**All proceeds to go directly to Anton's radiation treatment**

Hi, Tiffany here—Anton’s mum and arguably his biggest fan. Many close to us already know, but back in February, during routine dental work, a small mass was found in Anton’s mouth. Sadly, it turned out to be an aggressive oral melanoma. It was devastating news, but although Anton is 11, he is in amazing health and spirits—full of life and energy—and we were sure he would live well past 13.

After his diagnosis, we were promptly referred to the Toronto Animal Cancer Centre to begin testing and determine whether the cancer had spread. Anton underwent a CT scan, lymph node biopsy, and received the first dose of the melanoma vaccine. This first appointment was around $4,000. Thankfully, my TFSA covered this, but he still needed three more doses of the vaccine, given every two weeks at $1,075 per shot, totaling $3,225.

The test results from his CT scan and biopsy came back with some encouraging news. Although the tumor was not removed with clean margins, there was thankfully no sign that it had spread to the bone or lymph nodes, meaning no further major surgery was needed. However, we were not in the clear. A second incidental tumor was found—a suspected olfactory neuroblastoma, which is rare in dogs. This tumor sits between Anton’s nasal passage and his brain, making it imperative that action be taken to avoid seizures, neurological disorders, and behavioural changes. This tumor needs to be treated with radiation, and coincidentally so does the site of his oral tumor to ensure his melanoma does not return. This will need to be done at the Ontario Veterinary College Hospital at the University of Guelph. This past weekend, we finally received confirmation of his treatment dates: an additional CT and MRI on May 28th to plan his treatment map, followed by treatment once a week for five weeks beginning June 10th.

This necessary CT and MRI will cost $2,800, and the radiation treatment will total $5,500. These treatments will give Anton the opportunity to live a full and healthy life for a few more years.

I have managed to pull from my savings and work many extra days to afford as much of his care as possible, but this is an unusually large financial burden, totaling roughly $15,000.00, and I am not able to fully fund it on my own.

Anyone who has met Anton knows how much of a light he is—kind, gentle, and loving. He is truly too pure for this world, and any help you can offer us would mean more than words can say.

Anyone who know's me knows I am stubbornly independent. I have worked so hard to be able to afford so much of this on my own but can recognize that this is bigger than me.

If you are able to donate, we thank you endlessly. Even if you aren’t, thank you for reading our story. I am always around to talk about our experience with anyone who may be enduring a cancer diagnosis for their beloved pet.

With humble gratitude,

Tiffany and Anton