How A Self-Trained Service Dog Helped His Human Survive Cancer

I sit down with April Floyd to tell the story of Onyx, the goldendoodle she trained herself to become a service dog and steady companion through serious illness. She shares how he alerts to medical danger, keeps her grounded through multiple cancer diagnoses, and even steps into the spotlight as a future film star. 

• how Onyx comes into April’s life outside the shelter doors 
• training a service dog at home using online resources and consistent practice 
• therapy visits and socialization in nursing homes 
• medical alert behaviors including buttons, bells, and early warning signs 
• congestive heart failure scare and how Onyx responds in real time 
• kidney cancer and ovarian cancer diagnoses, hospice timeline, and the fight to stay positive 
• the snuggle routine that signals comfort and purpose 
• interest in formal cancer detection dog training and what it takes to attend 
• teaching Onyx to use an iPad and a programmed iPhone 
• moving from service work to show business with Wishbone Christmas 
• Onyx’s big personality, runway moment, and working preferences (treats required) 

If you enjoyed this conversation, I’d love it if you follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves dogs. 
I’d love to connect with you on Instagram at BarooCop. 
If you have a story you’d like to share, you can email me at charlotte@ thebaroo.com. 

Resources: 

https://www.instagram.com/fegaprilfloyd/

https://fegroup.biz/april-floyd

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Pet parent question or story of canine companionship  to share ? Email charlotte@thebaroo.com .

*This podcast is for informational purposes only, even if, and regardless of whether it features the advice of veterinarians or professional dog trainers. It is not, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary care  or personalized canine behavior advice and should not be used as so.  The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the podcast author or the individual views of those participating in the podcast.