Hi, my name is Sarah and I am fundraising for my dog best friend shadow. Shadow is a 10 year old Labrador retriever who I rescued when he was 4 1/2 from Mckamey Animal Center here in Chattanooga, TN. He has been my first dog that was all mine to take care of and raise. He has been through so much with me. When I have gone through very tough mental health season he has been right by my side and being able to take care of him helped me take care of myself.

He loves to hike , go on walks , and play with his friends at the dog park. As you know it takes a community to raise a dog and many of you have met him and been a huge part of his life. Thank you for that. He has so much personality and sass. Iv never seen a dog show so many emotions through their eyes as he does. I love him so much and my heart breaks finding out the news that I have just received.

Shadow and I went to the Emergency Vet last night on 2/28 after what I believed to be a serious UTI turned into a more critical situation. He has a large mass on his spleen meaning that it will need to be removed so that it does not erupt. I am heart broken and devastated. This is the worst news I could have received.

As of today , I am unsure whether the mass is benign or malignant, but the good news is that it has not spread anywhere else in his body such as his lungs. Which makes him a candidate for surgery. However, due to the size and potential for internal bleeding, the mass does need to be surgically removed relatively quickly.

The thought of life without my best friend is unbearable. I have always said I would do anything if Shadow got sick give him the best life that I could. I am determined to get him the help that he needs. He has so much more life to live and is still full of so much life even during this painful time.

I am asking for help to cover the costs of diagnostics , surgery , hospitalization, and medication for the removal of his spleen.

Anything you can contribute would be greatly appreciated and thank you for taking the time to read about Shadows story.