Help Appa Get Back on His Paws ❤️

Appa has been diagnosed with bone cancer in his right front leg, and we are now facing a difficult and unexpected journey to get him the care he needs.

For those who know Appa, you know he is so much more than a dog. He is my medical alert service dog, my constant companion, and an incredibly special part of my life. He is also something of a local celebrity — a fan favorite who is often recognized and greeted with love whenever we attend local events. He has a way of making people smile wherever he goes, and so many people have come to know and love him.

Right now, though, Appa is staying home because of the pain in his leg. His illness has turned our daily life upside down. Without him by my side, I am relying on technology to alert me to changes that may indicate a medical episode. Unfortunately, it isn't as fast or as accurate as Appa, which has made this already difficult time even more challenging.

What Comes Next

Appa is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday, September 15th, to remove his affected leg. Our hope is that this will give him the best chance at continuing to live a happy, comfortable life.

After surgery, Appa will need chemotherapy and immunotherapy as part of his treatment.

We have already spent nearly $6,000 on his diagnosis, testing, and a full-body CT scan to make sure surgery was the right path forward. His upcoming surgery is estimated to cost approximately $9,000, and the additional chemotherapy and immunotherapy are expected to bring his total medical expenses to somewhere between $15,000 and $25,000.

I am committed to doing everything I can to make sure Appa gets the care he needs, including taking on expenses personally and using credit cards if necessary. But this is a tremendous financial burden, and we cannot do it alone.

Every Bit Helps ❤️

If you are able to donate, any amount — truly, any amount — would mean the world to us. Every contribution will go directly toward Appa's medical bills, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and recovery.

And if donating isn't possible, sharing this fundraiser is just as meaningful. You never know who might see it, know Appa, or simply want to help a good dog get another chance at feeling like himself again.

Appa has spent his life by my side, helping keep me safe and giving me his unconditional love every single day. Now it's my turn to fight for him.

Thank you for loving Appa, cheering him on, sharing his story, or helping us in any way you can. We are incredibly grateful for every kind word, every share, and every donation as we take this one step — and one paw — at a time. ❤️