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Your gift makes the school’s animal care and research possible!

Scout’s Brave Legacy

For seven years, our beloved Scout brought indescribable joy to the lives of his WeatherTech® family. On March 22, 2020, he bravely crossed the rainbow bridge to that special place where he no longer has to fight cancer. He died a hero, and although not here in body, his spirit continues on, advocating for other pets in need of lifesaving treatment. Scout brought international attention to canine cancer and rallied people worldwide to donate to the cause.

In February 2019, Scout was the shining star of our Super Bowl commercial. Then, just a few months later, he collapsed without warning. He was diagnosed with a rare tumor on his heart, and the prognosis wasn't good. The heroic team at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine did everything they could to save Scout and give him the best quality of life possible.

The University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine works tirelessly to research and administer lifesaving treatment to thousands of pets like Scout each year. To help the people who helped Scout and other patients just as special as him, we ask you to please join us in donating to the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine and the important cancer research they do.

Pets make a difference in your life. You can make a difference in theirs.

Watch Scout's incredible journey, and hear from the amazing doctors at the The University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine!

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View the inspirational WeatherTech 2020 Super Bowl Commercial: Lucky Dog

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Scout's Journey

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

July 8, 2019

Scout collapses and is rushed to his local animal hospital. An ultrasound scan reveals a tumor on his heart and that his pericardial sac is filled with blood. He is given a life expectancy of no more than one week without treatment.

July 9, 2019 (morning)

Scout is moved to a new ER hospital and is examined by a cardiologist and oncologist. They confirm little can be done. They drain the blood from his pericardial sac twice to keep him alive. However, they suggest that he be humanely put to sleep.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

July 9, 2019 (evening)

Rushing home from Europe, Scout’s dad is greeted at the hospital by his tail-wagging and smiling furry best friend. Scout and his family aren’t ready to give up or put him down. His doctor suggests further consultation at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine (UW SVM).

July 10, 2019

Scout and his family drive to Madison and are seen immediately at the University’s Small Animal Hospital. Scout’s cancer, diagnosed as hemangiosarcoma, has an average survival rate of just 1% at 12 months.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

July 16, 2019

Scout starts chemotherapy, vinblastine and propranolol at UW SVM.

July 22, 2019

For 5 days, Scout receives 4 doses of radiation therapy focused on the tumor.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

July 30, 2019

Scout starts a cutting-edge immunotherapy treatment plan.

August 27, 2019

A CT scan shows that Scout’s tumor has decreased in size by about 75%.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

September 10, 2019

The tumor is now 90% smaller!

October 22, 2019

Scout’s heart tumor has all but disappeared! Lung nodules (spread of cancer) are noted. A 6-week chemotherapy program begins.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

December 6, 2019

CT scan shows slow progression of the spots on Scout’s lungs. Scout receives Palladia, the only FDA approved cancer treatment for dogs, which is administered orally and has minimal side effects.

January 14, 2020

Scout celebrates his 7th birthday and is the life and soul of the party!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

February 2, 2020

Scout was again the star of the WeatherTech Super Bowl commercial, but with a very different mission in mind - bringing international awareness to canine cancer research at the University of Wisconsin Madison.

March 22, 2020

Scout, WeatherTech "paw-duct" developer, Super Bowl sensation and overall good boy crossed the rainbow bridge. He is missed by many and loved by all.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

How are the funds being used?

The Pets Make A Difference Fund will expand the possibilities for University of Wisconsin Veterinary School of Medicine, leading to new outcomes and discoveries that will allow for better care for more animals.

The Pets Make A Difference Fund will be used to support cancer research and animal health at the School of Veterinary Medicine. Fund expenditures may include, but are not limited to, equipment, research, faculty and other expenses that benefit the treatment of animals at the school, and in particular those impacted by cancer.

Donate Today

Chancellor of UW-Madison, Rebecca Blank, shares what your donations will go towards when you donate to the Pets Make a Difference Fund.

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Dr. Ruthanne Chun shares the details of Scout’s diagnosis and the treatment he has received at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine. She delves into more about what Hemangiosarcoma is, and how the team at UW of Wisconsin came up with a plan for Scout.

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Dr. David Vail shares how Comparative Oncology impacts their work at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine. He also discusses how technology that has come out of the University of Wisconsin, like the TomoTherapy machine, has resulted in radiation machines present throughout the world based on this technology.

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The TomoTherapy machine at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine has played an integral part in Scout’s treatment. Dr. Lisa Forrest, Professor, Radiation Oncology at the university shares how the machine works and how it benefits pet patients.

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