There are many different life lessons and important skills that kids learn in the Boy and Girl Scouts of America…

Young kids are taught to cultivate an appreciation for the great outdoors, leadership, good citizenship and, of course, that you have to do whatever it takes to sell the most boxes of cookies and win that trip to Sacramento (…including  destroying all the order forms of your fellow troop mates.  What?  That trip was soooo worth it!)

However, probably the most important lesson that you can learn in the Scouts is to always be prepared.  It's actually a really valuable motto that can be applied throughout your life experiences – including when dealing with the health of your pooch.

We know that no pet-parent wants to believe that their fur-kid will ever get sick.  However, the reality is that just like our human family, our beloved pets often fall victim to illnesses- including cancer. 

Although it's natural for people to want to avoid dealing with such a sad and difficult subject, pet experts agree that the best course of action is to really be prepared. 

That's why The College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University has created a new narrated live-action video designed to give pet owners a complete overview of cancer.  The informative, free 35 minute guide uses 3-D animation and covers everything from understanding how pets get cancer, to strategies for early detection, diagnosis and treatment.  

Pet parents will get a behind-the-scenes look at pets who undergo radiation and chemotherapy and learn about advanced treatment options available for pets.

Although there may be no cure for cancer at this time, knowing what to look for and how to be prepared can truly add years and quality to your pampered pup's life.  

Check out the important video at the Cornell website.