Meet Hazel, my sweet 11-year-old chocolate Lab. She’s my baby, my shadow, and my emotional support through every season of life. If you’ve ever loved a dog who’s loved you back unconditionally, you know — they’re not just pets. They’re family.

In 2023, Hazel faced the hardest battle of her life: bladder cancer (TCC). She underwent an open surgery to remove the tumor and, by God’s grace, recovered beautifully. Soon, she was back to her joyful self — playing hide-and-seek with treats, wagging her tail, and bringing happiness to everyone around her.

But during a follow-up cystoscopy this week, the doctors discovered something unexpected — a new cancer, this time in her urethra.

The news was devastating.

The good news: it was caught early, and her doctors are confident that with radiation therapy, Hazel has a strong chance to beat this again. She’s in overall great health for her age, and still full of life and love.

Her oncologist, Dr. Walkins at VetMed Consultants, recommended a specialized radiation treatment called HDR Brachytherapy — the same type of radiation used for prostate cancer in humans. He is the only doctor in the entire country who performs this treatment on dogs, giving Hazel a truly unique chance at more time and comfort. Because her cancer was found early and she’s otherwise healthy, her doctors are hopeful that this therapy will help control the tumor and let her keep living her happy, tail-wagging life.

I’ve already paid $4,300 out-of-pocket for this week’s cystoscopy and tumor scraping. Her radiation treatment is estimated at $12,000, and she’ll need cystoscopies every 3.5 months (around $2,100 each) for ongoing monitoring.

I’m doing everything I can — cutting expenses, selling belongings, and working through the stress — but these medical costs are overwhelming. I’ve poured everything I have into saving her once, and I’m committed to fighting for her again.

This time, I’m reaching out for help, so together we can give Hazel the care she needs.

Where Your Donations Will Go:

Every dollar raised will go directly toward Hazel’s medical care, including:

HDR Brachytherapy radiation therapy for her urethral cancer

Post-treatment medications and monitoring

Follow-up cystoscopies

I’m not asking for a miracle — just a helping hand to carry this heavy burden so Hazel can have the chance she deserves.

How You Can Help:

If you can:

Donate any amount — every dollar makes a difference

Share this fundraiser with friends, family, and dog lovers

Pray, comment, or send love — emotional support matters, too

From the bottom of my heart — thank you for reading, sharing, donating, and believing in Hazel’s fight. Your kindness gives us hope.

With love and gratitude,

Stephanie & Hazel