Briggs, a brave Search & Rescue K9, has spent years training to save lives—now we’re fighting to be able to afford testing that could potentially save his life.

Meet Briggs, our 4-year old Labrador mix of a loyal, goofy Lab, and a German Shepherd with a strong will, and even stronger work ethic. Briggs' name was chosen after a military fort in my favorite show. Briggs has lived up to his name by being unbending, determined, driven, and devoted.

We signed Briggs up for a Trailing class as an outlet for his over-the-top energy; but we ended up finding Briggs’ passion. Through our instructor we found a local volunteer Search & Rescue K9 team, and Briggs convinced me to join. The search and rescue team has become our second family; everyone helps build each other up and push towards success. With years of training and bond building; as K9 and handler we are almost ready to be certified.

Due to his continued illnesses (his autoimmune disease that hollows out his nails, worsening episodes of diarrhea & vomiting, and not eating enough to sustain him), he has had to take a break from his passion of Trailing. When dogs trail, they use their powerful noses to help find lost people and reunite them with their family.

Now Briggs needs help to get better to be able to help others. Briggs has gone through several diet changes, medications, blood and image testing, even as far as 2 ultrasounds. This time the testing came back with concerns. The vet gave us two options: a less invasive scope (but it might miss the problem) or full abdominal surgery with biopsy to finally get answers. We need to do the surgery—but it’s way beyond what we can afford after all his testing and symptomatic treatments so far. Right now the health concerns range from irritable bowel disease to possibly lymphoma. We just want Briggs to be healthy and happy doing what he loves for the rest of his, hopefully, very long life. We have done everything we could to get Briggs the treatments up until this point through pet insurance and Care Credit. But this time it's just too much that those options just won't cover the surgery needed to find the right treatment.

How you can help:

Exploratory surgery - $1500, Biopsies - $700+, Anesthesia and pain management - $ 1000+, Overnight one-on-one ICU care from doctors and nurses - $1200, In the event of complications- $600, And so on.

These estimated costs are just for the initial recovery care. If all goes well, he can come home and start recovering. If he needs further care in the hospital the costs will go higher.

"No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe."

From the bottom of our hearts– thank you for being part of Team Briggs.

Briggs might be selectively social, but he thanks you with all his heart for any help you can give to help him live a successful and happy life doing what he loves.