Help Riker Overcome Cancer and Get Back on His Paws

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,

Our sweet dog Riker, who has brought so much joy and love into our lives, has recently been diagnosed with low-grade soft tissue sarcoma, a form of cancer. After consulting with our veterinarian, we’ve learned that removing his right hind leg is the best course of action to give Riker the best chance at a long and healthy life.

As you can imagine, this has been a heartbreaking and challenging time. We are committed to ensuring Riker gets the care he needs, but the vet bills are substantial. Some of the costs we are experiencing are the initial $1,000 in pre-biopsy tests, which then referred us to the specialists and surgeons; the $2,500 for the additional testing, ultrasounds, blood work, and biopsy to actually learn what we are dealing with; to now the $6,700 estimated for the surgery itself, which will give Riker a chance at a happy, healthy life. Given the unexpected costs and the unknown post-operative care costs, we are reaching out to our community for any assistance you can provide.

We know that financial times are tough for many, and we absolutely do not want anyone to give beyond their means. We would be incredibly grateful for any contribution to help cover Riker's medical expenses.

Riker (who is an original member from the “Russian Mob Litter” from Mars Animal Shelter where we adopted him) turned nine this past August, and every other aspect of his health is fit. He has always been a ferociously loving pup with a gentle spirit, and we know he can overcome this with the right care. Your support means the world to us and will help give Riker a chance to live out his years happy, healthy, and full of life.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for considering a donation and for keeping Riker in your thoughts. With much love and light, Lenox, Kari, and Brian (P.S. Our two brother cats, Pacino and Achilles, think Riker is pretty alright, too!)