Help Bear Overcome Cancer: Support Needed

Help Me Save My Best Friend from Cancer – My Dog, My Son, My Light

Hi, my name is Luis Garza, and I’m reaching out with a heavy heart to ask for your help in saving the one soul who has saved me time and time again — my dog, my son, my best friend.

My 13-year-old boy Bear isn’t just a dog. He’s my entire world. He has been by my side through every dark chapter of my life, grounding me when everything else was falling apart. When I felt like I had nothing left, he was always there — a gentle nudge of his nose, a warm cuddle, or those deep, knowing eyes telling me that I wasn’t alone. His unconditional love has carried me through moments I never thought I’d survive. I was born with a skin condition called vitiligo, which left me feeling alienated from society. Bear looked past all of that and loved me unconditionally.

A few months ago, my heart shattered when I was told the unthinkable — Bear has cancer. I maxed out every credit card I have to get him the surgery he needed to remove the tumor and already maxed out his pet insurance benefits, which won't restart till next year (February 2026). I didn’t think twice. I would do anything for him, just as he’s always done everything for me without question. But despite our efforts, the cancer wasn't able to be fully removed from his paw, and it's still growing. My sweet boy now needs another surgery to remove the rest of the tumor, followed by chemotherapy to remove the microscopic cancer cells. I’m doing everything I can to hold it together, but the truth is: I can’t do this alone anymore. I am emotionally, physically, and financially drained. Watching the one I love most in this world limping from pain is unbearable. But right now, I’m out of resources. He has a rare form of cancer in his sweat gland on his paw. There isn't very much research or information about his type of cancer, but the veterinarian oncologist confirmed that it has not spread anywhere else in his body. The best course of action is to remove as much cancer as we can from his paw, and he needs 1 more surgery left. We are almost at the finish line of getting rid of it from his body completely.

We are kindly asking for your support. Whether it’s $5 or simply sharing this page, every single act of kindness brings us one step closer to him being cancer free. The cost of his next surgery and treatment is overwhelming ($8K), but I believe in the power of love and community. I believe that those who understand the bond between a person and their pet — their family — will understand the desperation in my heart. Bear is still full of love, still wagging his tail, still looking at me like I’m his whole world. He hasn’t given up — and neither will I. Please help me give him the chance he so deeply deserves.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and from the bottom of my heart — thank you.

With love and hope,

Luis & Bear Garza