I am asking my community for help during one of the most heartbreaking times of my life.

My beloved service dog, Sunshine, passed away at only seven years old after battling apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASCA) and hypercalcemia of malignancy.

Sunshine’s illness and passing resulted in significant unexpected expenses, including diagnostic testing, veterinary care, treatment, medications, end-of-life care, euthanasia, and cremation.

Not only am I grieving the loss of my best friend, but reimagining life without the service dog who supported my safety, independence, and well-being for five years.

This fundraiser has two specific goals:

❤️ Goal 1: Sunshine’s Final Medical and End-of-Life Expenses

The primary goal is to help pay the expenses related to Sunshine’s illness and passing, including:

Diagnostic testing and veterinary visits

Cancer treatment and supportive care

Medications

End-of-life care

Euthanasia

Cremation and aftercare

These costs compounded quickly because Sunshine’s illness progressed so rapidly. Donations toward this goal will help reduce the financial burden so that I can focus on grieving and honoring his memory.

Sunshine deserved comfort, dignity, and peace in his final days. I am deeply grateful that I was able to provide that for him, and I appreciate any help with the expenses that made his care possible.

Goal 2: Obtaining and Training My Next Service Dog

While Sunshine could never be replaced, my next goal is to begin the process of obtaining and training my next service dog.

Because service dog expenses are not covered by my insurance, donations toward this goal will help with:

Finding and obtaining a dog suited to my needs

Professional service-dog training

Transportation and travel

Specialized equipment and supplies

Veterinary care

Evaluations and assessments

Other costs required to establish a safe and successful working partnership

Obtaining a service dog is a lengthy and expensive process—one that I never expected to have to begin so soon. But losing Sunshine has made this need urgent.