Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/shannen-doherty-bowie/

Shannen Doherty, the beloved actress known for her roles in “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed,” recently passed away at the age of 53 after a prolonged battle with breast cancer.
Her passing on July 13, 2023, left a void in the hearts of many. However, amidst the grief, a touching story emerged about her loyal companion, Bowie, a German Shepherd who played a crucial role in her cancer journey.

The Bond Between Shannen and Bowie

Bowie was not just a pet to Doherty; he was a confidant and protector. In 2015, Shannen was diagnosed with breast cancer, but it was Bowie who first sensed something was wrong. In a 2016 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Doherty revealed that Bowie would obsessively sniff her right side, prompting her to seek medical attention.

“It made sense when I got diagnosed,” she shared, crediting Bowie with alerting her to the illness before any medical tests confirmed it.

A Loyal Companion Through Tough Times

Throughout her cancer journey, Bowie remained by Doherty’s side. His presence provided her with comfort and strength during the toughest times. Whether she was undergoing treatment or recovering, Bowie was there, offering the emotional support that only a beloved pet can provide.
This bond between Doherty and Bowie is a testament to the extraordinary capabilities of pets to sense changes in their owners’ health.

Shannen’s Advocacy for Animals

Beyond her personal connection with Bowie, Doherty was a passionate advocate for animals. Despite Bowie being a purebred gift from her ex, Kurt Iswarienko, Doherty was a strong proponent of rescuing animals, Pinkvilla reports.
On her podcast “Let’s Be Clear,” she often spoke against breeders and kill shelters, encouraging people to adopt rescue dogs instead. “We’re taking away the lives of… probably 10 dogs,” she once stated, emphasizing the importance of animal rescue initiatives.

Bowie’s Social Media Fame

Bowie was more than just a pet; he was a social media star. With an Instagram account under the handle missbowiedoherty, Bowie’s adventures and moments with Doherty were shared with fans. The account, active since October 2016, featured numerous photos and videos, including a recent birthday tribute from Doherty in March. In this tribute, Doherty expressed her love for Bowie, calling him “the best dog in the world” and stating, “I love you to an obsessive point.”

Canine Intuition: How Dogs Detect Illness

Bowie’s ability to detect Shannen’s cancer highlights a fascinating aspect of canine intuition. According to iHeartDogs, dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell, estimated to be 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than that of humans. This heightened olfactory ability allows them to detect metabolic markers known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by cancer cells.
Research has further shown that trained dogs can identify cancerous samples with remarkable accuracy, offering potential for early detection methods in healthcare.

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Shannen’s Final Wishes

Doherty’s deep connection with Bowie was evident in her final wishes. On her podcast, she shared that she wanted her remains to be mixed with Bowie’s and her father’s, reports People, expressing a desire to be cremated and perhaps have her ashes used to grow a tree.

Doherty’s passing has left a void in the entertainment world and among her fans. Her courage and openness about her battle with cancer inspired many. Her journey was made a bit easier by Bowie, whose intuitive actions played a critical role in her early diagnosis and provided unwavering support.
As we remember Shannen Doherty, we also celebrate the remarkable bond she shared with Bowie, a testament to the powerful connection between humans and their pets.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog