's Story
Kali was a dynamic 7 ½ year old Golden Retriever. She was taken by the most deadly and invasive disease affecting our beloved pets today - cancer.
A recent study showed that at least 63% of Golden Retrievers will die of cancer. Moreover, approximately 400 out of 1000 dogs will develop cancer and close to 200 out of 1000 cats will develop feline leukemia.
The statistics are alarming and the first step in fighting this deadly trend is awareness. It is important for pet guardians to know what steps they can take to minimize the cancer risk in their companions. Understanding the warning signs of cancer is imperative to early diagnosis and treatment. When the diagnosis is cancer, loving pet owners need to know that there are options for treatment - medically and alternatively.
Just like people, pets can develop cancer from environmental toxins - pesticide use, toxic household cleaners and second-hand smoke – which may cause healthy cells to turn cancerous. Additionally, and likely more importantly, genetic abnormalities must be examined as a true cause of many cancer cases, particularly as it relates to certain pre-disposed breeds. Lastly, commercial diets that provide little nutritional value will suppress our pet's immune system and over time make them more susceptible to this disease.
The Foundation was named “Kali’s Wish” because I believe that her wish from where she is now is for the day when far fewer families are forced to deal with the devastating loss of a beloved canine or feline family member to this deadly disease. While Kali’s life on Earth is tragically over, the work she has inspired for those of us left behind has only just begun. The Foundation has become her legacy.
The Kali's Wish Cancer Foundation will become an important link between pet guardians and both the conventional and complementary medical communities in Canada.
Laura Leah English
Founder
Kali's Wish Cancer Foundation