Help “Chance,” the Rescue, Service-Dog Walk Again

***Updated Info at the bottom***

Sir Chancellor “Chance” is a Golden Retriever who was born in China, as part of an illegal dog meat trade and slaughterhouse market. He is a true survivor and has endured some of the worst conditions and treatment, that no family member, companion, or dog should ever witness or experience.

In 2018 Chance was rescued and escorted to America, thanks to flight angel Shannon Kaiser, who teamed up with “Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon.” Shannon personally brought 9 of the 64 Retrievers back to the Pacific Northwest, who were eventually saved in one of the largest and most extensive China rescue missions to date. Shannon fostered and adopted Chance.

In 2022 Chance trained to officially become Shannon’s “Certified Service Dog” after her diagnosis of fibromyalgia and complex migraines (as he's trained to help during flair-ups).

What happened:

Fast forward to November 14th, 2023, while living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico full-time with Shannon, a small cyst-like growth was removed from his left back leg. A week later his left back leg gave out, and then a few days after that, due to the pressure of being off balance, his right back leg gave out, instantly he became completely immobilized.

Shannon's life changed dramatically when her service dog could no longer walk. Since then, he has been completely immobilized and unable to relieve himself without strenuous physical assistance from others.

After days, which turned into weeks of running multiple tests, x-rays, ultrasounds, and visiting joint and ligament specialists in Puerto Vallarta; we were told Chance would need (2) TPLO surgeries on both of his back legs.

To make matters worse the results also came back from the original blood work that revealed that the original growth (that was removed) was unfortunately a Malignant cancerous tumor, Hemangiosarcoma cutaneo. It was imperative we checked to see if the skin cancer had spread to his internal organs (which after more ultrasounds and x-rays, we discovered that metastasis had not occurred, thank goodness), but they still would not be able to perform knee surgery until Chance was also seen and cleared by a neurologist.

The big problem:

The problem, there was no veterinarian neurologist qualified to run and do the proper tests in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, which meant the full process and surgery could not be done there. At that point we had exhausted treatment options available to us in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

When we learned this, Shannon made the tough decision to immediately redirect his care back to Oregon, where they are from, and where some of the best knee surgeons, and specialists who operate on big dogs are. The focus was to expedite his process and get the specialty quality care he needs as soon as possible.

On Dec 8th, 2023 Chance completed and passed all the neurology and orthopedic examinations, at the Dove Lewis Hospital in Portland, Oregon. His care team confirmed, YES, Chance’s bilateral cruciate ligaments had ruptured in both knees, and it became a top priority to move forward as soon as possible. They referred him over to the Columbia River Veterinary Specialists, in Vancouver Washington, where he is having his bilateral surgery this week.

If you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Chance in person, he’s surely melted your heart! He is a sweet, regal, ball of sunshine, a glowing, gentle being that emanates love and joy everywhere he goes.

Why Your Support Matters:

But today, Chance is in desperate need of our positive healing prayers and loving support. The problem with traumatic injuries, especially for an animal, is we are never prepared for it — mentally or financially. This devastating and unexpected experience has pretty much drained us, emotionally, physically, spiritually, mentally, and financially, and it has taken its toll.

To support Chance we have started a “GoFundMe” campaign to raise funds that will help ease the financial burden and lower the emotional, physical, and mental stress that Shannon has encountered to save our dear buddy Chance, which to date has exceeded $15K (and are expected to be closer to 22K upon full recovery in 12-16 weeks.)

Although Shannon has been doing her best under these extreme circumstances, we realize that in times of deep distress, we can’t do it all on our own, and that is why we need help from our friends, family and community.

100% of the funds raised will go towards Chances pre & post expenses on his bilateral (double) TPLO (ACL) surgery, including financial support for his medical needs, hospital fees, specialist vet visits, post-surgery medications, his emergency flight from Mexico to the USA, plus his physical therapy rehabilitation (hydrotherapy) needed to help Chance walk again.

Your contribution will directly help help to fund his knee surgery and costs associated with it, as well as support medications to help keep his cancer away.

Please consider these steps:

1. Donate any amount, you can spare at this time, see below.

(No donation is too small, and anything is greatly appreciated) all donations are tax-deductible.

2. Please take a few minutes to share on social media (#SaveChance)

3. Please EMAIL this page out to your community, friends, family + all dog (animal) lovers, co-workers, and even your neighbors.

Your kind donation will directly help Chance regain his mobility and live his life to the fullest.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts, for your positive support, your compassionate and thoughtful donation will help Chance fully recover correctly and give him the chance to bring more love and light to others!

Chance is such an amazing service dog, companion, and best friend. We must not forget that sometimes the helpers and healers need help too. Right now, Chance needs us. No amount is too small, anything you can give will make a profound difference. We ask if Shannon and Chance have impacted your life and touched your heart in any way, that you give whatever you can from your own heart.

This experience has taught us many lessons, mainly that we absolutely need each other, and coming together in times of distress and exhaustion is important, and it is not only okay to ask for help — it is necessary. We all need one another and coming together is what life is all about.

In gratitude and love,

Shannon and Chance

***Updated Info***

12/14 - Thank you to all who have shared, donated and supported this cause so far. With your help, we’ve reached 20% of our goal.

12/15 - Chance was discharged from the hospital after spending 3 nights there. He slept well through the first night home, and wagged his tail and wanted to play with his favorite stuffy around 2:00 AM on 12/16