When Erin Abay recreated a photo with her beloved dog Ducky 11 years after it was first taken, the transformation was striking. The once-dark puppy had grown into a completely different color, both physically and emotionally shaped by the years—and by a journey that included two battles with cancer. Stories like Ducky’s remind us of the resilience of pets and the depth of the human-animal bond. For anyone searching for uplifting dog cancer survival stories or curious about how chemotherapy can affect a dog’s appearance, Ducky’s tale is a powerful testament to love, perseverance, and unexpected change.

Ducky, a 13-year-old Shih-Tzu, has been with Abay since he was just 8 weeks old. Fiercely loyal and known for his love of Halloween, Ducky has worn over 40 costumes and become a social media favorite through his annual “13 Days of Halloween” photo series. His Instagram presence has even supported fundraising efforts for local animal shelters, showcasing not just his charm but his impact.

As a puppy, Ducky had dark, silky fur. By the time he turned one, his coat had shifted to a unique gray-beige shade that Abay affectionately called “greige.” She nicknamed him “Ducky with the Good Hair,” a label that stuck—until everything changed last summer.

After developing a persistent dry cough, Ducky was taken to the vet. X-rays revealed stage 1 lung cancer. A month later, a tumor the size of a golf ball was surgically removed from his lung. Remarkably, Ducky recovered quickly. “He acted like a puppy again,” Abay shared. Life resumed its familiar rhythm: Ducky tolerating his feline siblings, enjoying pup cups, and continuing his Halloween traditions.

But five months after his surgery, Abay noticed something unusual while petting Ducky’s legs. She felt a lump that wasn’t present in his other lymph nodes. Her instincts, sharpened by her experience as program director at the Humane Society of Navarro County in Texas, told her something was wrong. Her fears were confirmed when Ducky’s oncologist diagnosed him with large cell lymphoma.

Despite the emotional toll, Abay focused on the silver lining: the cancer had been caught early and had not spread to Ducky’s organs. With immediate chemotherapy, survival was possible. For the next several months, Abay and Ducky made biweekly trips—nearly two hours each way—to receive treatment. Though visibly anxious, Ducky showed courage by walking into each appointment.

Shih-Tzus, with their hair-like coats, are more prone to shedding during chemotherapy, and Ducky was no exception. His once-thick coat began to thin. “He looked rough at times,” Abay said. Still, his playful spirit endured. Even at his weakest, he would chase after his toys, a sign that his personality was as strong as ever.

Then came an unexpected side effect: a dramatic change in color. Deep brown tufts began to grow where his light fur once was. “He went from gray to hot chocolate,” Abay noted. By the time he completed chemo, Ducky had transformed into a full brunette. His hair texture had also changed—now coarse and curly, reacting to humidity much like a human’s.

Abay embraced the change, pampering Ducky with special shampoo and conditioner to nurture his new coat. “Out of all the scariness and fear and uncertainty that comes with chemo and cancer, watching his hair transform has been quite joyful and entertaining,” she said. “A bright, funny spot in a whirlwind of chaos.”

After six months of treatment, Ducky was declared cancer-free. To help him regain weight, Abay feeds him a “very thin steak” each night—a ritual Ducky eagerly anticipates. “He will cry for his steak if I am taking a bit too long,” she said. “He is a force of nature.”

The pair continues to visit the oncologist for regular remission checks and lung X-rays. Abay, who has cystic fibrosis and has participated in research trials since 2013, credits Ducky with being her constant companion through her own medical journey. “Ducky has been with me every step of the way through these medical studies … He is my little rock,” she shared.

Almost exactly a year after Ducky’s initial surgery, Abay posted a side-by-side photo from 11 years ago and today. The changes are undeniable—both in color and in spirit. Yet the bond between them remains as strong as ever. “I don’t take a second of my time with him for granted,” Abay said. “Especially after almost losing him to cancer—twice.”

Ducky’s story is more than a tale of survival. It’s a celebration of resilience, the healing power of companionship, and the surprising ways life can transform us. From a gray-beige pup to a curly-haired brunette, Ducky’s journey is a vivid reminder that even in the face of illness, joy and beauty can emerge.

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