Cancer Detecting Dog, Comet

We are so pleased to find out that one of the golden retrievers we bred has a very important job. Comet has been training and passed the testing and has been identified as a dog capable of detecting lung cancer. He works several days a week training and working. What a wonderful job his owners have done with him to devote the time required for this specialized work.

If you would like to see him at work, there is a short video at this link below:

https://clevercanines.ca/canine-cancer-detection

Comet

Golden Retriever
DOB: February 15, 2012
team member since August 2014

A graduate of clevercanines pupstart and core programs, Comet has been in the cancer detection program since August 2014. His favourite reward is treats. Comet’s natural alert is to drool excessively while licking the correct sample, which through training, he no longer does. His trained alert is to sit in front of the correct sample. Comet is incredibly thorough, often going up and down the row of samples several times before selecting the correct station to ensure confidence in his decision. He is incredibly diligent and has a strong work ethic.

Spirit

Spirit knows what we need and when if we are open to it.
Today I met a very kind 75 year old man who had the table beside me at the annual arts and crafts guild sale. It was both our first time for doing this sale, so we put our chairs side by side and chatted when we could. He was a horseman and made stunning, highly crafted horsehair belts, hat bands etc. He had to press the base of his neck to talk as the doctors had removed his voicebox in a 9 hour operation. He is now 2 years cancer free, that was at stage 4. Over the course of the day he and his 20ish granddaughter told me of his experience with the doctors and procedures at the U of A and the Cross Hospital in Edmonton, where Mom will be going for treatment of pancreatic cancer that was confirmed yesterday.They offered comfort and reassurance of the quality of care and support he received. He now walks a mile a day, rides and is planning next years sales where he can sell his work. He was inspiring.Any success of the sale, whether sales or promotion didn't matter one bit by the end of the sale. My day was important for many other reasons. Thank you Spirit.