As most of you know, our already medically complex epileptic, neurotic, anxious, but loveable furry family member, Bear was recently diagnosed with some bad news. Bear has a large lump on his shoulder and leg that tested positive for both mast cell and spindle cell cancer. The lump needs to be removed and surgery is scheduled for March 18th. The mass will be sent to pathology with the hope that they were able to remove large margins and risk for recurrence or further treatment will be low. He is also suspected to have Cushing's Disease which is either from a tumor on his adrenal or pituitary glands. He will have a work-up for this completed after his first surgery which will tell us if his Cushing's stems from a benign source or a cancerous source and what treatment will entail for him moving forward. We are lucky that he is mostly symptom free at this time (except for drinking about 4 gallons of water a day.) However, this is not going to be a cheap endeavor on top of his epilepsy medications, treatments, neurology appointments and tests he gets done twice a year. I will also be taking a week of of work for post-op care because we all know I can't leave well enough alone when one of my loved ones has medical events. Cost for the entirety of what we know so far is around $5000 including all of the pre-op testing, lab work, and X-rays he has had to have performed.

As most of you also know, Tony recently began a new and exciting job, which is wonderful news, but leaves the timing of these expenses very inopportune for our household. I have plans to raise funds via photography coming up, but we were encouraged by our closest friends to start this Go Fund Me as we know how much a lot of you love and keep up with Bear and his antics. It is really not like us to ask for money and frankly something we are quite uncomfortable with, however, at the end of the day the most important thing for us is that we are able to do all we can for Bear without having to make any decisions (within reason) based on finances. He turns 7 in two months, and we hope we get another 7 years with him if we can eradicate these issues now!

Any and all funds will go towards his vet bills and upcoming operation, on the off chance there is a surplus of funds raised, all will be donated to a local animal shelter.

We love and appreciate you for all of the good vibes, prayers, and healing thoughts that you can send Bear's way!