My name is Gosia, and the love of my life is my dog, Dash — an English Bull Terrier with the brightest spirit I’ve ever known.

Dash isn’t “just a dog.” He is my companion, my comfort, my joy, and the heartbeat of my home. He has been with me through every dark and every light moment of my life. His happiness has always been my strength.

A few weeks ago, our world shattered. Dash was diagnosed with lymphoma.

I will never forget the moment the vet said the word cancer. I felt something inside me break — a kind of fear and grief I never knew existed until now. Since then, our days have been filled with hospital visits, oncology consultations at the Royal (Dick) Hospital, and chemotherapy sessions that Dash faces with unbelievable courage.

He still wags his tail. He still looks at me with those warm, trusting eyes. He still tries to comfort me — even though he is the one fighting.

As if cancer wasn’t enough, Dash also has a heart condition that needs constant monitoring. Every medication, every scan, every emergency check-up adds to the growing mountain of bills. I am doing everything I can, but the truth is: I can’t do this alone anymore.

I have never in my life asked anyone for help. I’ve always believed I could carry everything on my own shoulders. But this time… it’s different. This is Dash’s life.

And for him, I would swallow every bit of pride I have.

I am asking for help because I want to give him the best chance. I want him to feel comfortable, safe, and loved for as long as life allows us to be together. I want to wake up every morning knowing I did everything humanly possible for him.

If we raise more than Dash needs, I want to give a portion back to the oncology team at the Royal (Dick) Hospital. Walking into an oncology ward with your best friend in your arms is terrifying. If I can ease even a little bit of that fear for someone else, then something good will come out of this heartbreak.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for reading our story.

Thank you for caring about Dash.

Thank you for giving us hope in a moment when hope is everything.

Your support means more than you will ever know.