Help Rusty Beat Cancer

We are devastated to learn that Rusty, our floofy little man, is suffering from a malignant tumor located in his upper palate. With this fundraiser, we hope to raise funds to help us cover the cost of the medical care necessary to stop the growth of the tumor and improve his quality of life.

What happened: On July 2, 2025, our beloved dog Rusty went in to have some dental work and imaging done. For the past couple of months, he had been showing signs of a problem in his sinuses that was causing discharge to come out of his left nostril, which was also causing issues with reverse sneezing and trouble clearing his throat. Unfortunately, after examining Rusty's mouth and reviewing the x-rays, the vet discovered a tumor in his upper palate that seems to be pushing into his nasal cavity. A biopsy revealed it to be a level 1 osteosarcoma (malignant cancer of the bone).

What happens now?

Over the last few weeks, we have been going back and forth with our vet and two veterinary oncology and radiation specialists, and we have learned that there are only a few ways forward at this point:

First, we will need a CT scan to determine the exact location of the tumor and whether or not it has spread, which will cost close to $3100. I am taking Rusty to Cornell this week for this step. Thankfully, we have no reason to believe the cancer has spread at this point, so we are hoping to move forward to the next step: treatment.

A) There is a very slight chance the tumor could be removed surgically, but this is highly unlikely due to the location. I do not know the cost of surgery if it is possible, but I will find out if the CT reveals that it is an option.

B) Stereotactic radiation: an aggressive treatment in 5 sessions that aims to stop tumor growth and alleviate pain and other symptoms. This is not a "cure" but would prevent his symptoms from getting worse as well as extend his life. The cost of this is anywhere from $7500 to $8500.

C) Palliative radiation: a lighter treatment meant only to relieve Rusty's pain and discomfort for the time he has left. This treatment costs between $1,500 and $3,500.

Because it is a level 1 tumor and he is otherwise in very good health, our regular vet is optimistic that Rusty will respond well to treatment and could potentially live to his full life expectancy (upwards of 18 years).

However, because the nearest place that offers radiation therapy for dogs is at Cornell University's Veterinary Hospital (which is 3 hours from where we live), if we are able to go with the stereotactic treatment I will have to spend several nights in Ithaca for the 5 consecutive treatments. The cost of a pet-friendly motel in Ithaca for 4 nights is about $800-$1000 (prices fluctuate frequently).

I know this is a big investment with no guarantees, but I also know that many of you will understand: our animals are as dear to us as family members. Our animals are often there for us in our darkest moments, when no one else is. They are more than just pets—they are unconditional love. Rusty has loved me unconditionally through the hardest moments of my life, even when I was too sick to walk him every day, or too poor to feed him the good dog food. He has always been my goodest boy. I am determined to do everything in my power to help him through this, and to give him the best possible quality of life for the rest of his days—for however long that may be.

If you've read this far, thank you. I hope you are able and willing to donate whatever feels right and reasonable to you—but I also know that times are tough everywhere and a lot of good causes are asking for money these days. I respect and understand that. If donating is not an option for you right now, all I ask is that you take a moment to picture my boy smiling and send him some love. I believe he will feel it.

Thank you so much for reading.