06/10/2025
It’s taken me a while to write this.
It’s never something any pet owner wants to hear: “Your dog has cancer.”
Hazel is approximately 14 years old. Her life before me wasn’t ideal — she was fed cheap kibble and had regular flea medications applied — things I now understand can heavily impact long-term health. For the last 5 years, she’s been on a raw diet with minimal carbs and a rotation of quality supplements. Before that, she was on a “premium” kibble, which at the time I thought was the best option.
I believe cancer — in both humans and animals — is often the result of chronic exposure to toxins: pesticides, laundry detergents, food additives, and so much more. I’ll dive into those thoughts another time, but right now, I want to share Hazel’s story and our path forward — in case it helps someone else going through something similar.
About 7 months ago, Hazel began experiencing unusual nighttime breathing issues. I took her in for x-rays and bloodwork. Everything came back clear — no signs of tumors, and her bloodwork was perfect. The vet suspected acid reflux, but my gut said otherwise. Because it wasn’t interfering with her quality of life at the time, I held off on further action.
About a month ago, the symptoms worsened. Then one day, she had a bloody nose. We repeated bloodwork — this time, some levels were elevated, and the vet noted a slight swelling in the affected nostril. They recommended a CT scan, but I declined.
Before anyone grabs their pitchforks — let me explain.
Hazel is a senior chihuahua mix. At 14, and with what we suspect is a nasal tumor, surgery wouldn’t be an option regardless of the scan results. The CT alone would be $1,500. If money weren’t a concern, I would want the scan — not to treat, but to learn. But in this case, the diagnosis wouldn’t change the outcome or care plan.
So instead, we are focusing on what we can do:
🌿 She still enjoys raw meaty bones — chicken necks and duck wings are her favorite.
🌿 She gets Turkey Tail and Chaga mushroom support daily.
🌿 We add apple cider vinegar (when she’ll accept it), and she’s no longer a fan of most ground meats or anything with too many supplements mixed in.
🌿 We diffuse essential oils at night — blends that are gentle, safe, and support her comfort.
🌿 And most of all, we are monitoring her energy, her appetite, and her bloodwork — adjusting things as needed to keep her feeling good.
Right now, Hazel is still full of life. She’s picky, sassy, and knows what she wants — and we’re going to ride this journey out on her terms. My goal is to keep her comfortable, happy, and deeply loved.
Thank you to those who support us and understand that sometimes, quality of life matters more than aggressive intervention. I’ll continue to share what I’m doing in case it helps someone else navigating something similar with their pet.
❤️ Hazel, you are my heart dog. We’ve got you.