Jenny and her dog Both Fight Cancer

Jenny and Her Dog Both Fight Cancer: Jewel Kats

Illustrated by Claudia Marie Lenart

When the news comes that her dog has cancer it breaks Jenny’s heart. She too has the illness and is going for treatments and now she realizes that her dog will undergo them too. It is a traumatic experience for a child and knowing her dog might not makes it even harder for her. But, Jenny wants to go along with Dolly for her treatments and give the dog support. She is said, she tries to be brave but the x-rays don’t lie. Her body she knows has a disease and the cells are hurting her stomach but she is brave and will fight with everything she has. Doctors try to cure people of cancer but dogs are not that easy to safe. As Jenny says: HOW UNFAIR!

Angry and upset you hear Jenny’s words as she runs out of the Animal Hospital and was so upset she just wanted to kick the car. But, her mom understands and explains that Dolly cannot breath on her own and when she can she will come home. Things take a small positive turn as the dog finally comes home and she is thrilled to see Jenny. Going with her to get her treatments, taking her for walks but understanding that she tires really fast and easily. Poor Dolly, cannot seam to want to eat and sleeps most of the day. Sad! The illustrations are colorful and bring the story into focus for readers of all ages. Looking at herself in the mirror is not simple and hoping that Dolly gets better her special wish.
Dogs do not survive like humans hopefully can and she hears her breathing hard and fast and then closing her eyes. How do they deal with the loss? What happens when Jenny understands the Dolly is in a better place and hopefully is safe? Will she survive cancer too? These are many questions that children will ask as we hear Jenny’s voice, understand her sorrow and sadness and hope that she too will be strong and survive. This is a great story for all children to read and for parents to read with them at home as well as for nurses and healthcare providers to help young children understand what they might go through if they unfortunately get cancer too. Heartfelt, true to life, heartwarming and definitely a must read for discussion groups, love, loyalty, hope and trust in one another to endure something we hope someday will be eradicated. Once again Jewel Kats strikes a high note and high chord with this outstanding story. I hope she brings back Jenny in another story cancer free.

Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ magazine