Our wonderful four-year-old pup, Emma, recently had a mass removed from her neck. Despite all indications that it was benign, the biopsy showed that it was a rare and aggressive cancer--salivary adenocarcinoma. Unfortunately, it has metastasized and spread to her lungs.  This diagnosis comes with a pretty grim prognosis of four to six months. 

Even though we've gotten this horrible news, Emma is oblivious and living her best life. She's as energetic and happy as ever and isn't yet feeling the effects of the disease. Because she is feeling as well as she is, her oncologist is optimistic that with chemotherapy and a lot of care and love, we may be able to have an extra six months or more with Emma and luckily, chemotherapy in dogs tends to be received well and with very few side effects.

That said, the chemo will cost over $800 for each treatment, every three weeks, plus the cost of diagnostic tests and treatment for any side effects, should they occur, and eventually, end of life treatment and cremation. This is obviously a significant cost, but if there is a way for us to slow the progression of the disease and keep Emma feeling like herself for a few more months, we want to do everything we can. 

Anyone who has met Emma can attest to what a special dog she is. She brings so much love and joy to our home. Although this disease will eventually take Emma's life, we want to cherish every moment with her that we can. We hate to ask for help, but Emma has done so much for us and we want to be sure we're doing everything we can for her now. 

This is an unpredictable process and nothing is more important to us than Emma's comfort and well-being. If the treatment is ineffective or causing significant side effects, we will discontinue treatment to avoid causing her any undue stress. We will post updates to the campaign as soon as we have them. 

We've already received so much support from our friends and family and it means the world to us. Thank you all for everything.