They say animals have an innate understanding and can sense when things are not right. There are dogs who are trained to help cancer patients and those suffering from disabilities giving love, support, and comfort. Their constant affection and desire to please are a welcomed distraction to the pain and stress to those living with a terminal illness. The pets bring love and joy into their lives and offer much-needed relief.
Stuart Hutchison was 18 years old when he was diagnosed with brain cancer.
Stuart, from Alloa, Scotland, was diagnosed with cancer at a young age. He underwent eight years of chemotherapy and surgery but the cancer had spread. Multiple scans were coming back clear, but he continued to have pain and more testing showed that the cancer had spread to his bones, his brain, and his pelvis. Helping him with his fight, Stuart had three dogs, but his French Bulldog, Nero, never left his side.
Stuart’s mom, Fiona Conaghan, says he and the dog “were like one man”.
Nero never left his side and was always with him. The pair was inseparable.
Stuart got married and his loving dog stayed by his side.
Stuart’s battle was long and hard. He was never in remission and had relapsed twice but Stuart had the loving support of his family. He married Danielle after they had been together for six years and got engaged in 2017. She was there for him and stood by his side during his long battle.
Stuart passed away at home.
After years of treatment, Stuart lost his battle to cancer at the young age of 25 years old. The last four weeks of his life, by his choice, were spent at home with his family. His wife and mother cared for him at his mother’s home, but still, the pain of losing Stuart is hard.
“We expected it but it is still tough. It is still a shock and traumatic when it finally comes.” the family describes.
Dog, Nero, passed away 15 minutes later.
The loving dog could not bear to live without his beloved owner. Within minutes of Stuart’s passing, Nero died as well.
The heartbroken family knew this tough day would come but they are thankful for the love and support that Stuart and Neuro shared for each other.
His family says that, “Stuart was a strong, loveable character, everyone loved him.”
Like Nero, dogs are known to help cancer patients.
Cancer centers and doctors across the world are looking into and have found evidence to support that cancer patients with pets find a source of comfort and distraction which helps aid their stress levels.
It is called Animal-assisted therapy and is being tested at hospitals and clinics such as the Cancer Treatment Center of America. Therapy dogs are trained and help provide a sense of love and comfort to those battling cancer.
Loving pets are often a source of encouragement and support that we could not do without. They love unconditionally and are a true man’s best friend.
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