Presley is a nearly 8 year old Newfoundland dog who was recently diagnosed with a bone tumor, very likely osteosarcoma or possibly blastomycosis (please read up on Blasto as it more commonly affects the lungs, but other things, too). His diagnosis came only 3 short weeks ago after just a few days of very minor limping.

After discussing what this was and meant with his local vet, we have since seen an oncologist and a surgeon and after much evaluation, aspirations, x-rays, labs, and the works, with his otherwise very healthy condition as a working dog, we have decided to proceed with amputation of his front leg and chemotherapy.

I am very fortunate to have a lot of wonderful support in my community, family, friends, coworkers, and my volunteer organizations for many different things and everyone is pulling together to help with making accommodations for Presley to adapt.

I am grateful to have some decent pet insurance, that minus a deductible, consultation fees, and a few other things, should be covering the cost of his surgery and treatments at 90%, but it is still expensive and there is a lot of traveling back and forth to specialists, as both the oncologist (Duluth, MN) and surgeon (Appleton, WI) are 4.5 hours away from where we live.

I am looking to raise $2,500 to cover the $500 deductible, the $500 in vet consultation fees, the remainder $600 (10%) of the $6,000 amputation, the remainder $350 (10%) of 6 chemo treatments, whatever the labs cost prior to the chemo, the testing for Blastomycosis, and whatever is left will help me cover some of the gas to and from his treatments. Presley and I have done a lot of car camping in the past and are grateful to some kind folks near Duluth that will allow us to do that to save on the cost of a hotel.

Presley is a really strong boy and right now, he doesn't act his age (what boy does?) and without feeling the large mass on his upper right leg or seeing him not bear full weight on the leg, you wouldn't even know he is sick. He is full of zest and spunk and as full of life as before. But the vets say he is hurting as bone tumors are very painful. He does well on his pain meds and we have been doing a lot of the things he loves in the meantime.

He may never be able to do every bit of the things he loves to do now in the same way he has been able to do or at least not without support, or search work again as we know it, but he will continue to give back to the community in different ways! Please consider donating to Presley's cause. He and I would appreciate anything you can give, including just a hug and kind words. Please feel free to share this link and join us for his fundraiser at the dog park in Hancock on Saturday, June 14!

Presley's Fundraiser supported by Paavos Pack Walk