Theo is only 5 years old and still full of life — but a tumor near his brain is causing him pain, and we’re doing everything we can to give him a chance.

Hi, my name is Crystal, and together with my husband Matt Dyer, I’m asking for help for our beloved boxer, Theo.

Theo is in his prime years and the kind of dog who follows you from room to room, leans into you for comfort, and greets everyone like they’ve been his best friend forever.

On November 1, 2025, we rushed Theo to the emergency vet after he suddenly cried out in pain, held his head high, and seemed unlike himself. From that moment on, we knew something wasn’t right.

We brought him to the vet multiple times over the following months, searching for answers. Despite tests and visits, nothing gave us a clear explanation — but his symptoms continued, and we could see he was hurting.

On April 9th, after a neurology consult and MRI at VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center, we finally got an answer — one we were not prepared for.

Theo has a mass at the very top of his spine (C1), near his brain. The neurologist believes it is a meningioma, a tumor that is causing his pain and affecting his nervous system. Hearing the word ‘tumor’ about our 5-year-old dog was something we never imagined, and we are still trying to process it.

To reach this diagnosis, we have already spent over $6,000 on veterinary care, including his MRI, X-rays, symptom management, and exams. The neurologist recommended treatment is surgery followed by radiation, with a total estimated cost of around $30,000- far beyond what we can afford on our own.

We are doing everything we can — applying for grants, cutting back on expenses, and exploring every possible option — because Theo means everything to us.

Despite everything, Theo is still fighting.

He is still walking

He is still eating

He is still looking at us with the same love he always has.

He still has so much life in him, and we are not ready to give up on him.

We are asking for help to give Theo a chance.

Funds will go toward any or all of the following:

• Spinal surgery

• Radiation therapy

• Hospitalization and recovery care

• Medications, follow-up treatment, or palliative care

We will continue to share updates along the way for full transparency.

If you are unable to donate, sharing Theo’s story would mean so much to us.

Theo is not just a pet — he is family, our child. He has been there for us through everything, and now we are doing everything we can to be there for him.

Thank you for reading, for your support, and for keeping Theo in your thoughts and prayers.