Howie's Cancer Fight
Donation protected
Howie is our 3 year old German Shepherd/Lab mix. He hasn't had an easy life from the moment he was born. Howie was born in a shelter, suffered with parvo as a puppy and almost did not make it. He was adopted into what should have been a loving family, but was returned just two years later and was adopted into our family in February after 5 months of shelter life. This past week, we received news that nobody ever wants to hear. Howie was diagnosed with lymphoma after swollen lymph nodes were detected in his neck and back legs.

We came across Howie after volunteering at the Coastal German Shepherd Rescue. We had volunteered there for several months walking the dogs, but just never felt an instant connection with any of the other dogs until we met Howie. At that moment, we'd like to be his forever home. So sure of it, that even before we filled out the dog application we went and made a specialized name tag for him. And we even bought all the essentials we needed to care for him. After what felt like eternity and waiting for the home inspection, Howie became a part of our family.
Immediately after welcoming him into our home, we truly were able to see his personality shine. We cannot tell you how much joy and laughter he has brought into our lives. Howie is a sweetheart and is extremely gentle with our 17 year old cat. We were quite surprised to see how well behaved he was from the moment we got him. We were prepared to train him on basic house rules, but didn't need to. The dog we chose was just too perfect to be true and still is in our eyes.
Howie is extremely energetic from the moment he wakes up until the moment he goes to bed. He is kind of a bed hog, but we would not have it any other way. Howie becomes fast friends with anyone who is willing to throw the ball for him. He loves trips to Canine Corners Dog Park and the dog beach in Coronado. Whenever we take him there, he always seems to befriend a husky and loves running through the waves.

Howie is the man of the house while his dad is underway and serving his country in the US Navy. Howie is a loyal dog and protects his mom while dad is away and keeps her company while he is away. He makes sure to keep his mom distracted and in good spirits while taking lots of walks outside. But the moment Dad comes home, he literally runs around with excitement and tackles him with kisses saying, “Welcome home!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzL-KrKOfgg
(video of dad coming home after work and seeing Howie)
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that sneaks up on you quickly without many warning signs. One of the first signs is swollen lymph nodes and in our case we found them in Howie's neck. It’s an aggressive form of cancer that does not have a good prognosis without immediate treatment. Our goal is that Howie may undergo chemotherapy to buy him so more time. The treatment recommended by the vet is called CHOP protocol and is 19 weeks of chemotherapy, in California this cost is 9,000 alone.
Our life has been an amazing adventure since Howie joined our family. And it wouldn't be complete without him.

We are not ready to give up so easily with Howie’s fight to survive and beat cancer. Please follow Howie on Instagram for his latest updates and photos as we travel through this journey together @howiedewindiego.
Please consider donating to our fight for Howie. If you are unable to donate, we ask for prayers and support for our family during this difficult time.

God Bless,
Jeremiah, Rachel, Howie Dewin Diego and Oreo
We came across Howie after volunteering at the Coastal German Shepherd Rescue. We had volunteered there for several months walking the dogs, but just never felt an instant connection with any of the other dogs until we met Howie. At that moment, we'd like to be his forever home. So sure of it, that even before we filled out the dog application we went and made a specialized name tag for him. And we even bought all the essentials we needed to care for him. After what felt like eternity and waiting for the home inspection, Howie became a part of our family.
Immediately after welcoming him into our home, we truly were able to see his personality shine. We cannot tell you how much joy and laughter he has brought into our lives. Howie is a sweetheart and is extremely gentle with our 17 year old cat. We were quite surprised to see how well behaved he was from the moment we got him. We were prepared to train him on basic house rules, but didn't need to. The dog we chose was just too perfect to be true and still is in our eyes.
Howie is extremely energetic from the moment he wakes up until the moment he goes to bed. He is kind of a bed hog, but we would not have it any other way. Howie becomes fast friends with anyone who is willing to throw the ball for him. He loves trips to Canine Corners Dog Park and the dog beach in Coronado. Whenever we take him there, he always seems to befriend a husky and loves running through the waves.
Howie is the man of the house while his dad is underway and serving his country in the US Navy. Howie is a loyal dog and protects his mom while dad is away and keeps her company while he is away. He makes sure to keep his mom distracted and in good spirits while taking lots of walks outside. But the moment Dad comes home, he literally runs around with excitement and tackles him with kisses saying, “Welcome home!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzL-KrKOfgg
(video of dad coming home after work and seeing Howie)
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that sneaks up on you quickly without many warning signs. One of the first signs is swollen lymph nodes and in our case we found them in Howie's neck. It’s an aggressive form of cancer that does not have a good prognosis without immediate treatment. Our goal is that Howie may undergo chemotherapy to buy him so more time. The treatment recommended by the vet is called CHOP protocol and is 19 weeks of chemotherapy, in California this cost is 9,000 alone.
Our life has been an amazing adventure since Howie joined our family. And it wouldn't be complete without him.
We are not ready to give up so easily with Howie’s fight to survive and beat cancer. Please follow Howie on Instagram for his latest updates and photos as we travel through this journey together @howiedewindiego.
Please consider donating to our fight for Howie. If you are unable to donate, we ask for prayers and support for our family during this difficult time.
God Bless,
Jeremiah, Rachel, Howie Dewin Diego and Oreo
Organizer
Jeremiah Helle
Organizer
La Mesa, CA
