Two days ago, our beloved dog Koda started coughing in a way we’d never heard before. Within hours, she couldn’t keep food down, and we rushed her to the vet in a panic. Just the day before, she’d been her usual energetic, adventurous self—there was no warning, no signs that anything was wrong.

X-rays revealed something we never could have expected: a massive tumour pressing on her lungs. We were told to get her to the emergency hospital immediately. At that point, we had already spent over $4,000 and were bracing ourselves for what might come next. Still, we held onto hope that whatever treatment she needed would be manageable.

Today, we found out the only option to save her life is surgery—urgent and complex—and it comes with a price tag of up to $12,000.

We know this is a moment where many people are forced to make an unthinkable choice. But for us, this isn't a choice we can make. Koda is family. She’s my running partner, my comfort, the warm body curled beside me every night helping me fall asleep. She is only 7.5 years old—still so full of life, love, and mischief. She has more adventures to go on, more cuddles to give, and more joy to share with everyone around her.

The hospital doesn’t offer payment plans, and we’re doing everything we can—looking into credit options, financing, anything—to make this happen. But this is a crushing financial burden, and for the secobd time, I’m finding myself in the position of needing to ask for help.

This is not easy to write but I can’t let my girl go without trying everything in my power to save her. If you’re able to contribute anything at all, no matter how small, it would mean the world to us. And if you’re not in a position to give, sharing this story is just as appreciated.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

All funds raised will be used to pay medical debt incurred during this process.

————————UPDATE—————————

We’ve received news we never could have imagined and hoped to never hear.


What began as a simple cough in Koda — first thought to be kennel cough, then pneumonia — has now officially been diagnosed as lung cancer.

To say we’re devastated is an understatement. The world feels like it’s fallen out from beneath our feet. Koda has been one of my best friends for 7.5 years, and I can’t imagine her leaving us.

And yet… Koda still has her bright spirit, boundless energy, and unshakable will to keep going. She’s not ready to give up — and neither are we.

After consulting four veterinary professionals, including an oncologist, we’ve been advised to move forward with chemotherapy. Thanks to your generous donations, Koda began her first treatment today. While our original hope was surgery, chemo is now considered her best shot. Best case: the tumor shrinks enough to become operable. Otherwise, the goal is to slow or halt the cancer’s progression and give her more time to be happy and comfortable with us.

Next week’s blood tests will help us see if the treatment is beginning to work.

Every dollar raised has been helping lift the financial weight of doing everything we can for Koda — something we’d do a thousand times over. Thanks to your support, we’ve been able to focus on what matters most: her care, comfort, and quality of life.

Please know no one is expected to donate — especially if you're not in a position to do so. We know what it’s like to be financially stretched, and support comes in so many forms. Your kind words, messages, and presence mean the world to us.

We’re doing our best to stay strong and navigate this day by day with the guidance of her medical team. Please trust that every decision is made with her comfort and quality of life as the top priority.

As long as she has the will to fight, we’ll be right there beside her.
Thank you for walking through this with us. Your support has been a light in an otherwise very dark tunnel.