Battling a Health Challenge With a Pet
- Kate Middleton, also known as Catherine, the Princess of Wales, recently finished up chemotherapy treatment, something she endured with the support of her husband, children, and even her dog, a black cocker spaniel named Orla, gifted to her by her brother James Middleton.
- Her brother is an advocate for pet therapy and believes Orla has helped his sister’s family through this arduous chapter of their life.
- Kate Middleton first announced she was battling cancer earlier this year. She said an abdominal surgery ultimately revealed that cancer “ahad been present.”
- It turns out that finding joy in family pets as a means to cope with grief, or even to cope with your own cancer battle is a fairly common practice.
- Experts suggest that therapy dogs can be beneficial for people grieving and going through treatment.
Kate Middleton, otherwise known as Catherine, the Princess of Wales, recently finished up chemotherapy treatment against an unspecified type of cancer and did it with the help of her beloved husband, children, supportive family—and even her dog, a black cocker spaniel named Orla. Her 37-year-old brother James Middleton, who will soon release his new book "Meet Ella: The Dog who Saved my Life," revealed in an interview with
Hello! Magazine that their dog Orla played a crucial role in her cancer journey. The Middleton family received Orla, who can be spotted in the Princess of Wales' cancer update post on Instagram, from James shortly before their other black cocker spaniel Lupo passed away in 2020 at age nine.
James, who bred six litters of puppies with his late dog Ella, whom he credits for helping him through his mental health struggles, ultimately gifted his sister with Lupo and Orla. He told Hello! Magazine, "I know how much the dogs, for me, have helped in taking your mind off something. So I'm certain that for them [Kate Middleton and her family], Orla is doing her job in supporting her family." "We are certainly a close family that goes through things together," James continued. "That was the experience I had through my challenges, and I certainly feel like it's something that her [Kate's] family and our family are doing too."
Expert Resources On Pet Therapy
When Lupo passed away, James shared a tribute post for the sweet pup on Instagram, writing alongside a sweet photo of his sister's dog, "It is with great sadness that Lupo, the beloved dog of my sister Catherine and her family has passed away. Lupo was the son of Ella, brother to Zulu, Inka & Luna. He was 9 years old. "Nothing can ever prepare you for the loss of a dog. For those who have never had a dog, it might be hard to understand the loss. However for those who have loved a dog know the truth: a dog is not just a pet; it is a member of the family, a best friend, a loyal companion, a teacher and a therapist." He added, "Many people over the years have reached out to me about the pain of loosing a dog and for most, the loss of a dog is, in almost every way comparable to the loss of a Human loved one. The pain I felt from loosing my first dog Tilly back in 2017 still hurts and on hearing the news about Lupo brought a wave of emotions flooding back.
RELATED: For Kate Middleton, And Regular Moms, Five Essential Steps To Get Through Cancer & Be There For The Kids "There isn’t much of a rule book on how to grieve for a dog, but I’ve said a prayer, lit a candle and taken Ella for a long walk to spend time remembering Lupo. Rest in peace Lupo. Tilly & Mini will be waiting for you. You will always be remembered and your legacy will live on forever. Good Boy." James, who has since said goodbye to his dog Ella, praises her for helping give him a reason to "keep living,"
James, who battled clinical depression and suicidal thoughts, shares his mental health journey and how late cocker spaniel Ella supported him through it all in his new memoir. Speaking to
People in a recent interview, James said, "An ambition [of mine] is to get dogs to be on a prescription from doctors because I think there is an undeniable amount of things that dogs can do for us.
PET THERAPY: How A Pooch Helped During Chemo Click Here For The Story "[They] get us up in the morning and outside. It's incredible what it can do for us if you don't mentally want to do it, but you're doing it for something else."
He insisted, "We have a lot to learn from dogs, which is that they live every day as today. They're not thinking about yesterday. "They’re not annoyed about yesterday or worrying about the future. They're living in the moment. If we all focus on that a little bit more then I think we will be happier."
Richard Marks talks about pet therapy. Kate Middleton's Cancer Journey
Kate Middleton revealed earlier this month, on social media via the Kensington Palace, that her chemotherapy treatment has concluded. Alongside beautiful footage of herself and her loved ones, and her adorable dog Orla, Middleton is heard explaining her recent cancer journey. The post’s caption, which transcribes what she’s saying, reads, “A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales. As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment. “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.” Middleton, who is mom to her three children George, Charlotte and Louis, continued, “With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. “This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.” Now, Middleton admits she’s doing whatever she can to remain "cancer free" “Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can,” she explained.
“Despite all that has gone before I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.” Middleton, who has had her husband, three children, and supportive loved ones by her side throughout her cancer battle, concluded, “To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light so let that light shine bright.” Although specific details regarding her cancer diagnosis remain undisclosed at this time, the support she's received and continues to be surrounded by is certainly admirable.
Dogs Through Cancer
Cancer therapy dogs are trained to help people with cancer feel better emotionally and physically. A cancer therapy dog helps a person going through cancer treatment by reducing anxiety and lifting a person's mood. These types of dogs mainly provide comfort and support through cancer.
RELATED: A Beautiful Reunion: Heartwarming Video Of Woman Reuniting with Her Dog After 40 Days in the Hospital for Cancer Treatment Goes Viral Studies have shown that spending time with dogs lowers a person's blood pressure and the stress hormone, cortisol. Therapy dogs may help with pain management, too, as time with dogs can trigger a release of endorphins which mitigate pain and discomfort.
How Can Dogs Help?
Anecdotal evidence from SurvivorNet's experts says that having a positive mood through cancer can benefit treatment. Also, scientific evidence around depression and cancer shows that treating depression positively impacts cancer treatment. This is where help from cancer therapy dogs can play a tremendous role. However, for more severe cases of anxiety and depression, speak to a psychologist before pursuing treatment or support from a furry friend. Jane Kopelman, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and owner of All About Dogs, said during a previous interview that the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Caring Canine Program was hoping to get more pups involved in the program because patients request them so often.
A 'Plum' Assignment: Therapy Dog From Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center "What most patients say, and studies have proven, is that the dogs reduce anxiety, reduce depression, and they give people a sense of hope they often motivate people," Kopelman said. "Patients have said that they were so eager to have the dogs come that it motivated them to get up." The dogs can visit patients who are in the hospital after undergoing surgery and also visit outpatient locations where patients may be undergoing treatment like chemotherapy. If you're interested in pursuing a cancer therapy dog, speak with your doctor about the following steps, or an oncological social worker or organizations to connect with that train these types of dogs. Note that waiting lists for service dogs are often long and their training period is a lengthy process, as well, so time is of the essence if you wish to get a service dog.
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff 
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