Dog Cancer Success Story: Refusing Chemo for Lilli

What this episode covers

Meet John Mcleish, a devoted dog lover who shares his journey with Lilli, his 12-year-old Cocker Spaniel diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. His heartfelt story begins with navigating her cancer treatment during the global pandemic—which presented unique challenges—from limited veterinary access to tough decisions about chemotherapy and surgery. John opens up about: Recognizing early signs of illness during the pandemic lockdown. The difficulty of advocating for Lilli amidst restricted veterinary services. His choice to forgo chemotherapy and prioritize Lilli’s quality of life. The support and hope he found through The Dog Cancer Survival Guide and Apocaps. How Lilli’s spirit inspired him to stay strong, despite the emotional toll. John’s story offers valuable insights for anyone facing tough decisions about their dog’s cancer treatment. Key Moments: Discover how John recognized Lilli’s symptoms and took action. Learn about the importance of trusting your vet and seeking second opinions. Hear how adding a new puppy to the family brought joy during a tough time. Your Voice Matters! If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question. Related Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqaofR4XtBU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL7qmJN8KHw Related Links: The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: https://www.dogcancerbook.com Apocaps: https://apocaps.com/ This chemotherapy article covers EVERYTHING! https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/drugs/dog-chemotherapy/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:30 First Signs of Trouble: Lilli’s Diagnosis 02:00 Navigating a Pandemic and Delayed Care 05:15 The Surgery and Initial Results 07:30 The Recurrence: Making Tough Choices 10:45 Choosing Quality of Life Over Aggressive Treatment 16:00 The Role of Intuition and Advocacy in Dog Cancer 21:15 How Puppies Can Bring Joy During Hard Times 26:30 Imprinting and Legacy: Stories of Connection 28:00 John’s Best Advice for Dog Owners Facing Cancer 34:00 A Heartfelt Thanks and Final Words of Hope Get to know John Mcleish: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/john-mcleish/ For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education, go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Dog Cancer Answers?

This episode is 44 minutes long.

When was this Dog Cancer Answers episode published?

This episode was published on March 17, 2025.

What is this episode about?

Meet John Mcleish, a devoted dog lover who shares his journey with Lilli, his 12-year-old Cocker Spaniel diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. His heartfelt story begins with navigating her cancer treatment during the global pandemic—which presented unique...

Can I download this Dog Cancer Answers episode?

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