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Dogs could be the key to curing cancer

Loyal, loving and furry. There's a new partner in the fight against cancer: dogs. Author of "Heal" joins us to explain how dogs could unlock a cure for cancer and how some dogs are literally sniffing-out cancers in humans.
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Author Arlene Weintraub explains how dogs are helping in the quest to cure cancer in her book, "Heal." (Dave See/Flickr cc)
The Current21:39Dogs could be the key to curing cancer

They've both been with us for a very long time. 

One is a cherished friend... and the other, a hated enemy.

According to Arlene Weintraub, dogs and cancer are becoming increasingly intertwined. In her new book, she explores the fascinating roles that "Man's best friend" is playing in the search for a cure. 

Maya was 5 when she was diagnosed with cancer. She was recruited to help researchers in a trial who are investigating dogs that mimic human cancers. Her owner, Danielle Balogh, is happy Maya was able to potentially help others before she died at age seven. (Danielle Balogh)

Because it turns out that dogs are an important companion when battling cancer, both in treatments, and in detection – right down to their ability to sniff out the disease. 

The book is called "Heal," and Arlene Weintraub joined Anna Maria from New York.

McBaine at the cancer wheel.
Foster sniffing at the cancer wheel.

Have you lost a dog to cancer? Can you relate to dogs helping us? 

Tweet us. We're @TheCurrentCBC. Post on our Facebook page. Or send us an email.

And of course, if you want share a photo of a dog that's meant a lot to you, send it along too. 

This segment was produced by The Current's Sarah Grant.
 

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♦ Does Cancer Screening Save Lives?
♦ Sniffing out ovarian cancer

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