Katie Thurston Stands by Dog Training Decision During Cancer Fight
Former Bachelorette Katie Thurston is standing firm against criticism regarding her decision to send her new puppy, Charlie, to a professional dog trainer.
“He might not realize it yet, but he’s about to start a month of professional training,” Thurston, 34, shared on her Instagram Stories on Thursday, May 1, along with a photo of her pet. “With Jeff [Arcuri] away for the next two months, this will significantly assist me in managing both my care and his.”
Thurston and Arcuri, 36, welcomed Charlie into their home last month after her move to New York City during her breast cancer journey. (Us Weekly reported in March that Thurston and the comedian tied the knot just before she began treatment.)
In a subsequent Instagram Story, Thurston shared a fan’s comment expressing hopes for Charlie’s success in training.
“I truly believe this will enhance his ability to be an emotional support for you throughout his life,” the social media user commented. “He is incredibly fortunate to have been chosen by you and Jeff.”
Thurston agreed, responding, “We feel that way too. As a long-time cat lady, I quickly learned about the challenges of puppy ownership. While we’ve made progress, he requires someone with more dedicated time and expertise.”
Thurston and Arcuri opted for professional training with Andrea Arden, whom the reality TV alum believes can provide Charlie with the “one-on-one attention” he needs.
However, one follower criticized Thurston’s “terrible” choice to send her dog away for a month, asserting that pet owners should take responsibility for training to “build that bond.”
“There’s no need for judgment,” Thurston replied in another Instagram Story. “We’ve had him for two months, and with Jeff away, I’m managing everything on my own while battling cancer. Not that I owe you an explanation, but I urge you to consider others’ situations before passing judgment.”
Thurston received a stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis in February, which escalated to stage 4 at the end of March when the disease spread to her liver. Consequently, she and her oncologists had to adjust her treatment plan.
“I’ll be on Letrozole + Kisqali + Zoladex as my primary treatment,” she explained on Instagram in April, mentioning that chemotherapy was “not an option” due to her cancer being HER2-negative. “This customized plan is based on my diagnosis of HER2-negative, Luminal B, hormone-positive breast cancer. Letrozole will block estrogen, Kisqali will inhibit cancer cell growth, and Zoladex will shut down my ovaries. If this treatment proves ineffective or if the cancer reemerges, [chemo] will be a possibility we’ll reconsider. We will keep a close watch on the treatment and ensure it suits my body.”
