Help Shy Get the Surgery She Needs

Update on Shy’s Journey – Radiation & Surgery Ahead

April 11, 2025

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share an important update about Shy’s health and the next steps in her treatment plan.

As many of you know, Shy was recently diagnosed with a benign but aggressive mass (fibroma) in her left upper jaw, just under her eye. We’ve been working closely with veterinary specialists, and a recent CT scan revealed that the mass is now about 9.3 cm x 4.8 cm x 7.8 cm. It’s affecting part of the bone in her face and some of her upper teeth, making surgery more complicated.

Because of its size and bone involvement, Shy’s team is recommending that she undergo radiation therapy first, to shrink the mass and make the surgery safer and more effective. She will likely need 3 to 6 sessions of radiation before her surgical procedure.

This next phase of care is expected to cost between $10,000 and $15,000 in total, including radiation, surgery, imaging, anesthesia, and follow-up care. We are exploring every option, including financing and reaching out to veterinary hospitals that may offer more budget-friendly care. But we can’t do this alone.

Your support has already meant the world to us, and it’s because of you that Shy has come this far. If you’re able to share her story, contribute again, or simply send love her way, we’d be incredibly grateful.

Shy is still her bright, strong, wiggly self—and she’s not giving up, and neither are we.

With so much love and thanks,

Salma Ellis

Hello everyone, my name is Salma, and I'm reaching out for help to raise funds for my beloved dog, Shy. Shy is a 5-year-old, sweet, loving, and well-behaved dog who has been an absolute joy to have in our lives. However, over the past year, we’ve been dealing with a growing mass on the side of her face that has been a constant source of concern.

The mass has been steadily growing and, without surgery, it will continue to disfigure her face and cause significant dental issues, which will affect her ability to eat and live a happy, healthy life. After numerous vet appointments, it’s clear that the only solution is surgery to remove the mass and prevent further complications.

Unfortunately, the cost of the surgery is more than we can afford on our own, and we are asking for your help. Up to this point I have already paid well over $3,000 to get a diagnosis and was quoted just under $3,200 for a CT scan needed prior to surgery and between $5,000-$10,000for the surgery itself. Any donation, no matter how small, will go directly toward covering the surgery and aftercare Shy needs to get back to her happy, healthy self.

Shy has been a loyal companion, bringing so much love and joy to our lives since she was a puppy. We want to ensure she can continue to live a full, comfortable life without this mass causing her any more pain or distress. Your support means the world to us, and we are incredibly grateful for any assistance you can provide.

Thank you for helping us give Shy the chance to heal and live the life she deserves.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Salma Ellis