Some dogs are passed over because of how they look. Serenity, a 4-year-old Siberian husky with a massive, inoperable facial tumor, was the kind of dog most shelters struggle to place. Then a rescue and a photographer asked people to look again.
Rescued From a San Antonio Shelter
Serenity was a stray in San Antonio, Texas, when she ended up in a shelter. Dallas Dog Rescue Rehab Reform (Dallas DogRRR), a Texas non-profit that takes on difficult cases, brought her to Dallas in 2020. The organization was started to help street dogs in south Dallas and now works largely as a last-resort rescue for dogs unlikely to be adopted.
Rescue president Patti Dawson said she noticed something the first time they met. Despite her appearance, Serenity walked right up to her and gave her face a kiss. Dawson told WFAA that was the moment she knew the rescue would do everything it could for her.
What the Tumor Meant
Serenity’s tumor was invasive. It had grown from her nasal cavity up around her eye sockets and into her skull, and it had effectively taken away the bones of her face. Nothing could be done to remove it.
Even so, she could still see, breathe and eat, and Dawson said she showed no signs of discomfort. The rescue decided the best approach was to make her remaining time as joyful as possible, and Dawson said that when Serenity let her know it was time, she would say goodbye.
Photos That Went Viral
To help people see Serenity as a dog rather than a diagnosis, Dawson called animal photographer Renee Dowhaniuk. “I don’t believe you should take a sad picture,” Dowhaniuk told WFAA. She said that the moment Serenity was lifted out of the car, her nose was working and her tail was wagging.
The portraits spread widely online. The rescue received more than 300 care packages filled with toys and treats, according to iHeartDogs, along with messages of support from around the world.
A Legacy: The Serenity Project
Dallas DogRRR now writes about Serenity’s story as a legacy. Her illness could not be cured, but she touched many hearts, and the rescue says she lived her best life surrounded by care. Her story also led Dawson to the idea behind the Serenity Project, based on the principle that no animal should suffer because a family cannot afford veterinary care. The project later grew into the Hero Project, which helps dogs in the community.
When a Pet Has a Tumor: What to Know and What It Costs
Serenity’s case was extreme, but lumps and tumors are common in dogs. A few practical steps:
- See a vet early. Have any new lump examined, since early detection gives the most treatment options.
- Pet cancer insurance. Compare pet insurance plans with cancer coverage, and enroll before any diagnosis, since pre-existing conditions are usually excluded.
- Oncology costs. A veterinary oncologist visit, imaging and treatment can be expensive, so ask about payment plans.
- Comfort care. Pet hospice and palliative care services focus on pain control and quality of life.
- Pet portraits. A professional pet photo session captures a dog’s personality, as Serenity’s did.
- Support rescues. A donation to a dog rescue helps pay for care and supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was wrong with Serenity? A massive invasive tumor that had grown from her nasal cavity into her eye sockets and skull.
Could the tumor be treated? No. Her rescuers said nothing could be done to remove it.
Who took her photos? Animal photographer Renee Dowhaniuk.
Who rescued Serenity? Dallas Dog Rescue Rehab Reform, led by Patti Dawson.
Sources: WFAA, iHeartDogs.com, and Dallas DogRRR, all covering the 2020 rescue of Serenity, a husky with an untreatable facial tumor, and the photos that made her an internet star.
Leave a Reply