Help Charlie Fight Oral Melanoma: Surgery & Therapy Fund

This is our boy Charlie. His cuteness is unrivaled, his snuggles unmatched. Charlie has brought us nothing but laughter and joy for the past five years, and we quite simply, adore him to pieces.

On July 3, Charlie was diagnosed with malignant oral melanoma. A tumor behind his bottom front teeth popped up seemingly overnight and we were quick to be seen by our vet for a diagnosis. Oral melanoma is aggressive and can be wide reaching, and requires biopsy, multiple X-rays, CT scan, and bloodwork to properly stage the progression of the cancer.

We got lucky with a Stage II diagnosis, meaning Charlie's cancer has not spread to his lymph nodes or lungs, which means that surgery is an option to remove the localized cancer in his mouth. The only surgical option for Charlie is called a rostral partial mandibulectomy. This is an intense surgery removing a portion of his lower jaw, but preserving his back molars.

This was not a decision we took lightly, and spent countless hours researching the process, recovery, prognosis, and surgeons in our area. However - with this surgery, Charlie's prognosis increases from a few weeks to potentially a couple of years or even longer! In addition to surgery, Charlie will need to receive a series of melanoma vaccines to keep the cancer at bay.

Surprisingly, dogs do incredibly well with this surgery and therapy. They are adaptable, resilient, and learn how to eat and drink again quickly. Though he will physically look a bit different, our little man will always be the cutest dude and most importantly - go on to live a normal, healthy life.

Surgery and his oncology treatments come at a significant expense, far above and beyond what his insurance covers.

We have already exhausted our pet savings funds on his diagnostics and imaging.

While no one ever like to asks for help with money, this is our sweet baby, a member of our family, and our constant companion. We are still financially and emotionally reeling from losing our dog Rooby to liver cancer last October, and the thought of losing Charlie is absolutely devastating. Fortunately, he's got a fighting chance to beat this thing!

I am humbly asking the dog lover in you if you can spare any extra funds to support Charlie on his road to recovery. There is no amount too small, and we are infinitely grateful for every dollar donated, which will go directly to Charlie's medical bills.

His surgery is Friday, July 12th and I will be posting post-operative updates and documenting Charlie's healing journey.

Thank you for loving him (and us), and for all of the prayers, manifestations, meditations, invocations, and magic sent our way.

All of the love,

Holly, Pete, Safra, and Charlie (the goodest boy)