Dunkin is a covid baby. We adopted him from the Tampa Bay Humane Society during a time where the world was closed and there was substantial uncertainty. From the moment I laid eyes on him, there was never a question as to what his name was going to be. As an avid coffee drinker, while it originated as an association from the joy he was going to bring to our lives, it also quickly became representative of the constant he became. Every day, for the past five years, regardless of how my day went or if the world felt heavy, he greeted me with the same level of love and excitement; fully content on just having his family home. The effect that Dunkin has had on my family is immeasurable.

In June, Dunkin started showing signs of head sensitivity. After an initial diagnosis of an ear infection, his pain continued to increase. Multiple visits to different specialists around the state, x-rays, catscans, and biopsies later, we received the diagnosis of a very rare type of cancer called Sinus Squamous Cell Carcinoma. The only viable treatment to give him a chance at more time is a highly extensive and invasive surgery to remove the tumor, lymph nodes, right eye, and part of the skull, followed by three weeks of daily targeted radiation. The funds raised will go directly toward his surgery, radiation, in-patient care, medications, follow-up appointments, and travel to the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital.

This has been, in many ways, one of the most difficult and devastating periods of time that I have had to endure. Without this treatment plan, Dunkin’s prognosis is estimated to be around one to three months. After having already expended thousands on consultations, specialists, medications, and testing, I am out of resources to give Dunkin the life-saving care he needs. Any support, including sharing his story, will help us fight for more time with our baby.