Karen was Smokey Joe's person.  ("He's my dog, I'm his person.")  A senior, disabled since 2004, Karen adopted Smokey from Animal Care and Control when he was 11 weeks old, and their undeniable connection grew into a mutual need for each other.  They were inseparable, and he became certified as her emotional support animal.
 
Everybody thinks their dog is special. Smokey Joe’s entire community knew him as a special boy. Smokey spent all of his 12 years making friends in Precita Park, SF and was a big brother to generations of neighborhood puppies.
 
Recently an otherwise very healthy and active Smokey Joe fractured his arm in 3 places, and the x-rays showed that he had bone cancer. The cancer would prevent the fractures from healing, and would keep him in pain.  After additional tests and consults with several specialists (radiology, surgery, oncology and orthopedic rehab), it was determined that Smokey's best outlook was a partial limb amputation and a prosthetic, so Karen scheduled the surgery and Smokey Joe had the partial limb amputation. He handled the surgery well. The following morning, hours before Karen was to bring him home, he developed a blood clot and passed away.
 
His loss has been devastating emotionally and financially for Karen. That is why we are asking for your help.  Your donation will help cover the emergency treatment he received, the consults, the testing, surgery, post-surgery care, and cremation. These costs totaled $15,000. 

Anything you can give will be deeply appreciated. Thank you.