Hi Everyone!

This is a very difficult post to write!

On November 2nd, we noticed a bump on the top of Bella's right paw! The way it appeared, it looked like one of her nails fell off and the area was swollen because of the trauma! After waiting a couple of weeks to see if it went down, it didn't. We decided to take her to the vet to get it checked out. The vet said that she would try and drain it and if she could successfully drain it, it was just a cyst and there would be nothing to worry about! On the other hand, if she wasn't able to drain it, the possibility of it being a mast cell tumor is very high. After 20 minutes, she came back and said that there was no fluid coming out, just blood and puss. It was definitely a tumor and she had already sent it in for testing. The next day, we got a call back that it was confirmed to be a cancerous mast cell tumor. We spent the holidays digesting the diagnosis, while waiting to have our consultation with the oncologist today!

After the consultation, she is going to need surgery to remove the mass, along with further testing of her lymph nodes. The surgery alone, is going to cost $7,000 because of where the tumor is located. This doesn't include any of the extra tests, fees or extras! The oncologist is predicting the entire procedure with additional testing, surgery, medications and follow ups to cost at least $10,000.

In this situation, we felt compelled to ask anyone, no matter how big or small, anonymous or not, to just donate something to Bella! She has been with us for the last 11 years and IS our family. She means so much to so many people. Anyone who meets her, loves her. We all have the most amazing memories of her and now is the time to band together and donate whatever you can! If you can't donate, even just sharing this is a huge help!

On behalf of Mitchell and I, we thank you!

All our love

Ricky Mitchell BELLA & Dyson