Dog Affected by Cancer Visits Camp

On Monday June 14, Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue paired up with Children’s Cancer Connection and brought in a special dog that knew all about cancer to Camp Heart Connection’s Oncology Camp in Boone, Iowa.


Joe, a man from the Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue, brought Bear, a rescued dog who has battled cancer and undergone chemotherapy treatment, to Camp Heart Connection as a part of the “Everyday Heroes” program. Joe visited with 170 campers who have been affected by childhood cancer about Bear’s experience with cancer and about the Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue.

Joe shared with the children that Bear’s journey with cancer inspired him. Joe talked to the children about Bear taking medicine, going through treatments, and staying positive, which the children related with well.

“I hope that the kids can look to Bear as another source of inspiration for them,” said Meridith Sayler, Logistics Director at Camp Heart Connection. “Joe made sure to emphasize that he didn’t think that he was a hero at Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, but he insisted that it was Bear that has the hero qualities of being a great friend and a fighter.”

The smiles and laughter coming from the children as they played with Bear and learned about his experience made it evident to all around that Bear helped the children relate their battles with cancer to others who (even animals) face the similar things on a daily basis.

“Joe and Bear brought such joy with them to camp,” said Sayler. “To see all of the smiling faces of our kids as they got unlimited hugs and kisses from Bear was great. At Children’s Cancer Connection we regard both Bear and everyone at Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary and Rescue as our heroes.”