Alex
Alex is a dog who is doing amazing things to raise awarenenss for Throat Cancer.
Read below the heartbreaking story behind the inspiration for what Alex does.
Written by Fiona – Daughter of Alex’s Dad.
My Dad
My Dad was originally diagnosed with throat cancer in 1999
With having both radiation and chemotherapy he won his first battle. Although he lived with the after effects of the radiation treatment he had issues with swallow, taste, texture and smell.
The Dicky Bow
The throat cancer foundation in the UK has a bow tie / dickybow as it logo, I took this idea and started to put a bow tie/dickybow on to our Westie Buddy and when someone commented on his neck wear I’d tell them he’s in support of his Dad. Coming to the end of my Dads second radiation treatment he was very I’ll and very low, Buddy suddenly passed away on my Dads bed. To say the house at the time was devestated was an understatement it was the worst possible time to loose a pet on top of everything this was during a lockdown.
When Alex met Dad.
My Dad ended up being admitted into hospital a few days later for a week or so. After a few days being home he said he was absolutely heart broken over buddy and could we get another dog.
A few weeks later I heard of a litter of Cockapoo’s so we went to see them the minute Dad saw Alex ‘the one on the left’ he said I want that one get him! So within 5 mins Alex had his first collar with a bow tie on him.
Alex really lifted my dads sprit brought a great distraction with his crazy puppy days. The house felt like a home again for us all. Unfortunately Dad didn’t have a lot of time with Alex as he was admitted to st james for the last time, again this was a very strict lockdown we had no communication or contact with Dad they wouldn’t allow any visitors. This is where Alex’s insta came into play as a form of communication the nurses followed Alex and showed Dad his daily adventures and how he was growing.
I was called to the hospital in November for a meeting with Mr Kinsella, he wheeled in my Dad 2 meters in front of me.
I sat behind my Dad when we where told the news we didn’t want to hear. My Dads reply was could he go home and think about surgery, Mr Kinsella said no your too Ill, my Dad replied “you see I have a new pup at home and I just want to walk him I haven’t walked him yet.”
My Dad didn’t want to die and took the surgery option to have a full Laryngectomy Oesophagus removed his stomach and it was moved up behind his chest and re attached to his tongue so he could eat again as he’d been peg fed for two years before.
Dad made it through the surgery and was to come home Monday 22nd Feb but took a turn Sunday 21st Feb. That was the day we lost dad.
Raising Awareness and #Dadsties campaign
Alex went on to create the 2023 #Dadsties Calendar which had a number of pet business get in support to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society and to raise awareness on Throat Cancer. Alex went on to orgainse a number of launch parties and events also to raise money.
Alex is in the process of createing the 2024 calendar where funds will be going towards both the Irish Cancer Society and My Lovely Horse Rescue. We are very excited to see what they have in store. I am sure Alex is going to go on to do even bigger and more amazing things.
How can we get involved?
You can follow Alex on his Instagram @siralex.cockapoo
If you would like to donate to Alexs’ fundraisers you can do so at the follwong link
