Help Kingsley beat cancer!

Hello friends, family and loved ones, new and old!

A lot of you may already know me.

But for those who don't, I'm Katie Wildhagen. Best known as, "Kingsley's mom."

Some of you may know Kingsley and I from seeing us walking around the neighborhood. And some of you may know him from his constant antics during my live workout classes. (He's so ornery! But also so stinkin' cute!)

Whether you've known Kingsley for a day or all of his 6 and half years so far, I truly know he's touched your heart, made you laugh or brought a little smile in some way!

And if you're new to Kingsley, I have no doubt he'll leave a lasting impression!

We just found out a couple weeks ago that a lump on Kingsley's bum is cancerous.

It was such a fluke that I noticed it. Kings is the kind of dog that needs a good grooming every 4-5 weeks to keep that luxurious, and easily matted hair of his looking so fresh. So I normally let the professionals handle his baths and grooming. But as we were visiting his grandparents this summer, Kings decided to take a good roll in some duck poop. Rather than leave him stinky, or try and find a new groomer last minute, his 11yr old cousin suggested we give him a bath ourselves. I'm so thankful she did. (I swear, next to dogs, kids are Universe/God/Source's little messengers.)

It was during this bath that I noticed the lump on his rear. I got him in to see the local vet, and we got the call later that week it was soft tissue sarcoma.

Kings just got back from seeing the good people over at ASEC VCA here in Los Angeles, and it's been determined that he'll first have to have surgery to remove it. The hope is that they can get the full lump without damaging any of the vital tissue around it. Where it's at is a little tricky, but we're keeping the most positive and uplifted spirits, and I just know he'll make it through all of this! But without pet insurance, the surgery or any other treatment needed after cannot happen until the estimated costs are paid up front. Surgery to remove the tumor is the first and hopefully the best option. If it has spread, we will still remove it, and will have to follow up with further treatment to fully erase the cancer.

This is a road I would've never have guessed I would travel. I always say Kings is like my child. (An only child at that!) And I know I would do anything for him. This is truly putting that to the test.

I'm not a person that asks for help easily, but I know I can't get Kings the care he needs alone. This is just the start of this journey, and I don't know where it will end, but I know I need to do all I can for him.

I adopted Kings when he was just 10 wks old. His siblings and mother were brought into the rescue just a few days after he was born. He came in with a severe case of flea dermatitis. When I adopted him, he still had scabs down his back from where the fleas had been eating away at him. But this little pup knew no harm. He was the most playful, silliest, curious little guy from day one! Kingsley, (who I almost named "Mr. Bitty Butt" and who was listed on the rescue site as "lil' Bit,") was full of antics from the moment I laid eyes on him. He was so excited when I walked in to see him that very first day, that after a very thorough belly rub he went to the far corner of the room and took a deuce almost as big as him! Right then I knew we were meant to be together! (He still gets this excited anytime I walk in the door ... but minus the deuce!)

It wasn’t 20 min later that first day, and I had this “lil’ bit” of my heart all packed up in the car, on the way to our new life together.

I think I cried the whole way home. Tears of nervousness and fear, of love and excitement. I was overwhelmed, and definitely in a little shock….

I knew I had just made one of the most important decisions of my life.

We were about halfway home that day when I heard a little whimper from the backseat where Kings was at in his crate. I turned around to see that he’d taken yet another massive deuce. And every time I turned the car, he was sent rolling through his own poop!

By the time we got home, Kingsley Diamond Lynn Wildhagen, just a little 6 lb. white puff ball of fur, was full of shit!

I gave him his first bath that day in the kitchen sink of my tiny little studio apartment.

And we've been inseparable since.

Kings has been by my side through all the ups and downs. He's never too far from my heels. He always sits diligently at my feet, especially while I use the bathroom. Always a on the lookout. He's never not there.

He's the kind of pup that greets everyone he meets on the street. Literally, rolling over for belly rubs in the middle of the crosswalk. He knows the people want to see him, and he'll never disappoint! He never misses an opportunity to give and receive all the love and kisses!

He loves other dogs just as much as he does people. Always wanting to show his affection with a good hump!

(So much so that he's earned the nickname "lil Humper" at the dog park.)

Kings is the greatest protector, best buddy and little snuggler I could ever ask for.

I want him to know that we will do whatever it takes to get him healthy again, and that I'll never give up on him.

Kings is scheduled for his initial surgery on Friday, August 13th. I've set the GoFundMe total here to include that surgery plus the following treatments. My hope is that we can get enough funds raised by Friday the 13th to be able to go through with the surgery that day, and then be able to move forward as needed with anything further.

For anyone whose heart Kingsley has touched over the years, or anyone who just knows the love of dog.... I humbly and with great hope and faith, ask for your help on this journey.

In giving, we receive.

And Kings and I will give you all the love and appreciation we have. We know that your support here will find its way back to you... through a smile, a hug, a message, and support in your time of need.

I will keep updates here, and through our social media. So you'll be on this journey with us every step of the way.

Just know that myself and Kingsley are so incredibly thankful for your contributions, kindness, thoughts of positivity and healing, and for your prayers!

With all our love,

Katie and Kings