Discover Why We Started the Clays for K9 Cancer Research Benefit Shoot
Our History
In 2019 one of my Upland Hunting Dogs, a Brittany named Nutmeg (Meg)was diagnosed with Mammary Cancer.
Of all the dogs I have ever owned, Meg was my heart and soul. I was crushed. We had the cancer removed, and I thought all was well. In 2020, the cancer returned to her right lung. I took Meg to Cornell University Veterinary Hospital, in Stamford, Conn., and there I met an oncologist by the name of Lindsey Thalheim. Meg had surgery to remove one lobe of her right lung. After the surgery, Meg started chemotherapy for the cancer, and a year later, another tumor was discovered, this time in her liver. It was a rare cancer called a Nephroblastoma …….a 1/100,000 cancer for a dog. We then changed to another type of chemo, and also Radiation in an effort to stop the spread. During all of this time, Meg continued to hunt when she could, and was the Happy-go-Lucky dog she always was. A sweetheart at home, and a terror in the field. Mid 2022 Meg became ill…….a bile duct became blocked, and surgery was again deemed in order to save her life. The surgery was successful, and a stent was placed in the duct. She was doing well, then three days after surgery she took a turn for the worse. We lost Meg in mid-April to a blood clot in her lung. It is of note, Meg competed in a Chukar Challenge 1 week before we lost her, she performed while in “full liver failure”, and finished 3rd . beating 16 other dogs. Meg lost only to her stablemates that were ages 3 and 6. Meg was 10. That’s how BIG Meg’s heart was. She beat Cancer….but God had other plans for her. Now a locket of Meg hangs around my neck, and she will be with me until the day I die…..as well as Meg’s ashes will be buried with me. Meg will always be with me.
Through this journey with Meg, I began to learn that much of what we treat our dogs with for Cancer are human cancer drugs, and the research into new therapies was severely lacking…..so in 2020, the Clays for K9 Cancer Benefit Shoot was born. Monies raised at this shoot went to Cancer Research at Cornell University Veterinary College and to the Patient Assistance Program at Cornell University Veterinary Hospital in Stamford, Conn. In 2023, the Oncology Treatment room at CUVS Stamford, was dedicated in Meg’s memory.
In the past 4 years, with the help of Hudson Valley and Rock Tavern NAVHDA organizations, The Conservation Awareness Foundation and the Federation of Dutchess County Fish and Game Clubs, this effort has raised almost $300,000 towards making the lives of the dogs we love better and at the same time assisting their owners who love them, and care for their pets.
Meg’s legacy will be to help thousands of K9s and other animals live a longer and happier life, as well as develop new Cancer treatments that will ultimately help humans as well. We have a mantra that guides everything we do for this event. And it is,
“From the Love of One Little Dog”.
2025 will be our 5th Annual Event and will be held on June 21st, 2025 at Mid-Hudson Sporting Clays in New Paltz, NY. This year’s event will be dedicated to Mr. Jeff Hunter, and his Golden Retriever Molly Jean. Molly Jean lost her battle with Cancer in January of 2023, and Jeff lost his battle in September of 2024. Jeff was an integral part of the Sporting Clays Community and a lover of rescued Golden Retrievers. Jeff was also my first ever Sporting Clay student after I was certified in 2005. We have been friends ever since.
Watch the video below to see Dr. Elisa Mazzaferro, staff criticalist with Cornell University Veterinary Specialists and adjunct associate clinical professor of emergency-critical care at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, present an advanced first aid clinic to hunting dog owners in Pleasant Valley, N.Y.
The Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center helps provide canine CPR equipment for the clinic, advancing the center’s mission to help dogs live longer, healthier and happier lives.
Our Mission
Our mission has many facets, and the funds raised will go to avenues of the following, at Cornell University Veterinary College, Cornell Veterinary University Hospital, and other K9 Cancer Research facilities deemed
worthy of our fund’s efforts.
These funds will go towards:
1. Research in new modalities in treating Cancer in K9’s, and other animals.
2. New drugs specific to animal cancers, that may in-turn affect human cancer treatment.
3. New diagnostic modalities for early detection of Cancer.
4. Patient assistance programs to help defer treatment costs for those in need.
5. Provide funds toward the purchase of new treatment modalities such as advanced LINAC machines.
Volunteers Needed:
Contact us to learn more.
