Sandy the Survivor

December 20, 2022

Amy Weinstein with Sandy

Amy Weinstein and Sandy

Abandoned in a field, plucked from a rural shelter, beloved family pet survives cancer

By Sandra Sarr

Skinny and scared, the puppy was only three months old when she was found alone in a field near Opelousas, La., and dropped off at a rural high-kill animal shelter. Amy Weinstein gave her a home and named her Sandy.

That was in 2014, when Amy’s  dog, Stellar, was being treated for cancer at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Stellar had surgery to remove a tumor on her spine, and treatment extended her life for a few years. Puppy Sandy met Stellar before she passed away at age 17.

“LSU Vet Med is spectacular. I know the veterinary care this school is capable of, and I am grateful to have access to it,” Amy said.

Sandy grew to be a healthy, gregarious dog that brought a smile to all who met her. Then, in November 2021, Sandy was diagnosed by her primary care veterinarian with a tumor on her anal gland.

“From the moment she told me of the tumor, I wanted it taken out,” said Amy.

John Mauterer, DVM (LSU 1987), DACVS, of Capital Area Veterinary Specialists performed the surgery.

“It was a hard recovery. She was kenneled for two weeks and had low mobility and couldn’t jump, go on long walks or do anything she loved. I slept on the floor next to her kennel. Saving her life became my focus,” Amy said.

The tumor was small and was found early, but in Spring 2022, a CT scan revealed that the cancer had metastasized and was found in a lymph node.

Dr. Mauterer referred Sandy to LSU Vet Med’s Oncology service. Sandy underwent four radiation treatments and has been on chemotherapy since Spring 2022, taking two pills three times a week.

“I met Amy years ago when we treated her beautiful fluffy-eared girl, Stellar. Now, years later, here she is again with Sandy. I was sad that Amy had to bring another dog to see us but happy we are here to help give her more great quality time with her pup. You couldn't ask for a nicer client and patient,” said Shay Bordelon, radiation oncology veterinary nurse.

“What’s been amazing is that she has had no side effects,” Amy said.

Amy keeps a “laser focus” on Sandy and brings her to LSU Vet Med’s Integrative Medicine service for acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine treatments to help support her immune system and keep Sandy’s health in balance.

“With chemo, it’s asking a lot of her body to fight off cancer. I make her food and give her nutritional supplements,” says Amy, who studied to become a veterinary nurse but switched direction due to physical limitations and started a tutor business.

Amy said that as Sandy’s medical bills mounted, she utilized her Care Credit account. Even though she worked full time, established a savings account for Sandy’s health needs, and utilized the zero-interest payment plan, the resources dwindled quickly, and expenses became overwhelming. She discovered that she could apply for a Petco Love grant and was awarded $8,000 to help. The Petco Love and Blue Buffalo Pet Cancer Treatment Fund make lifesaving treatment available to pets in need.

“When I found out about the grant it was a Godsend. I cannot work full time any longer for medical reasons. Receiving that grant was a moment when I didn’t know I could be that grateful,” she said.

Sandy receives a chest X-ray and ultrasound every three months. Bloodwork and a physical examination are performed monthly, and she puts a smile on the faces of all she meets during her appointments. The little dog who was abandoned in a field is doing well. Sandy remains in remission.

“Sandy’s cancer has been an intense and spiritually significant experience. When you have challenging experiences, it is important to see the beauty in them, to see from a new perspective. I value life. Whatever I need to do for Sandy, I will do,” Amy said.

About LSU Vet Med: Bettering lives through education, public service, and discovery

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is one of only 33 veterinary schools in the U.S. and the only one in Louisiana. LSU Vet Med is dedicated to improving and protecting the lives of animals and people through superior education, transformational research, and compassionate care. We teach. We heal. We discover. We protect.