Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Former Bachelorette contestant Katie Thurston is addressing the feedback regarding her choice to enroll her new puppy, Charlie, in professional canine training.
Professional Training for Charlie, The Family Dog
“He isn’t aware yet, but he’s set to undergo a month of professional dog training,” Thurston, 34, disclosed on her Instagram Stories on Thursday, May 1, alongside a snapshot of her pet. “While Jeff [Arcuri] is away for the following two months, this arrangement will greatly assist me in managing his and my personal care.”
An Introduction to the Reality TV Star’s New Companion
Background: The New York City Adoption
Thurston and Arcuri, 36, welcomed Charlie into their home last month following her relocation to New York City amidst her stage 4 breast cancer journey. Thurston shared the details after her breast cancer diagnosis was confirmed in February 2025.
The Instagram Community’s Response
In a subsequent Instagram post, Thurston shared a supporter’s comment expressing the hope that Charlie would excel in his training.
“I genuinely believe this will make him an even better emotional support for you throughout his life,” the social media user wrote. “He is incredibly fortunate to have been chosen by you and Jeff.”
Thurston agreed, responding, “We feel the same. As a long-time cat owner, I quickly learned about the challenges of raising a puppy. While we’ve progressed significantly, he requires dedicated time and expertise to progress further.”
The Dog Trainer Selected by Katie Thurston
A One-On-One Training Experience
Thurston and Arcuri chose to place their pup under the guidance of Andrea Arden, who, according to the reality TV alum, can provide Charlie with attentive, one-on-one training during his stay.
Public Perception & Reaction
A Critique and Response
Another follower, however, questioned Thurston’s “questionable” decision to separate from her dog for a month. The social media user suggested that owners should train their pets themselves to “foster a strong bond.”
“Unsolicited judgment is not needed,” Thurston retorted in another Instagram Story. “We’ve had him for two months, and now Jeff is gone, leaving me to manage alone while battling cancer. Though I don’t owe you an explanation, I wanted to remind you to consider someone else’s situation before passing judgment.”
The Star’s Stage 4 Breast Cancer Journey
Adapting to a New Treatment Regimen
Thurston’s diagnosis in February and her eventual stage 4 breast cancer classification at March’s end prompted her to adjust her therapy approach with her medical team.
“I’ll be on Letrozole + Kisqali + Zoladex as my initial treatment,” she revealed via Instagram in April, stating that chemotherapy was “not an option” because her cancer is HER2-negative. “This regimen is customized for HER2-negative, Luminal B, hormone-positive breast cancer. Letrozole will block estrogen, Kisqali will inhibit cancer cell growth, and Zoladex will suppress my ovaries. If this treatment becomes ineffective or if the cancer recurs, we’ll revisit chemotherapy as an option. We will vigilantly monitor the treatment plan and ensure it’s suitable for my body.”