The beginning
It all started on May 17, 2010. Our Hungarian Vizsla, Albert, was just under 10 years old when an ultrasound scan revealed a bladder tumor. The radiologist gave only a 5% chance of survival due to the tumor’s size and location.
Our vet referred us to the University on István Street. Two days later, Dr. Tibor Németh performed surgery and partially removed the tumor. Afterward, he sent us to AHOK, where oncologist Dr. Péter Vajdovich began Albert’s chemotherapy.
First treatments and surprising hope
We were scared of potential side effects. But as the vet explained, dogs usually don’t react the same way humans do. After each chemo session, Albert was weak for a day or two, but nothing more. Following four rounds of chemotherapy and consistent medication, the tumor didn’t grow back. There were no signs of metastasis. We were beyond relieved.
The setback and a hard decision
Unfortunately, just 3–4 months later, the tumor began to grow again. Albert needed another round of chemotherapy — this time with a different drug. The first session lasted all day. Afterward, he became unwell, stopped eating, and refused to drink. We later learned that Albert was one of the few dogs whose body couldn’t tolerate that type of chemo. As a result, his kidneys and pancreas began to fail.
Searching for answers and discovering K9
We started two weeks of daily infusions, even on weekends, to flush out his kidneys and restart his organs. During this period, my father found K9 products online, and we placed an order immediately. Dr. Vajdovich supported trying any immune booster, so we gave it a shot.
A week into the infusions, Albert was still weak. He wouldn’t eat. He barely moved. Our once-energetic Vizsla could have been knocked over by a light breeze. Out of desperation, we gave him five K9 Immunity capsules, thinking: “What do we have to lose?” I left him with my parents that evening and told them if he didn’t improve by morning, we’d take him to the vet to be put to sleep.
A turning point we didn’t expect
The next morning, my parents called: “He’s walking! He drank water!” We rushed over for his infusion. After another week and a half of treatment, his organs recovered enough that infusions were no longer needed. Still, we knew his time was limited.
Due to his sensitivity, Albert never regained his usual appetite. He had once loved food but now turned away. This made it hard to administer the full K9 dosage. Even when mixed into his water, he preferred to skip drinking.
The final goodbye
On October 7, 2011, his kidney finally gave out. He had eaten or drunk nothing for over a week. That morning, he could barely stand. We knew it was time to let him go – not to prolong his suffering.
Thanks to his surgeon, his oncologists, and K9, we had gained 18 extra months. With this disease, most dogs are lucky to survive six.
What we learned – and what we wish we’d done
Looking back, we wish we had discovered these products in 2008. That year, Albert had a small tumor removed from his eye. If we had started supporting his immune system then, maybe the bladder tumor would never have formed.
This experience inspired us to begin distributing Aloha Medicinals Inc.’s K9 products in Hungary. We want other owners to have more time with their dogs — through prevention and immune support.
Prevention first
Prevention is far less painful — emotionally and physically — than surgery or chemotherapy. It’s often cheaper, too. If your dog already has cancer, consult a veterinary oncologist. K9 supplements are not miracle cures, but they can be powerful allies alongside traditional treatment. Cancer moves fast. You need to act faster.
One more chance
If we had the chance to start over with Albert at age five, we would’ve raised him completely differently. His care would’ve focused much more on prevention, long before any symptoms appeared.
Our gratitude
We are deeply grateful to AHOK, to Dr. Vajdovich, and to his colleagues — especially Dr. Eszter and Zsófi Szendi — for treating Albert with such compassion. Even in his final moments, Albert wasn’t afraid to enter the clinic.
And we are forever thankful to Albert. His journey gave us not only more time with him, but a mission — to help other dogs fight cancer with every tool possible.