Give Augie a Second Chance at Life

My name’s Sonny, and Augie has been my best friend since I was 17. He’s a 7-year-old (almost 8) spitz mix with a big personality and an even bigger heart (once he warms up to you). He’s been with me through everything- undergraduate college, cross-country moves, roadtrips, late nights, early mornings, heartbreaks, and everything else I’ve experienced the last 7 years. He even got his own diploma at Eckerd! Now he’s helping me get through grad school.

Back in May, Augie was diagnosed with a mast cell tumor. We had it removed, but they didn’t get it all, and now new masses have popped up. Then just last week, while running in the yard, he tore his CCL and likely his meniscus. He needs another surgery to remove the new tumor growths, plus a TPLO surgery for his knee to help him walk again without pain.

I’m doing everything I can, but as a grad student living on ~12k a year, I just can’t cover it all. His care is going to cost over 6k, possibly up to 10k depending on how it all goes. I never imagined we’d be here, but I’m reaching out for help (even if it’s embarrassing).

Augie isn’t just a dog. He’s my constant. My home. My everything. He raised his little dog brother Fern and lets our cat Junimo boss him around (the best a cerebrally challenged cat can). He still wants to be in the mix, still tries to follow me from room to room. He’s full of love and life and fight. I just want to give him the care he needs so he can keep living the life he loves.

Any kind of support- donating, sharing, kind words, means more than I can say. Thank you so much for reading. I just want more time with my best friend.