As most of you already know, my dog Gracie has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right front leg. She started looking a bit stiff and limping in September and after she didn’t respond much to the typical arthritis medications, an X-ray revealed a bone lesion in her right front leg. My heart was instantly broken. I mean, that’s honestly an understatement. In that moment I felt completely devastated. After SO much crying over the next couple days I decided that I needed a plan. So I  reached out to all of my resources. All of the doctors and technicians I have met throughout my career that I thought could help me. I wanted to gather as much information as possible to make the best decision for her. I decided on amputation and chemotherapy to follow. It’s important for me to state that I did not base this decision on how much longer I can keep her with me. Yes, time is obviously a factor but my main concern is keeping her comfortable. Osteosarcoma is known to be extremely painful and can lead to fracture of the bone when it becomes even more destructive. I could never watch her live in that much pain.

During her pre operative abdominal ultrasound, a splenic mass was found. Which added to the stress and heartache of what we already were going through. It was recommended to remove her spleen and biopsy first before moving forward with the amputation. Thank goodness that splenic mass was benign.

I adopted Gracie when she was just 3 months old.  Her previous owner neglected to provide her with the medical attention that she needed regarding an awful skin condition leading to her losing most of her fur. I remember walking in to meet her and this very excited tiny little puppy with hardly any fur sat in my lap. Instantly, I fell in love, there was no question that this dog was now mine. I wonder if she thought the same thing about me when she sat in my lap! I really do think we found each other. I needed her just as much as she needed me. She has been the most loyal loving pup I could have ever asked for and has loved me unconditionally. I am trying to put into words how much I love her but there just aren’t words to describe it. She is just a part of me and the best part of my life for the last 13 years of my adult life. I promise to make her as comfortable, happy and pain free as I possibly can.

I understand that this is a lot for a 13yr old dog to go through. But she has shown me that she is such a strong girl and completely healthy otherwise so I NEED to do right by her and I feel in my heart that this is the best thing I can do.

am so lucky to be surrounded by so much love and support from everyone. A lot of my wonderful friends ask what they can do or if they can help in any way. I wasn’t going to let not having money stop me from keeping my dog comfortable. Originally, I gathered all my funds as well as credit cards and was prepared to pay for an amputation and chemotherapy. But,  since another surgery was added due to the splenic mass, I am really struggling. If you would like to donate to her care it would be greatly appreciated and so helpful. 

Again, I would like to thank all of you for your continued support and love for both of us. ❤️