Disabled veteran’s support dog gets cancer treatment thanks to Petco Love & Blue Buffalo grant
January 15, 2026
Dr. Hodgkiss, Emmy, and DeAnna Charett are all smiles at LSU Vet Med in January 2026.
Nearly 10 years ago, disabled veteran DeAnna Charett adopted Emmy from Companion Animal Alliance in Baton Rouge, La. The terrier–Labrador mix stood out among the many dogs in the crowded shelter, and DeAnna was immediately drawn to her loving personality. At the time, she couldn’t have known just how vital Emmy would become in her life.
Over the years, Emmy grew into far more than a pet. She became DeAnna’s constant companion and a powerful source of emotional support, helping her navigate PTSD and other health challenges.
“She’s gentle, loyal, and brings comfort to everyone she meets,” DeAnna said.
In October 2023, DeAnna sensed something was wrong. When she arrived home one day, Emmy didn’t rush to the door as usual.
“She wouldn’t get up, wouldn’t eat, and didn’t want to go outside. I knew something was seriously wrong,” DeAnna said. “I immediately brought her to the ER at LSU’s Small Animal Hospital, where I had previously brought my other dogs and had an established relationship with LSU's Community Practice.”
At LSU Vet Med, Emmy was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma, a common and aggressive cancer of white blood cells that often causes enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy, weight loss, and loss of appetite. While serious and not curable, the disease is typically responsive to chemotherapy. Emmy was referred to LSU Vet Med’s Oncology Service for treatment.
The diagnosis was devastating—and overwhelming.
“The cancer diagnosis was scary. I didn’t know if I could afford the treatment and thought I might even have to sell my house,” DeAnna said. “As a 100% disabled veteran on a fixed income, I’ve stretched every dollar to afford Emmy’s care.”
Relief came when DeAnna learned she had been awarded a Petco Love–Blue Buffalo grant, which covered nearly half the cost of Emmy’s first round of chemotherapy.
LSU Vet Med’s Oncology Service began treatment almost immediately. Emmy responded well, fighting hard and entering remission in May 2024.
“She became a puppy again, running and playing,” DeAnna said. “Having her healthy again meant I could keep my service dog, emotional support, and best friend by my side—she has been truly essential to my daily well-being.”
Emmy and Dr. Hodgkiss happily reunite for a visit at LSU Vet Med on Jan. 13, 2026.
In January 2025, the cancer returned. Emmy underwent a second round of chemotherapy at LSU from January through July 2025 to treat relapsed B-cell lymphoma.
“The prognosis for B-cell lymphoma patients is around one year with chemotherapy,” said Dr. Brittney Hodgkiss, oncology resident. “Emmy started this journey in 2023 and has now been in remission since August 2025. She is doing great. She doesn’t know she has cancer. Her demeanor is as happy as it was before the cancer.”
For DeAnna, the extra time has meant everything.
“I have already gotten two more years with her that I wouldn’t have had,” she said. “You can’t put a price tag on the services you get at LSU. I refuse to give up on her because she never gave up on me. I’m so grateful for the excellent care both Emmy and I have received at LSU. It was worth it, knowing we’re giving her that chance at life.”
In January 2026, Emmy returned to LSU Vet Med for a visit. As soon as she saw Dr. Hodgkiss—who had cared for her through both rounds of chemotherapy since 2023—Emmy ran toward her, tail wagging.
Dr. Hodgkiss’ face lit up.
“Moments like these—seeing her again—makes all we do as an oncology team worth it,” she said. “We get to give hope to others.”
Dr. Brittany Hodgkiss and Emmy Charett celebrate her completion of chemotherapy treatments July 10, 2025.
LSU Vet Med’s Cancer Treatment Unit was formed in 1998 to aid in the diagnosis, care, and treatment of veterinary patients with cancer in Louisiana and the surrounding areas. The facility offers state of the art care consisting of two major service units—medical oncology (chemotherapy) and radiation oncology. Each of these units is designed to diagnose and treat veterinary cancer patients with the most advanced and cutting-edge technology available, including the only radiation unit in Louisiana. The Oncology Service works from a team approach, so a patient requiring chemotherapy and radiation therapy has the benefit of being evaluated by specialists in each of these fields, who then design a treatment protocol tailored to their individual needs.
Petco Love and Blue Buffalo have invested $21 million to date in the fight against pet cancer, helping to fund provide lifesaving treatment for pets and groundbreaking research.