I’m starting this fundraiser for my dog, Hercules, who is living with cancer. Earlier this summer, my friend Tine from The Herd House, a registered nonprofit, created a fundraiser for him, and I will always be grateful for that help. I truly thought we might only have Hercules until about now, but he has been doing well on Palladia chemo and palliative care. That blessing has also meant the costs have continued much longer than I expected. Even with pet insurance through Nationwide, coverage only goes so far. Hercules’ policy only includes a $2,400 allotment for cancer treatment, and in October he exhausted that cancer coverage. Because of that, all of his cancer-related care will be out of pocket going forward.

This has become even harder because I recently lost my job, and my father moved in with me so I can care for him while he is on hospice. It is very difficult for me to return to full-time work while caring for my father and also trying to keep up with Hercules’s ongoing needs. Funds from this fundraiser will help cover his palliative care, cancer medication at $36.87 per pill for two doses three days a week, recheck visits that can run $900 to $1,500 or more when imaging is needed, other medications related directly or indirectly to his cancer, and his special diet. One example is his nausea medication, Cerenia, which costs a little over $10 a pill. It may seem small on its own, but it is one of several cancer-related medications that also contributed to exhausting his cancer allotment. It all adds up. Recurring donations would help me keep up with these ongoing costs over time, and one-time donations are also deeply appreciated.

Hercules still has a real zest for life. He still trots on walks, even though he gets tired more easily, and he still plays with his two siblings, Milo and Bijou. His appetite and thirst are still strong, and he still loves being part of the pack. As long as that remains true, I will keep fighting for him. His birthday is November 13th, and the best present he could receive is help with his care. If you are able to donate or share this fundraiser, I would be deeply grateful. I will also share invoices and other confirmation as needed so supporters can see that donations are being well spent and truly appreciated.