Asiago's Cancer Treatment

A note from Maya (Foster Mom):

You have maybe seen me tagged in this over the last couple of days on social media, but I needed a minute to gather my thoughts about sharing with you-why we would attempt something daunting like putting this dog through chemotherapy. The process will not be easy for any of us nor will it be inexpensive. You have to know this boy it at least hear a bit of his story. We have fostered Asiago intermittently for several years.

Asiago was adopted by his mother when he was about 6 weeks old, and he’s been her emotional support dog. With much respect to her privacy and journey, I will just say that they’ve been through a lot together, including being unhoused and in some tough situations. Asiago was right there for her during these hard times as her protector.

Mike (my husband) had been a para-professional where she attended junior high, and helped mentor her. A few years later when she needed a little help she called on him.

About 6 years ago, Asi came to stay with us for several months. He came again a couple of years later. Now this time we’ve had him for over a year in order to give his mom time to stabilize some things for herself, and her children. We would keep him forever if that’s what was needed. He is a gift.

There is something VERY special about this boy. People meet him and fall in love. We have kind of full household right now, and we’ve all had other dogs who we’ve loved so dearly and they were of course part of the family. We currently have our little Jill, and Asiago. They are peas in a pod.

Asiago is a PURE soul. He is an angel. He is so kind. He loves to give and receive love-that is absolutely his purpose. Love. Comfort. Joy. Kisses. Snuggles. Gentle giant. He is unlike any dog that any of us have met, and there’s complete reciprocity of unconditional love.

Just a couple of weeks ago I discovered 2 golf ball sized lumps in his neck on a Saturday that none of us had felt just days before (we’re constantly rubbing on him and giving and getting kisses❤️).

The vet was closed on Sunday, but I knew something was wrong, so we got in on Monday. When we got there I noticed another swollen node on his neck. The vets checked him out and showed us how all of his lymph nodes are swollen throughout his body. It all happened very fast. They sent out the pathology, but she braced us for a Lymphoma diagnosis. The pathology came back, and it is Lymphoma.

The vet suggested that if at all possible, he would be a great candidate for treatment with his happy spirit, energy, age and very healthy self.

We just HAVE to do everything we can for this amazing boy who has given SO much to so many. We strongly feel that he is not done on this earth. He has a lot more love to give and receive, and experiences to have.

Please, help if you can. Please copy paste what I’ve shared here, and share FAR AND WIDE. I know that so many of us love animals. Could you spare just even a little something? I know I’ve asked for a lot with donations for Ukraine, and this is something we just have to at least try.

To those of you who have already donated we are so grateful. Thank you for giving of yourself to help our “it takes a village” need.

Again, please share to try to get Asiago a few more happy years❤️

Thank you for reading.

The Vargas Family, and all of those who love Asiago

A note from Maria (Foster sibling):

Our foster dog Asiago is possibly the best dog you'll ever meet. A gentle giant, a sweetheart, the most patient and tolerant pup, and a true member of the family.

Devastatingly, Asi was recently diagnosed with Lymphoma. There's no world in which this will ever make sense, and there's no world in which we'd ever not try to do everything we can to make his life long, full, and full of love.

Asiago will need a lot of help going forward. We meet with his oncologist October 19th, and from there we'll be able to determine just what course of treatment he needs. He's so energetic, and otherwise healthy, his vet has recommended that we do our best to give him the treatment he needs. While we aren't sure exactly what treatment he'll be prescribed, we do know it'll be very costly. Since his diagnosis just a couple weeks ago, we've already spent several hundred dollars in vet bills. If for whatever reason we aren't able to go through with the treatment, or we make more than we'll end up needing, gofundme has an option to refund donations.

If you know Asi, you know that he's got such a special soul. There's something about him that shines. Please consider helping our family out, Asiago has changed all of our lives for the better and we'd love to try to do the same for him.

Here's some of our family's favorite pictures of him, and our other pup, his best buddy, Jill.