If you know me, you probably know a little black dog named Cinder.

Cinder originally came into my life in 2016. When I met her, she was a tiny scrap of a puppy, barely big enough to eat solid food, let alone be separated from her dam. The first thing she did was waddle over to my mother, squat down, and pee on her shoe. I was smitten.

At the time I was searching for a service dog prospect, but being young and naïve, I had very little understanding of how to select an ethical breeder or properly evaluate a dog. I paid the price for my ignorance, and Cinder washed out from service dog training before she ever donned the vest in public due to reactivity; a lesson learned.

We pivoted, and instead of turning her into a public access worthy service animal, we focused on turning her in to the best version of herself; ultimately, I just wanted her to be a happy, confident dog, and in this we made strides. Cinder has since been all over the island and she’s even performed in a demonstration at the NL Pet Expo.

Cinder has been my best friend for the past decade, and it’s no understatement to say that I owe her my life. I’ve struggled with my mental health since childhood, but Cinder helped me achieve a level of stability that was previously inconceivable. She’s seen me through abusive relationships, toxic break-ups, and traumatic losses. She became my reason.

Cinder did not turn out to be the dog I originally wanted, but in many ways, she was the dog that I needed. I have grown exponentially as a person and learned many lessons over the years with this little dog at my side, she’s undeniably made me a better person and a more competent handler.

Sadly, time does not wait for anyone. Cinder turned ten years old this past May, and while in many ways it’s true that she is still her typical cheerful, spunky self, we’ve noticed some physical and behavioural changes that are causing us a great deal of concern.

Most pressingly, Cinder has developed a couple of lumps on her chest and she appears to be retaining fluid in that same region. Of course, I’d like to pursue diagnostics like my girl deserves, but due to a series of recent circumstances, I don’t have the financial means.

I’m disabled and living on a fixed income, and last autumn my younger rescue dog, Maple, had to undergo an unexpected emergency surgery that insurance failed to reimburse us for; I’m still in debt, working on paying that bill off, and it’s a struggle from month to month.

Additionally, I live in a rural part of Newfoundland, Canada and our town’s local veterinarian retired in late 2025, so the only option for veterinary care involves travelling two hours one-way, increasing the cost exponentially.

Because of this, I’m humbling myself and asking you to please help me to help my best friend. She is an absolute light and I’m not ready to go through this life without her.

This fundraiser will be updated with bills and receipts as applicable.