This is one of the hardest things I've ever had to write. My beautiful dog Zyla has been diagnosed with cancer. She has tumors in her mouth, adrenal glands, lung and liver.

Zyla has been by my side for 13 years. She isn't just my dog, she is my soulmate, my best friend, my constant and truly the reason I am still here today. Through every chapter of my life since I was 19 yrs old, she has never left my side. She has been my whole heart, my shadow and my home.

A week ago, Zyla was diagnosed with cancer. The diagnosis completely rocked my world. One moment she was just my happy go-lucky girl and the next I was being told she may only have 3-6 months, with 1 year at most without treatment. Hearing this about someone you love more than life itself is something I wouldn't wish upon anyone.

Despite everything, Zyla is still affectionate and full of love. She doesn't know she is sick, she just knows she wants to be here with me. And that's why im fighting for her.

She urgently needs treatment to start as soon as possible to give her the best possible chance at more time, comfort and quality of life. Chemotherapy and ongoing oncology care are her best hope - but the cost is overwhelming and time is not on our side.

Breakdown of costs:

Repeat consults with Oncology specialist: $350 (per time)

Oral Chemotherapy tablets (Palladia): $3000 ( $1000 per month)

Repeat CT scan and biopsy's of tumors : $5500

Blood and urine tests for functional adrenal tumour testing: $750

Biopsy of mouth tumour : $430

Approx Total : $ 1030

Asking for help does not come easily to me. Its uncomfortable, yet humbling. But I would not be doing this if it wasnt absolutely necessary. I would do anything for Zyla and right now , this is the only way I can try and give her the chance she deserves.

From the bottom of my heart, thankyou for reading, thankyou for caring and thankyou for helping us fight for more time!

Love Steff & Zyla