Hi everyone,

I'm reaching out today with a heavy but hopeful heart to ask for your support for my dog, Maverick.

Maverick is my almost six-year-old German Shepherd, my gentle giant, and a source of daily joy for everyone in this house. Recently, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive and extremely painful bone cancer, in his right hind leg. What was initially thought to be a simple sprain, which started with an on-and-off limp, became alarming when sudden swelling appeared. After urgent evaluations and X-rays at the UGA Veterinary Hospital, our worst fears were confirmed.

There is, however, real hope. Maverick's chest X-rays show no evidence of cancer spreading to his lungs. This form of cancer tends to metastasize to the lungs and once it has, there isn't much that can be done. Because we caught this early and he is otherwise strong and healthy, his veterinary team believes he has an excellent chance at a good quality of life with treatment.

We are moving forward with the first critical step, amputation of the affected hind leg. This surgery is scheduled for January 29th and will remove the tumor and prevent a catastrophic fracture. But to truly fight this disease and give him the best possible future, the next step is essential. He needs a course of chemotherapy to target any remaining cancer cells and slow their progression.

We have a path forward, but we need your help to walk the whole journey. The cost of his upcoming surgery is significant, but the subsequent chemotherapy is a substantial part of our financial needs.

This diagnosis hits me especially hard. In 2020, only weeks into the pandemic, I lost my previous dog just before her sixth birthday to a sudden, tragic injury. Not long after, my roommate at the time, Daniella, and I, feeling the emptiness, decided to foster a dog. That's when I learned a puppy my brother had mentioned weeks earlier still needed a home. I brought Maverick home a couple of days later, and this incredible "pandemic puppy" filled our silent apartment with laughter, comfort, and purpose.

Maverick is the largest, cuddliest, and most dopey dog I could have asked for. He’s perfected his role as the doorbell, weighted blanket, and security system. Maverick hasn't just been my dog, though. He's been a calm, furry guardian for the crew of kids who fill my home after school and each summer. He has a magical way with them. He is patient and gentle with the younger ones, playful with the older ones, and intuitively comforting to anyone having a rough day. He is deeply woven into the daily life of our little community.

I am hoping to raise $10,000 to ensure Maverick can receive the full course of chemotherapy after his amputation. These funds will cover the critical oncology treatments, follow-up visits, imaging, medications, and his recovery needs. We are committed to the surgery; your support will make the life-prolonging chemo possible.

Maverick has given so much joy and comfort to so many people, myself most of all. I am determined to give him more good days, free from pain, and the chance to continue being his loving, tail-wagging self.

If you are able to contribute, I would be deeply grateful. If you cannot donate at this time, sharing this fundraiser with your network would be an incredible help. Sometimes, one share makes all the difference.

Thank you for your love, your support, and for helping us give Maverick not just relief from the pain, but a real fighting chance. I will post updates here as we move forward.

With all my thanks,

Taylor