7 November is National Canine Lymphoma Day – a day created to educate and create awareness for this canine disease.

Terry Simons, a well known and respected dog agility trainer and competitor was devastated when his ‘heart and soul’ – his dog – was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2011. Terry is an educated dog trainer and did everything he could, but discovered that, although this is one of the most common cancers in dogs, very little information on treatment and options was available. He then worked with professionals to help him choose the best path for his beloved companion.

Terry made the decision to let his dog go about one year and one week after her diagnosis – a decision he felt was the right one to make. Grief is known to do strange things – it can either destroy or it can inspire. In Tony’s case, the realisation that he could lose his dog at any time, inspired him to form the Canine Lymphoma Education Awareness and Research (Clear) Foundation. Clear is a cancer foundation dedicated to providing information, resources and research into this devastating disease. Tony’s dog, named Reveille, has left a legacy for dog owners in the assurance that they are now aware of their options, empowering them to be advocates for their four-legged family members.

Terry Simons submitted National Canine Lymphoma Day in January 2015 and the registrar at National Day Calendar declared that it will be held on 7 November annually.

To celebrate today, educate yourself on this disease. Use #NationalCanineLymphomaDay to post on social media.