The American Dream Dusty Rhodes, our tiny mixed breed beagle, was diagnosed with cancer in February. The vet initially told us the diagnosis was rare, and in all of the very few cases she had seen, the life expectancy was barely more than a month.

Rhodes, four months later, is still here and as of her last check-up is still tumor-free. She just began a new cycle of medicine tailor-made for her specific mutation that will hopefully keep any growths at bay and help her continue to astonish the vets. Not only that, but the longer Rhodes goes on, the more precious information can be gathered about this rare form of cancer - extraskeletal osteosarcoma - to help more dogs live longer lives and get better treatment.

We're incredibly lucky that Rhodes is such a survivor, but neither the path here or forward are easy. She's required numerous tests, check-ups, surgery, biopsies, and will need medication for the rest of her life. It's taken thousands of dollars to get here, but as long as it continues to work we're going to continue to do it. We just need help.

If you can spare something towards Rhodes and her cancer treatment, please consider donating to help her and future dogs stay with their families for a long time.