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Kai's Mast Cell Tumor Treatment

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Hi, my name is Angel, and I am raising money to help pay for my dog's mast cell tumor treatment. It's in an area where they won't be able to get good margins with surgery, so he'll need chemo and may need radiation. Our appointment with oncology is on Sept. 28th, so I'll know more then.

Kai is a 9-year-old Belgian Malinois. When I retired from the Air Force, I lived in an apartment alone and had an encounter with someone that made me very uncomfortable. I started researching personal protection options. Fortunately, the apartment complex went under new management, and they decided to build a couple of dog parks and make it pet friendly.

I found Kai just before he turned 2-years-old on a website that listed working dogs for sale around the country. He was being sold as a personal protection dog after failing out of dual-purpose police dog training. He injured his paw and decided he was done with real work.

I convinced my dad to take a 5-day, 3,000-mile road trip to go pick Kai up. It was the best decision I ever made.

Kai is the absolute worst personal protection dog. He loves people. He immediately presents his rear to every person he meets anticipating the just rewards of a thorough butt scratch. He loves food so much, that he’s dragged a plate of Christmas fudge and cookies, a pumpkin pie, and a whole box of phyllo dough off the counter and scarfed it down. Tempt him with a treat, and he’s your bestie forever. Just don’t try to give him a hug. He’s got the maligator snap down perfectly and won’t hesitate to use it.

He is the best snuggle bug though. His favorite place to be is in my lap while I’m watching tv or tucked up against my left side while I’m sleeping. Taking care of him gave me purpose when I retired and was unable to work a normal job. Losing him is going to be the hardest thing I have ever been through.

Right now, he doesn’t know he’s sick. The lump wasn’t there on Monday morning when I gave him his morning belly rub. On Wednesday at his annual exam, the vet noticed it and took a sample. This morning, he was playing and having a great time while I got his breakfast ready. This afternoon, the doc called with the bad news. Apparently mast cell tumors work fast. Without treatment, the prognosis is death.

I’ve had pet insurance on him since I got him 7 years ago. It will cover up to $15,000 at 80%. The oncologist is a 3.5-hour drive away. The first visit is going to cost ~$1,000. I pay for everything upfront and then the insurance pays me back 80% after the $250 deductible is met. My parents took my mom’s dog up to the oncologist a few years ago and the options they gave her for treatment ran about $12,000.

The VA has rated me 100% permanently and totally disabled. I live on my military retirement and VA disability. Inflation has made money very tight. I expect I’ll get a raise when they do the annual reassessment this year, but I just don’t have the ability to cover the bills upfront and the 20% + $250.

I’m really hoping someone can help us out. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Organizer

Angelique Doran
Organizer
Springfield, MO

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