"Woof everybody! I'm Koby!"

I love barking at strangers (even though I just want to say hello), long walkies, splashing around in the water – although I'm far too much of a chicken to swim in the deep end! I believe every animal is a potential best friend, even if they're sometimes a little scared of me. My favourite game is tug-of-war because I always win.  My daddy says I'm the best dog that has ever existed! And to my family, I truly am.

Hi, my name is Anthony.  I am the proud owner of Koby, my beautiful 4-year-old German Shepherd.

I've raised, trained and loved Koby since he was just 8 weeks old. He isn't just a pet – he's family. He's the heart of our home and has been by our side through every high and every low. Everyone who meets him falls in love with his huge personality, his gentle nature, his playful spirit and his incredible intelligence.

Two years ago, my life changed forever when both my young daughter and I were diagnosed with a lifelong neuromuscular disease. It meant major surgery for me and a long period away from work. Like many families facing unexpected hardship, we had to make impossible decisions to keep going, and one of those decisions was cancelling Koby's pet insurance.

I never imagined how much I would come to regret that decision.

Earlier this year, Koby appeared to have injured his paw and tore one of his claws off. After two surgeries, we believed he was finally recovering and looking forward to getting back to chasing balls and playing tug again.

Then everything changed.

Just two weeks ago, he started limping again and a small lump appeared. Our vet took a biopsy and sent it away for testing.

The phone call that followed was the worst I've ever received.

Koby has been diagnosed with an aggressive melanoma.

Since then, my family, friends and I have emptied our savings and raised everything we can to pay for his treatment so far. But the biggest challenge is still ahead of us.

He urgently needs:

- CT Scan(each): £3,250 (before and after treatment)

- Cancer treatment: £3,000–£5,000

- Possible surgery: Additional costs if required

- Ongoing pain relief and medication

Every day matters. The sooner Koby receives treatment, the better his chance of beating this disease and enjoying many more years with the family who adore him.

Anyone who knows Koby knows he isn't "just a dog." He is my shadow, my families protector, my best friend who has helped through some of the hardest times of my life. The thought of losing him because we cannot afford treatment is absolutely heartbreaking.

If you are able to donate, no matter how small the amount, you will be giving Koby a chance to keep fighting. And if you can't donate, simply sharing this page with your friends and family could make all the difference.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for taking the time to read Koby's story and for any kindness you can show.

Let's help this gentle giant get back to what he loves most: long walks, swimming in the shallow end, making new friends, and proving once again that he's the undefeated champion of tug-of-war.

Please help us save our best friend. ❤️