My name is Mak. My best friend's name is Leo. He came into my life when I was 19 years old. I had recently moved to a new state alone, and I was deeply lost. My childhood cat, Lucky, had passed about six months prior, and I didn't know how to live without him. He was always there for me in a way that people could not be. I went to the humane society thinking I would walk some dogs to help fill that void, not knowing I would go home with someone who would change me and my life forever.

Leo is a Hurricane Harvey survivor. When we first met, he was skin and bones. He greeted me with a rush at the door and a bark that would become familiar to me as his alarm. He was unsure of everything, and I could tell he had been through a lot in his life, too. I knew he needed me as much as I needed him.

At first Leo was very guarded with his physical space and resources. He was afraid. It took a bit of time to show him that I was safe. Once his walls broke down, Leo became the most loyal, fiercest protector I could have ever asked for. The past nine years have put us through a lot, including being unhoused at several different points. He was by my side through every single moment. He kept me safe from people I didn't know I needed protection from, including myself. And over time I have had the privilege of watching him become the biggest softie. He is my shadow, follows my every move and watches me for every cue. He is the best and most gentle big brother to his sister, Monti. He has two loving parents now thanks to my wonderful partner, who affectionately refers to him as a roommate, because he truly is more of a person than a dog.

Leo was diagnosed with cancer last year. He had surgery to remove the tumor and the prognosis at the time was promising. Shortly afterward we picked up our lives and moved from Oregon to Colorado, and within a month of us getting here we found another lump close by. We had it removed last week, and the pathology results came back with devastating news. The cancer is more aggressive and without further treatment he likely has only a few months left.

The next option is chemotherapy. Dogs apparently tend to handle it much better than people. To be clear, we would never put him through anything that compromises his happiness or quality of life. This is the only option to give us more time, and we have made it too far to give up now. We are following his lead here, and he still has fight in him.

We have spent thousands of dollars in the last few months on his treatment, which was only possible due to the help of loved ones. We are now at a point where we need to extend further and ask for more support.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. It means more than I can express. I wish you could know Leo like I do. I know everyone says this about their dog, but he truly is the best boy in the whole world.