Hi First name / Friend,

 

Thank you for your interest in research to help dogs!

 

Here are 12 memorable photos from 2025.

 

1  

In January, Mila joined our clinical trial to see if a new immune-stimulating treatment could help her with her inoperable thyroid cancer. We were thrilled when most of her metastatic tumors stabilized or started shrinking after several weeks of treatment!  

2  

What causes hemangiosarcoma? This question prompted us this spring to contact multiple scientists.  The Duke University team conceived a new study to investigate the link between environmental toxin exposure and hemangiosarcoma risk. In our webinar, Dr. Catherine Wise described how everyday chemicals—like flame retardants and plastic additives—are putting dogs at risk of cancer. The results from their hemangiosarcoma study are expected in 2026.

 

3 

In April, we met beautiful Rainier and his mom, Kasey. Last year (Aug 2024), they were told Rainier’s osteosarcoma had spread to his lungs. Kasey arranged for Rainier to receive a booster dose of the EGFR/HER2 vaccine. And eight months later, Rainier's lungs were clear. The immunotherapy treatment gave Rainier and Kasey many extra months of quality time.

4 

In May, hundreds of devoted dog parents came together to walk and run to raise funds for research.  (Washington DC - pictured above -, Redmond WA, Vancouver BC, Manila, Philippines).  Our next Wag Love Life walk is on Sunday, May 3, 2026. If you're interested in organizing a local walk, please reach out!

 

5 

In June, we got to meet Betty Boop and her wonderful mom, Nancy. After Betty's diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma, Nancy did research and found out about the EGFR/HER2 vaccine.  She drove to a clinic five hours away multiple times so Betty could enroll in the vaccine trial. Betty is doing well - two years out!  

 

6 

In June, Dr. Kevin Choy led a two-hour, in-depth webinar  on the latest advances in lymphoma treatment. Throughout 2025, we hosted 10 expert-led webinars highlighting promising clinical trials, emerging therapies, and advances in canine cancer diagnostics. We’re grateful to the specialists who generously shared their expertise—and to the engaged audience committed to staying current on the latest developments.

 

7

In July, Guero enrolled in our trial after being diagnosed with cardiac hemangiosarcoma that had metastasized to his lungs. He began a new combination immunotherapy with weekly IV infusions and had a great quality of life (zero side effects!). Now, in December, his metastatic tumors are gone. We’re fundraising to expand this study and offer this approach to more dogs.

8

Kaya got her 5 YEAR survivors bandana in July. Under the care of Dr Chelsea Tripp at Bridge Animal Referral Center in Edmonds, WA, she had received two immunotherapy treatments (including the EGFR/HER2 vaccine) plus metronomic therapy for her osteosarcoma. 

9

In Sept, Koda's mom shared their story while sharing beautiful photos of Koda. 

“Koda, a 12 year old Siberian Husky, was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in May 2025. He has lived his entire life running. We decided to go the route of palliative care. I knew I had to try more though. I started researching and came across the EGFR/HER2 vaccine. For dogs whose legs weren’t amputated Preliminary trial results showed that some dogs got up to an additional year when the therapy was combined with palliative radiation and bisphosphonate infusions. And even better they were offering it at Washington State U. where we were headed for radiation. Unfortunately Koda couldn’t be included in the trial at WSU as we were unable to obtain a definitive diagnosis through FNA. I felt so discouraged cause the hope I had to get more time was slipping away. A canine cancer Facebook group encouraged me to reach out to other trial sites. So I contacted two more sites but he was also turned away due to not having a definitive diagnosis. In a desperate attempt I contacted the MedVet clinic in Salt Lake City, over 14 hours away. They did not require a definitive diagnosis if the suspected osteosarcoma was located in a long bone due to risk of pathologic fracture. They said he should qualify and could get us in within the week. We made the 14 hour drive twice. Koda is doing really amazing. At his 3 month follow up appointment for his chest X-rays he is free of lung Mets and the cancer in his bone has not grown since diagnosis. We are so grateful for the extra time we have gotten with Koda and feel honored to be apart of a trial that will hopefully be available to all dogs battling this horrible cancer. “

 

10

In Oct, grateful parents of a very special pup Buddy - Loretta and Bob Tafuri - organized a fundraising walk in Madison, CT, to support the EGFR/HER2 clinical trial.  Cecilia Seto led a fundraiser walk in San Francisco.

 

11

In Nov, our team spent weeks creating the 2026 Love Calendar, featuring hundreds of photos shared by devoted families.  (If you don't yet have one, please donate and request a copy). Every dollar raised supports research!  

 

Also in Nov, the promising therapies that Mila and Guero received were presented as posters at the Society of Immunotherapy Conference (Mila's therapy summary shown above). We'll share more about these therapies in 2026 and hope to expand the trials.

 

12

And this month, Prof Mark Mamula led a live webinar to share the latest updates from his clinical trial. Prof Mamula is a brilliant immunologist and the inventor of the EGFR/HER2 “Yale” vaccine. He is also the founder of TheraJan, which will commercialize the therapy. We are so grateful to Prof Mamula and his team, and to your generosity, that has allowed the trial to to enroll hundreds of patients with aggressive cancer.

Also, this month, we received a touching email from Mila's mom.

"My name is Rita Rodríguez. My dog, Mila, was a patient of Drs Hugo and Jonathan, and I’m writing to thank you for including her in your study.

Although her tumor was advanced and the prognosis was uncertain, Mila was able to enjoy nearly a year with a very good spirit and excellent care. Her passing has been very painful for our family; however, it brings us comfort to know that her case may help other pets and families face this difficult disease in the future. Warm regards,
Rita Rodríguez"

 

Stories like Mila's give us hope (after all, metastatic tumors are still considered untreatable), but they also remind us that there is much more work to be done.

 

💗Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting research and helping us get closer to the day when cancer is no longer something we fear. 

All donations before midnight Dec 31 will be matched.

In January, we’ll host an in-depth webinar on hemangiosarcoma research.  The February webinar will focus on Early Cancer Detection Testing with Prof. Stephen Johnston of Calviri.  Stay tuned for the registration links.