After many months, misdiagnosis, and sleepless nights, we got news that no pet parent wishes to receive. Our sweet Lumi girl was diagnosed with an aggressive type of cancer. A mass that we started seeking treatment for nearly a year ago was misdiagnosed as just a tooth in need of a clean, a tooth abscess, a benign fibroma. Unfortunately, we now know it to be fibrosarcoma.

I adopted Lumi soon after I graduated college in 2017. She was a tiny little thing who hadn't quite grown into her ears yet and who loved chewing all of my books and running as fast as she could around the living room. She brought such a lively energy to my life from the moment I first held her. It was always a wonder how so much excitement for life and unending love could fit in her little body.

She has been by my side all the years in between, through heartache and loss, through navigating new jobs and moving to new neighborhoods, and all the while she's showered me and everyone she's met with unconditional love. As someone who's struggled with lifelong depression, she gave me a reason to get up every day.

Seeing her have to struggle with this diagnosis has been really difficult. From the second I wake up in the morning until we go to bed at night, she's right there with me, enthusiastic to do everything by my side. But her face is starting to swell from the mass, and her eye is a little teary. I can imagine she's uncomfortable, but she won't let it get her down.

I want to be able to provide the best care for her as we start the next leg of our journey. Tests alone have proven to be quite expensive, and the cancer treatments seem like they will be even more. I'm hoping to get her the care that she needs to ensure she can go forward in life without suffering, for as long as she can. I genuinely feel like I wouldn't be here without her and want to honor her by giving her all I can. Please know that any contributions will be deeply appreciated and going to support our precious girl ❤️