Help Save Benjamin’s Life

“Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them and filling an emptiness we didn’t know we had.”

- Thom Jones

For my cousin Tasha, her dog Benjamin is her comfort, her protector and her companion. During the most terrifying moment of her life, he was there ready to defend her when a burglar tried to break into her home. When her boyfriend of 3 years passed away, Tasha sunk into a deep depression. Benjamin was there to cuddle and bring her peace while she grieved. He has proven to be her therapy dog and the light of her life.

Fast forward to 2021, Tasha and her husband Kyle wanted to give Benjamin a yard and new adventure - so they planned out a road trip from Washington State to their new home in Texas. Right before they were about to to hit the road, Tasha found out she was pregnant. Kyle had just retired from the Army and Tasha had planned to start working shortly after moving in to their home.

Unfortunately, Tasha’s plans to work got put on hold when she was diagnosed with Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a rare disorder characterized by severe and persistent nausea and vomiting. Benjamin has been by her side as she spent months battling her extreme nausea. As you can imagine, Tasha and Kyle have struggled financially the past few months after an expensive move, living off of their savings and just one income.

For the newlyweds and soon to be new parents things were finally starting improve when Tasha’s nausea lessened and she was able to start applying for jobs again…but their stresses weren’t over. Tasha and Kyle noticed Benjamin was having trouble urinating so they took him to the ER. It was there that he was diagnosed with bladder cancer. This was heartbreaking news. They then took Benjamin to the regular vet to discuss his prognosis. According to the veterinarian, the cancer is localized and with surgery he can live about 2 more years and his quality of life will be great. He would receive a stent and from there he would undergo chemotherapy or localized radiation. The surgery will cost $4500 and then theres the cost of treatment on top of that. At this point it’s either he gets the surgery next week or he gets euthanized 11/17 because Tasha and Kyle can’t afford the surgery. For those of you who have loved a dog, you know hard of a dilemma this is.

Now, I know that dogs don’t live forever… but this truly isn’t Benjamin’s time to cross the rainbow bridge. If he gets this surgery, he gets a couple more years with his family and a wonderful life. Tasha is supposed to be avoiding stress during her pregnancy and I worry that having Benjamin euthanized is going to be too devastating for her to bear during this time. I kindly ask that if anyone can donate to help Tasha get Benjamin this much needed surgery, to please do so. Anything is appreciated <3

Thank you!