Joy the Labrador wins International Dog Loyalty Award

dog loyalty award pancreatic cancer detection animal assisted therapy Labrador Retriever oncology patient care

Joy, a two-year-old Labrador, has been awarded the International Dog Loyalty Award 2026 in Camogli after helping his owner, Barbara Guerra, discover she had pancreatic cancer. For several weeks, Joy repeatedly pressed his snout against a specific area of Guerra's abdomen, an unusual behavior that prompted her to seek medical examinations.

Following the diagnosis and subsequent surgery, the experience has led to a new medical initiative in the Veneto region. The Ulss 2 Marca Trevigiana hospital system has launched a pilot project titled ‘Compagnia che cura’ (Caring Company). This program, starting in the oncology department of Montebelluna, allows cancer patients to have their pets present during chemotherapy sessions, marking one of the first public hospital implementations of this type in Italy.

Entities

Barbara Guerra · Camogli · JOY · Treviso · ULSS 2 Marca Trevigiana

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[● 2 SOURCES] The project allows oncology patients in the Montebelluna department to have their pets present during chemotherapy. guidominciotti.blog.ilsole24ore.com · www.ilfattonisseno.it
[● 2 SOURCES] The Ulss 2 Marca Trevigiana hospital system has launched the 'Compagnia che cura' project. guidominciotti.blog.ilsole24ore.com · www.ilfattonisseno.it
[● 3 SOURCES] Joy, a two-year-old Labrador, repeatedly pressed his snout against a specific area of his owner's abdomen. guidominciotti.blog.ilsole24ore.com · www.ilfattonisseno.it
[● 3 SOURCES] The owner, Barbara Guerra, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer following medical examinations. guidominciotti.blog.ilsole24ore.com · www.ilfattonisseno.it
[● 3 SOURCES] Joy has been awarded the International Dog Loyalty Award 2026. guidominciotti.blog.ilsole24ore.com · www.ilfattonisseno.it