This past June, I had the pleasure of attending a book launch and signing for the terrific new book “Lucky Dog: How Being a Veterinarian Saved My Life” by Dr. Sarah Boston. What made this signing unique was that Sarah spent part of her life right here in Saskatoon and studied veterinary medicine at the University of Saskatchewan.
“Lucky Dog” is the touching, mind-boggling, and often hilarious story of how this renowned veterinary oncologist was forced to become her own advocate when she discovered a suspicious growth in her neck. Her experience working with small animals triggered her fears that the growth very likely was thyroid cancer. However, getting the health care system to validate her suspicions proved to be a long and arduous challenge for Dr. Boston.
Drawing from her experiences as a veterinary surgical oncologist, Sarah could not help but become frustrated, and more than a little angry, with how long it took for her to be seen by physicians and oncology specialists. Her furry patients travel quickly along their journeys with cancer from diagnosis, to surgery, treatments, and follow-up – usually within weeks. While, their human counterparts often have to wait for months and months to even begin their journeys.
Once I started reading “Lucky Dog”, I found I simply could not put it down. Through her use of sharp humour, and inner strength, I found myself wanting to stand up, cheer, and shout – “You go girl!” Sadly, Sarah’s story echoes many of stories shared by HOPE members. For those members who do not have Sarah’s medical background, experience, and personal grit, HOPE must step up to advocate and fight on their behalf.
A copy “Lucky Dog” signed by the author is available through the HOPE Resource Library. You have my personal guarantee that you will be inspired and entertained by this marvelous book.
By: Donna Boyce, Coordinator, HOPE Cancer Help Centre