Hello everyone, my name is Betsy. My partner Ashton and I have a hoard of furry children that we love dearly. I work as a primary care vet tech who shadows as an ER vet tech also to help provide for our little family.

I am a nervous Pet-Momma humbly reaching out to get help for our fur-son Anderson "Andy"'s medical bills. Andy is our pit bull mix that is ~13 years old. He came into our lives late one night while driving home; he was a scared stray running between traffic. Naturally, we followed him until it was safe to catch him. Initially, we fostered him through a local rescue group. He had bad separation anxiety and bonded to us quickly. Likewise, we fell deeply in love with him as well, adopting him officially after about a year. He has been our loyal, constant companion since. It is hard to believe it's been 11 years already. At the end of 2023, Andy was diagnosed with a Cutaneous/SQ Plasma Cell tumor. Due to its location and size, full surgical excision was not possible. We started him on chemotherapy and after two meds not working, finally the third did the charm in helping decrease the mass from growing.

Sadly, at the end of last year during his routine annual, other concerning areas were noted during ultrasound. New intra-abdominal masses were found as well as a mass on his neck. We sent out cytology on the neck mass and believe it to be a thyroid tumor. These cancers are spreading slowly, thankfully being held at bay somewhat by his chemotherapy drugs. Most importantly, he remains largely asymptomatic and happy. With the exception of a cough and some facial muscle wasting changes, you would never guess he is sick.

Since his overall health is not currently affected by these masses, we are doing our BEST to get him the care he needs to keep his quality of life where it is. That being said, even as a vet tech working at a general practice and contingent at the emergency vet where he sees oncology, it has been SO expensive. I have been, as my grandmother used to say, "Robbing Peter to pay Paul" to make ends meet for his medical bills. I have intentionally NOT kept a tally because I know it has been an exorbitant amount financially

We know our time is very limited with him. It is our greatest wish to keep him as loved and comfortable as possible until we can't anymore. When he tells us it's time, we will do what is best for him, no matter how devastating. Ashton and I love him tremendously. He is the last of our dogs and has only kitty siblings left. He is our son. He means the world to us.

I have been putting off making this fundraiser for over a year now - whether it be from pride, shame, or just hating to feel like I'm begging. However, these new masses have me worried about needing more funds that I currently am not able to afford. I've increased my care credit limit to help, but am quickly running through those additional funds.

Andy is an older man, but he deserves the absolute best for as long as he feels good enough to experience it. If you can find it in your heart to help, any amount would be appreciated more than words can say. Funds will go directly to Andy's care (vet visits, medication, supplements). Thank you for taking time to read our story.

With love,

Andy & His Humans (Betsy & Ashton)