Help Me Keep My Promise — Support Cal’s Medical Fund

Look, I don’t usually do this kind of thing, but here we are. My best boy, Cal, needs some help, and I’m turning to you, the good people of the internet, because let’s face it—he deserves it.

Cal has been with me since he was tiny enough to fit in my hand. From day one, he’s been my best friend, my shadow, and the only one who never questions my life choices (except when I put on socks too slowly—he has opinions about that). He didn’t just change my life; he basically gave me a life. Before Cal, I was riding my bike everywhere, living my carefree (read: directionless) existence. But when he came along, I knew he needed more—adventure, exploration, and, let’s be honest, treats from every shopkeeper in Shepherdstown. So, we hit the trails. We walked through town daily, made friends, and took long hikes in Harper’s Ferry and Antietam. Pretty soon, our adventures expanded beyond West Virginia to Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, and even Texas. Nature became a huge part of my life, all thanks to Cal dragging me—quite literally—into it. Shepherdstown? That’s our home. Our community.

And because I couldn’t help but take endless photos of him, I started posting them online. It got to the point where someone in town saw my “hero portraits” of Cal and asked me to shoot their wedding—because their dog was in it. Boom. Just like that, Cal launched my photography career. Before that, I thought photos were just for showing off cool sticks he found. But now? I do this for a living. All because of Cal.

But here’s where things get tough. Back in October, Cal woke up, decided breakfast was overrated, and started throwing up. Cue me rushing to the ER (twice) and eventually getting referred to an internal medicine specialist. Since then, it’s been a long and expensive journey with no real answers yet—just a lot of vet bills and a dog who’s very over being poked and prodded. So far, all they’ve figured out is that his SDMA levels are slightly elevated (which might mean kidney issues), and we need to keep digging. Each internal medicine visit is at least $400 just to walk through the door—never mind tests, medications, and the “just-in-case” stuff. So far, I’ve spent around $5,000 on ER visits, regular vet visits, specialty appointments, new food, and medications—and I know there’s still a long road ahead. Cal’s on daily gabapentin for pain, drinking water like he’s training for a hydration contest, and has developed a few lumps that still need checking. It’s… a lot.

So, here’s the deal: I want to do everything I can to get him the best care possible, but vet bills are piling up fast. Every dollar raised will go directly to his medical expenses—vet visits, tests, medications, and keeping his (very expensive) food coming so he can stay strong.

I know times are tough, and I’d never ask anyone to give if it puts them in a bind, but if you’re in a place to help, I’d be forever grateful (and so would Cal, though he’ll probably act like it was all his idea).

At the end of the day, Cal is my whole world—my muse, my best friend, and the reason I get out of bed every morning (literally, because he insists). I made a promise to give him the best life possible, and with a little help, I hope I can keep that promise. Thanks for reading, and thanks for being part of our journey. We love you all.