About two months ago, we noticed our sweet 2-year-old retriever, Buck, limping. After several vet visits and a biopsy, the doctors have confirmed our worst fear - that he has cancer. Though the exact type is still unknown, as the biopsy came back inconclusive, they are confident it is likely one of the sarcomas.

After many difficult conversations and a lot of research, we’ve made the heartbreaking decision to move forward with amputating Buck’s leg. The surgery is scheduled for May 28th.

The doctors strongly recommended this as the best way to slow the spread of the cancer, relieve the intense pain Buck is in (as the bone is being eaten away), and hopefully give him more time with us. While there’s no guarantee—there’s still a risk it could spread even after the amputation—this gives him the best fighting chance. We’ve also been told that follow-up treatments like chemotherapy or radiation may be needed in the months ahead.

We feel incredibly fortunate to have the means to give Buck this opportunity, knowing many families don’t. Still, the financial impact is significant. We've already spent $5,000 just to get to this diagnosis, and the surgery will be another $6,000—not including the cost of any further treatments once he’s healed.

Any support—whether it’s a donation or simply keeping Buck in your thoughts and prayers—would mean the world to us. Easing even a little of the financial burden would make this incredibly hard time just a bit more manageable.

Buck is part of our family, and we’re committed to doing everything we can for him. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and support.