In Memory of Deacon: A Life of Purpose, A Fight Against Cancer

It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of Deacon, a brilliant, mischievous, and truly gifted detection dog who was so much more than a working partner—he was my soul dog, my light in a dark time, and the very reason Urban Canine Pest and Wildlife Solutions came to life.

Deacon, a 5-year-old male Golden Retriever from Thunderstruck Kennels, joined our lives as an 8-week-old firecracker of a puppy—bold, full of life, and hilariously challenging. Just two weeks after we picked him up from the Atlanta airport, I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms.

While chemo tried to destroy my body and the cancer, Deacon gave me something it couldn’t touch: purpose. He dragged me outside when I didn’t want to move. He reminded me to laugh when things felt hopeless. That little golden “malinois in a retriever’s body” was a force of nature—and became the reason I survived.

Deacon blossomed into the most extraordinary detection dog I’ve ever had the honor to train. With a razor-sharp nose and unmatched drive, he worked with joy and precision. Deacon was genetically screened for health issues, and no indicators for cancer were found in his testing. But almost exactly five years after I reached remission, Deacon was diagnosed with advanced-stage lymphoma. We did everything possible—oncology, chemo, holistic therapies—but within a month, he was gone.

Golden Retrievers & Their Struggle with Cancer

Golden Retrievers are one of the most beloved breeds in the world—but they carry a heartbreaking legacy: cancer is the leading cause of death in Goldens. According to multiple studies, 60% of Golden Retrievers will die from cancer.

The two most common cancers in this breed are:

• Lymphoma: A cancer of the lymphatic system

• Hemangiosarcoma: An aggressive cancer of blood vessel cells, often affecting the spleen or heart

Genetic predisposition, immune system traits, and environmental exposure may all play a role. Sadly, despite their charm and loyalty, Goldens are known for their high cancer risk and relatively short lifespan compared to other breeds.

To address this, the Morris Animal Foundation launched the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study—a long-term research project tracking over 3,000 Golden Retrievers to study how genetics, environment, and lifestyle contribute to cancer and other diseases.

Signs of Lymphoma in Dogs:

• Swollen lymph nodes (under jaw, behind legs)

• Lethargy and decreased energy

• Loss of appetite or weight loss

• Increased thirst or urination

• Difficulty breathing or coughing (if chest is affected)

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early detection is critical.

What You Can Do to Help

Regular Health Checks

• Do routine lymph node checks (you can ask your vet to show you how)

• Schedule yearly wellness bloodwork—bi-annual for at-risk breeds like Goldens

  
  

 Genetic & Preventive Testing

• Consider Embark testing or similar tools for breed-specific health screening

• Feed a high-quality diet, minimize unnecessary chemical exposures, and maintain good oral and gut health

Even dogs like Deacon, who showed no genetic predisposition, can develop aggressive forms of cancer. That’s why routine monitoring is essential, even in genetically “clear” dogs.

Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly nature, loyalty, and intelligence, making them one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world. But behind those soulful eyes and wagging tails lies a heartbreaking truth: Golden Retrievers have one of the highest cancer rates among all dog breeds. In fact, research suggests that approximately 60% of Golden Retrievers will develop cancer in their lifetime.

Let’s explore why this is happening, what types of cancer are most common, and how you can help protect your Golden.

Why Golden Retrievers Are Prone to Cancer

The high rate of cancer in Golden Retrievers is believed to be the result of a complex combination of genetics and environmental factors.

• Selective breeding: To maintain specific traits like temperament and coat color, Golden Retrievers have been selectively bred over generations. Unfortunately, this has also concentrated genetic vulnerabilities—including those linked to cancer.

• Lack of genetic diversity: With fewer unrelated dogs in the gene pool, harmful mutations are more likely to be passed down.

• Environmental exposure: Like humans, dogs are affected by environmental factors. Exposure to pesticides, processed foods, and household chemicals may also increase cancer risk.

Common Types of Cancer in Golden Retrievers

1. Hemangiosarcoma: A fast-growing cancer of the blood vessels, often found in the spleen or heart. This type is especially dangerous because it often shows no symptoms until it ruptures and causes internal bleeding.

2. Lymphoma: A cancer of the lymphatic system. It’s one of the more treatable types, especially if caught early.

3. Mast Cell Tumors: These skin tumors can vary in severity. Some are benign, while others are malignant and aggressive.

4. Osteosarcoma: A painful bone cancer often affecting the limbs. It typically requires aggressive treatment, including amputation and chemotherapy.

What You Can Do

While we can’t eliminate all risks, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your Golden Retriever:

• Routine Vet Visits: Early detection saves lives. Regular exams, bloodwork, and diagnostic imaging can catch cancer early when it’s most treatable.

• Watch for Changes: Lethargy, sudden weight loss, swelling, or unexplained bleeding could be signs of cancer.

• Healthy Diet: Feed a balanced, high-quality diet and limit exposure to toxins (pesticides, chemical cleaners, poor-quality treats).

• Exercise and Weight Management: Obesity is a risk factor in many diseases, including some cancers. Keep your Golden active and at a healthy weight.

• Consider Pet Insurance: Cancer treatments can be expensive. Pet insurance can help cover costs if a diagnosis occurs.

Hope on the Horizon

Organizations like the Morris Animal Foundation are conducting long-term studies on Golden Retrievers to understand why cancer is so prevalent and how we can stop it. The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, which tracks thousands of dogs from puppyhood, may provide the genetic and environmental answers we’ve been searching for.

Final Thoughts:

Golden Retrievers bring so much love and joy into our lives. While the cancer statistics are sobering, staying informed and proactive gives you the best chance of keeping your Golden happy and healthy for as long as possible.