In April of 2024, Wendy Sperloen of Stoughton noticed a bump on the shoulder of her 8-year-old hound, Blu, who is part Greyhound and part Pointer. She wasn’t too concerned because Blu was still running and jumping and being his usual active self. Still, she decided to have the bump checked out. Sperloen was sadly surprised when her primary care veterinarian diagnosed Blu with Osteosarcoma. Because the primary care veterinary facility could not provide the overnight and surgical care Blu needed, the family was referred to UW Veterinary Care (UWVC).
Because of the aggressive nature of Blu’s case, once he arrived at UWVC he was quickly scheduled for surgery to have his paw amputated to remove the cancer. With the unexpected diagnosis of course came unexpected costs, a burden which felt heavy to Sperloen and her husband. When they learned there was grant funding that was available to assist clients in exactly this situation, they were immensely relieved.
“It’s possible we could have done [the surgery] without the grant, but it would have been financially very difficult,” Sperloen says. “We run a small mechanical shop in a rural area, and business is really unpredictable. We can’t always count on what is coming in and when. The Petco Love funding let us just focus on Blu and his recovery.”
The surgery was a success, and Sperloen reported that very quickly after Blu seemed to be free of pain and back to most of his usual activities, even with his newly three-legged status.
“He can still do all his favorites things and doesn’t seem to know or care he’s a ‘tri-pawd.’ He may give you a dirty look if you offer to shake hands, but he’ll stand up on his hind legs to ‘hug’ you.”
Blu loves to run and play outside and then snuggle in for a nap. And, thanks to the support of Petco Love, he can continue his favorite activities cancer-free. While close monitoring and follow up is advised, Blu is currently healthy and happy and has a positive prognosis.
Since the partnership began in 2021, Blu is one of nearly 100 cats and dogs at UW Veterinary Care who has benefitted from Petco Love funds that helped extend or improve the life of a beloved pet with cancer.
“Having a pet receive a cancer diagnosis is extremely difficult on its own, all cost considerations aside,” says Dr. Christen Montesanto, an oncology resident at UW Veterinary Care, the SVM’s teaching hospital. “The relief we see when our clients learn that there is an option for financial support thanks to Petco Love is a wonderful gift to be able to share.”
About the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine
The UW School of Veterinary Medicine provides outstanding programs in veterinary medical education, research, clinical practice, and service that enhance the health and welfare of both animals and people and contribute to the economic well-being of the state of Wisconsin. Opened in 1983, the school quickly earned a reputation as one of the leading schools of veterinary medicine in America. The SVM offers an unmatched educational experience for the next generation of trusted veterinarians; world-class research, technology, and clinical trials; and leading-edge, compassionate clinical care at our teaching hospital, UW Veterinary Cares. For more information, visit www.vetmed.wisc.edu.
About Petco Love
Petco Love started in 1999 as the Petco Foundation, formalizing Petco’s longstanding commitment to animal welfare. Millions of pet lives saved later, we’ve never once wavered from our mission: To harness the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. For more information, visit https://petcolove.org/.