Temporary Pet Care Now Available for BCRC Clients

There’s nothing more comforting than the happy face of a beloved pet. Understandably, it’s often the first thing someone recovering from breast cancer surgery might want to see when they arrive back home from the hospital. But this isn’t always possible – especially when there isn’t anyone else available to help care for their pets while undergoing surgery and recovery.

That’s why the Breast Cancer Resource Center and Wags & Whiskers, a local non-profit organization, have partnered in a new program to make sure that patients and pets are re-united without having to face the possibility of surrendering them to a shelter.

“My dogs were taken care of and loved on – a true blessing,” said Amber, a BCRC client who recently underwent breast cancer surgery and left her pet dogs Pearl and Cleo under the watchful and loving care of Wags & Whiskers volunteer Angela Ritter. “Miss Angela was perfect,” said Amber, emphasizing the peace of mind she had while apart from her pets. “She would text. She would send pictures. The communication between she and I reassured me that Pearl and Cleo were well taken care of.”

“It was really wonderful helping someone going through the breast cancer process because I’ve gone through it myself twice,” said Angela. “It was also wonderful to allow Amber to concentrate on recovering. I stayed in communication with Amber every day.”

This program provides temporary pet care services for individuals undergoing and recovering from breast cancer treatment. Any current BCRC client who is facing treatment and has a pet needing temporary placement should ask their Patient Navigator about these services to start the referral process.

“I was just happy to see them — tails wagging, bringing toys,” said Amber about her reunion with Pearl and Cleo. “They were really excited. It was really heartwarming.”