Dear Friends and Family,

Our beloved 3-year-old Labrador Retriever, Teddy, has recently been diagnosed with an aggressive bone cancer called Osteosarcoma. We first noticed a slight limp, assuming it might be a simple strain, but as the weeks passed, it only worsened. After a round of x-rays, our vet delivered the devastating news: no fractures, but a bone lesion strongly indicating cancer. This was a shocking diagnosis for a dog so young, and our hearts have been heavy since.

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer in dogs. While it can affect any breed, it is most often seen in larger dogs. This aggressive cancer has a tendency to spread quickly, often to the lungs and other vital organs, making early intervention crucial.

After consulting with a trusted oncologist and surgeon, the recommended course of action is to amputate Teddy’s front leg to eliminate the primary tumor and reduce his pain. His surgery is scheduled for Thursday, May 22. Following this, he will undergo chemotherapy for 3-4 months to target any remaining cancer cells and extend his life.

The financial burden is significant, with the surgery and multiple rounds of chemotherapy estimated at $8,000 to $10,000. Unfortunately, we discovered that our pet insurance has a $500 cap for incidents like this – a tough lesson in the importance of fine print.

To add to this whirlwind, we are also just three weeks away from welcoming our second daughter into the world. As you can imagine, this is an overwhelming time for our family, but we are committed to giving Teddy the best possible chance at a full, happy life. We hope that, with his youth and spirit, he will adapt well to three legs and that the cancer's progression can be slowed.

We are reaching out for support in any form – whether through prayers and thoughts, shared experiences, your time, or financial contributions. Every little bit helps us give Teddy a fighting chance.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with us during this challenging time.

With love,

The Snell Family