Update: As of 2/4/26, Benny has had the JP drain removed, and is now on chemotherapy. We have yet to learn how he is responding to the treatment, but we are keeping our hopes high. Thank you to everyone who has donated thus far. We will continue to post updates whenever we learn anything new.
My name is Robert Held, and my wife's name is Valerie Held. Today, 01/28/26, we were given the heartbreaking news that our beloved Chihuahua mix, Benny, has metastatic cancer. Earlier this month, Benny had a plasmacytoma removed, and we hoped that would be the end of his health issues. Unfortunately, just days later, we noticed severe swelling in his groin area and left back leg, which led to an emergency exam. The doctors at VCA Arboretum Downers Grove discovered an abscess, drained it, and installed a Jackson-Pratt drain. However, the swelling persisted, and another emergency visit revealed that the issue was not just an abscess, but malignant mast cell tumor.
Benny means the world to us. My wife adopted him from a client at the doggy daycare where she works, knowing he faced being returned to a shelter with possible euthanasia looming over him, due to his behavioral diagnoses. She couldn't let that happen, and since then, Benny has become an irreplaceable part of our family. Despite his challenges, he has thrived with love, patience, and daily daycare visits with his mom. We have been treating him for various medical issues since October, and the costs have now left us financially drained. I work as the facilities coordinator at our local library, and my wife is a kennel technician. Our love for our animals and our community runs deep, but we are in desperate need of help.
The funds raised will go entirely toward Benny's medical care—covering exams, possible surgeries, chemotherapy, and any other treatments going forward. We are reaching out to our community and beyond, asking for any support you can offer to help us give Benny the chance he deserves. Please, please help us. Your kindness and generosity will mean the world to our family and to Benny.