Help Sailor Run Freely Again

Help My Sweet Sailor Run Again

This is my boy, Sailor — my first dog, my best friend, and my heart. He’ll be turning 5 on January 31, 2026, and I’ve loved him since the moment I brought him home in March 2021 as a birthday gift to myself. I grew up dreaming of having a golden retriever, and when I saw a litter in my hometown, I knew I couldn’t let the chance pass. A few months later, I was blessed again when I was offered his sister from the same litter. It was my dream come true — two goldens to share life with.

Sailor is the goofiest, sweetest, most awkwardly lovable boy. He’s the type to grab a toy and “talk” to you, wagging his tail and making his little noises. He loves pooping in bushes (every single time ), rolling around in the grass, and following me everywhere. He’s happiest at the beach — swimming in the waves, playing with crabs, and running along the shore with the biggest smile on his face. I would give anything to see him run freely like that again.

His sister misses him being able to play and run around with her. They’ve grown up side by side since they were puppies, and it breaks my heart to see her looking for him to chase her like they used to. I know she would love nothing more than to have her brother healthy, happy, and back to their beach adventures together.

A few days ago, I noticed something wasn’t right. Sailor was having trouble walking and keeping his balance. At the vet, they did a neurological test by flipping his back paw over — and he didn’t flip it back, which is a sign of a possible neurological problem. The vet also found a lump on the back of his neck near his shoulder, along with a few smaller ones. They recommended we take him to NC State Veterinary Hospital to see a neurologist for the best care possible.

From what I’ve learned, this journey will likely include MRIs, advanced testing, and possibly treatments like acupuncture or even chemotherapy if needed — just like my friend’s golden retriever went through for a similar issue. They told me it could be close to $10,000 for the appointments, tests, and treatments.

Right now, I’m going to school full-time and working full-time while living alone. I will do anything for Sailor, but this is more than I can take on financially by myself. That’s why I’m asking for help — whether it’s through a donation, sharing this fundraiser, or even partnering with me to raise money for his care.

If you’re a business owner, part of an organization, or know someone who might be able to host a fundraiser, I would be so grateful. I can make dog bandannas to give out for free, and my friend Becky — a pastry chef — has offered to make pastries and dog treats for the event. Anything that could help bring us closer to covering these costs would mean the world to me.

I’m trusting in God’s healing, in His plan, and in the power of prayer. Every single donation, share, prayer, and act of kindness makes a difference. Sailor is family, and I will do everything I can to give him the chance at a long, happy, healthy life — one where he can feel the sand under his paws and the wind in his face again.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for loving my sweet boy and for walking this journey with us.