Zephyr is an incredibly loving & affectionate 7-year-old Husky/Malamute/Border Collie cross. He is a big cuddly bear & full of love!

A few weeks before Christmas we discovered a lump on Zephyr’s neck, after multiple tests and samples he’s been diagnosed with ‘Salivary Gland Adenocarcinoma’ which is a rare and aggressive cancer. This came as a complete shock. Until now, he was a healthy, happy dog, living his best life alongside his three canine companions, Zak, Luna and his ‘twin’ brother Sam, they’re like bookends – completely inseparable!

We’ve been referred to a specialist oncologist at Edinburgh University Hospital, which is a 3-hour drive from home. This week, while everyone’s been enjoying the Christmas/NY bubble we’ve travelled up to have a consultation & CT scans carried out. They’ve advised that surgery us urgently needed, and that radiation therapy will likely be required afterward to give him the best chance of survival and a good quality of life. We’ve been told that without treatment Zephyr may only have a few months left.

Setting up this page is so far out of my comfort zone. I’m fiercely independent & have always struggled to ask for help. But this isn’t just for me - it’s for Zephyr and for all of our family, including our other dogs who love the bones of him and would be absolutely devastated to lose him.

So far, we’ve emptied our savings and are now relying on credit cards to cover these costs.

We’ve spent thousands of pounds to get to this stage which has covered:

Blood tests

X-rays

Fine needle biopsy

Attempted surgery to remove lump at local vets and samples taken

Numerous medications (pain relief/anti-inflammatories/steroids/antibiotics)

Consultations with the oncologist

CT scans

We’ve been given an estimate of £5000 for the surgery, and awaiting the estimate for radiation therapy, although the specialist has advised that it is more expensive than the surgery, plus costs of around £1000 for Zephyr’s stays at the hospital during treatments.

The surgery is booked in for Wednesday 14th January and treatments will start around 1 – 2 weeks after the surgery, to give him time to recover.

We’re also expecting a baby in April, which means I won’t be able to work full time for a while, adding to the financial strain during this already difficult time. Despite this, Zephyr is our family, and we’re determined to do everything we can for him.

Every penny raised will go directly toward Zephyr’s medical treatment. Any amount—no matter how small—will make a huge difference. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page or keeping Zephyr in your thoughts truly means the world to us.

Zephyr trusts me completely, and I’m doing everything I can to fight for him. He is my baby and my best friend.

From the very beginning, Zephyr has been a fighter. He was born into a litter of sickly puppies—only three survived: Zephyr, his brother Sam, and their sister. Against the odds, he grew into the strong, gentle, joyful dog he is today, and I’m not ready to give up on him now.

With treatment, Zephyr still has a real chance, and we’re holding onto hope.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness, support, and love.