This is a very difficult post for me to write. I didn’t think I would ever have to.

Bo, our family dog, has been with us since June 2017. He just recently turned 11 years old on May 8th, 2025. He was three years old when we adopted him from Monmouth County SPCA and he looked absolutely miserable in his kennel. My mom and I felt so bad seeing him in there so we asked to meet him. As soon as they brought him in, his eyes lit up and we knew he was ours.

He didn’t have the best background before us; he was scared and timid around strangers. He didn’t know how to play with toys or knew that the dog bed in my room was his. I had to teach him how to play and enjoy his new home.

We go on long evening walks in the summer where he stops every few minutes to smell everything in his path. He enjoys pup cups and loves chicken nuggets. Squeaky toys are never scarce in our home and he particularly has an affinity for Lambchop and a burger plushie. He doesn’t even wait for us to say “sit” when giving him a treat; he preemptively sits down and waits. He comes running to greet us at the door every day wagging his stumpy tail. Always so so happy.

It’s been difficult watching him age and move slower. But when he gets his bursts of energy, it’s like he’s a puppy all over again.

Bo recently went for his annual checkup and we were concerned about a lump that appeared on the base of his neck close to his spine. Unfortunately, the pathology report shows that it is a soft tissue sarcoma, a locally aggressive tumor. Right now, the report suggests it may be a low grade tumor but further testing is needed to identify if the cancer has spread. The best course of treatment is fully removing the tumor and some surrounding tissue. He potentially may need radiation afterwards to ensure the cancer is completely gone.

I humbly ask for help with our beloved Bo’s treatment. We want to make sure he gets all the care he needs to give him the best fighting chance to beat this; we know it will be a long and expensive road. My family and I are grateful for any kind of contribution - monetarily or even just help spreading the word. We also truly appreciate the time taken to read this.

God bless and thank you.