We were lucky to catch up with Amber Drake recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amber, appreciate you joining us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

The journey to start the Drake Dog Cancer Foundation was fueled by a deep passion to change the way we approach canine cancer care. I had witnessed far too many cases where pet parents were left in the dark, not given enough information about their options for reducing cancer risk or caring for a dog already battling the condition. It was heartbreaking to see families who, due to financial constraints or lack of other professional perspectives, couldn’t access the advice they needed for their beloved companions.

These experiences are just some of the many reasons I decided to create an organization focused on natural, preventive measures using herbal medicine and other natural options.

My goal has always been to provide guidance for reducing cancer risk in dogs that haven’t been diagnosed and to educate pet parents on the steps they can take at home while working alongside their veterinarian’s traditional treatments. And– not costing “an arm and a leg.” Many pet parents drain their bank account to access a professional in the field. My organization provides this information at low cost or, in many cases, free-of-charge.

The first steps in building this organization involved a lot of planning and education. I knew I needed a strong foundation in addition to my traditionally-structured academic experiences, so I pursued advanced training in herbal medicine and holistic canine care.

Setting up the organization required careful thought about how to best educate pet owners; informing them of the long list of options they have, in addition to the traditionally discussed routes.

Early on, I invested in creating an online platform to make essential information about canine care, behavior, nutrition, and herbal options more accessible to everyone.

One of the biggest challenges was addressing the skepticism around using herbs as medicine, especially as it pertains to cannabis medicine, for something as serious as cancer.

I took the time to build a network of holistic veterinarians, specialists in fields like cannabis medicine and medicinal mushrooms, and other pet professionals who could provide referrals and support the effectiveness of these methods. It wasn’t easy, and it required patience and persistence, but slowly, I started to gain trust and credibility within the community.

Looking back, if I could change one thing, I would have focused on creating educational content much sooner. It wasn’t until I began blogging and offering educational resources to pet parents that they truly started to see and understand the benefits of herbal approaches.

Seeing the relief and hope this information brought to pet owners reaffirmed that this was the right path for me.

Advice for others

Have a clear vision of what you want your organization to represent.
Be prepared to educate and advocate.
Surround yourself with a support network of like-minded professionals, and always keep learning.
Don’t worry about the money– feel the passion from doing what you love– the money will follow.

Amber, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

When I was about 12 years old, I adopted my first dog, a beautiful Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy. Out of the entire litter, she was the one who came right to me, as if she chose me. Fast-forward 10 years, and I heard the words every pet parent dreads: “Your dog has cancer.”

I poured everything I had into trying to save her life or at least give her more time. Back then, I only knew about traditional treatment methods. No one had informed me about how I could have reduced her risk of cancer or what I could have done at home to support her. That experience is what first led me to this field.

As I learned more, I started working in the canine care industry, taking on various roles to gain as much experience as possible. I quickly noticed that the companies I worked for were charging clients large sums of money for my services. The cost was often far beyond what the average pet parent could afford. I couldn’t shake the feeling that many were missing out on essential care simply because of financial constraints.

That’s when I began building the Drake Dog Cancer Foundation. My goal was to provide low-cost and free resources, so pet parents could find the support and relief they needed without breaking the bank.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Despite facing some incredibly difficult times—nearly losing my life while delivering my oldest son, experiencing organ failure a few months later, going through two messy divorces, and navigating the challenges of being a single mother—I refused to let these setbacks stop me from pursuing my dreams. I persevered and continued to build my business, fueled by my passion for health and well-being.

Today, I am proud to not only run the Drake Dog Cancer Foundation, which is a true labor of love, but also Terradoc, an organization that promotes mental health awareness and explores the benefits of cannabis and other herbal medicines for overall wellness in humans. My love for dogs runs deep, but my passion for human health and biology is equally strong. Since 2010, I have been an Adjunct Instructor of Biology, teaching pre-nursing and general science courses.

I am proud of what I have accomplished despite the many hurdles I’ve faced. Every challenge has made me more determined to make a positive impact in both the human and animal health communities.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Passion is incredibly important in my field, especially if you plan to open your own organization. It’s not just about having the knowledge and skills; it’s about truly caring for the clients you work with and being dedicated to making a difference.

When you’re running your own practice, there will be long hours, difficult cases, and moments of uncertainty. Passion is what will keep you going through those late nights of research, the emotional toll of working with illness, and the challenges of running a business.

It drives you to keep learning, improving, and advocating for the best possible care.

Without passion, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or lose sight of why you started in the first place. But when you’re passionate, every step forward feels meaningful, and every success, no matter how small, becomes a reminder of why you chose this path.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dogcancerfoundation.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/specialistamberdrake
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberldrake
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrakeDogCancerFoundation