Fighting Canine Cancer in Memory of Deuce
Amber Koerner received the 2022 AKC Canine Health Foundation’s Inspiration Award for her work to raise funds for canine cancer research. The Wisconsin resident organizes an annual walkathon in memory of her dog, Deuce, who she lost suddenly to cancer at age 7. She shares their story with AKC Canine Partners.
Wedding presents typically arrive wrapped in white shiny paper, tied up with lovely bows.
So, Amber Koerner felt alarmed when her fiancé said they were going to pick up his gift to her – a pitbull puppy.
“The place we lived actually did not allow pitbulls so I was very skeptical, but decided to go and look at this puppy anyways,” she said.
It was a good decision.
“The second I saw him I already knew he was my dog. After 20 minutes of playing with him, Will says ‘So are we taking him home?’ and I couldn’t believe he even asked,” Koerner said. “I replied, ‘Of course, he’s already my dog.’ ”
Seven-week-old Deuce was adorable and loving and became the hit of their neighborhood.
“Everyone loved petting this cute little puppy. But, by time he was 6 months old, I was getting questioned on what kind of dog he was,” Amber said.
The Wisconsin couple revealed that Deuce was a pitbull and prepared to move so they could keep their pup. “Because everyone loved him and he was so amazing, they grandfathered him in. I always say rules are meant to be broken,” Amber said.
Throughout his life, Deuce continued to be an ambassador for bully breeds, giving affection to all who met him.
“Deuce turned people who are scared of pitbulls into believers and understanders of the breed; he couldn’t have hurt a fly,” she said. “He would let strangers come in the house, and he just wanted to play with his ball 24/7.”
Life was good for the Koerner family, and they enjoyed sharing time with Deuce.
“I never had kids so Deuce instantly became my child. My love for him was a stronger bond that I’ve had with anything in my entire life,” Amber said.
Deuce was 7 years old in 2020 and had recently received his annual physical, with top marks on his good health. “I got a phone call a week later saying everything is perfect – that he is an extremely healthy dog,” she said.
She was not too worried one day when his breathing became faster while he was playing ball with her.
“Then, when he was bringing the ball back to me, he stopped halfway, dropped the ball, and looked at me funny. I said, ‘What’s up Deuce? Grab your ball; bring it back.’ He tried, but stood there for a few seconds looking really odd. I panicked because he would never stop in the middle of playing.”
Then Deuce collapsed and passed away while Will and Amber were rushing him to the veterinarian. He had cancer, hemangiosarcoma, that is difficult to diagnose as dogs often show no symptoms until it is too late.
“They did an ultrasound and explained to me that fluids attacked his liver and/or kidneys and then went to his heart, which is why he had rapid breathing. They explained that ultrasound is the only way this type of cancer can be found,” she said. “I just didn’t think that was fair. I had to do something so dogs and pet parents don’t have to feel this unexpected pain.”
After a period of grieving, Amber turned her devastation into action to help other dogs and their families affected by cancer.
“After the numbness went away, I decided to learn more about cancer with pets. That’s when I found the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF). I couldn’t believe how much money they fund to scientists.”
Amber organized Deuce’s Legacy Walk-a-Thon to raise money for CHF-funded canine cancer research and educate other dog owners about this important work. The walks are held at a park where Amber and Deuce regularly enjoyed their walks together, and they have become an annual event.
“I gave myself six weeks to prepare the first walkathon and didn’t know the first thing I should even do, but I have done lots of parties and helped with benefits so I decided to go off what I know and make it the best that I could,” she said. “It was a success!”
Deuce’s Legacy Walk-a-Thons have been held yearly in Kenosha, Wisconsin, since 2021 and raised nearly $10,000 for canine cancer research. In addition to the walk, there are other fund-raisers in conjunction with the event, including a bake sale, games, and t-shirt sales. This year, their veterinarian held “Clipping Paws for a Cause” and did nail trims, donating all proceeds to Deuce’s fund.
Amber and Will have added two dogs to their family. “We got two dogs from the same litter because I felt guilty just getting one,” she said. “I didn’t want to feel like I was replacing Deuce with a dog so I got two.”
In 2022, the CHF bestowed Amber with its Inspiration Award, which recognizes an individual for creatively expanding awareness of the role that the CHF plays in advancing canine health.
Plans are already underway for the fourth annual walk in 2024. Learn more about “Deuces Legacy” Annual Walk-A-Thon Club for Canine Cancer on Facebook and find ways that you can support canine cancer research.
“If you want to be part of a good cause – CHF is the best!” Amber said. “If you have to go through a cancer diagnosis with your dog at some point, you’ll feel better knowing that there are people out there supporting research to help all dogs fight cancer.”