Hey everyone. We got news yesterday that is every dog owner's nightmare. Rocky's doctor discovered a mass on his spleen. Rocky has not been himself for a while and has almost completely stopped eating. He is otherwise perfectly healthy and still wants to engage in his favorite activities of fetch and chest scratches, but he won't eat. We are told that there is no way to determine if this mass is cancerous without removing it. Unfortunately, if it is cancerous, Rocky won't have long after the surgery. If it isn't cancerous, he should be back to normal!

Many of you know rocky. Everyone says they have the best dog of all time, but those of you who really know Rocky know that he's one of a kind. I don't know anyone who has met him who has said anything other than that he is one of the best dogs they have ever encountered. He is truly special.

It was a difficult decision for us to even determine whether to try surgery; some of the statistics are not great. But, for any of you who have seen rocky recently, you'd know that he does not act like an old dog. He mind is sound, his eyesight is good, his joints are young. Other than this mass pressing on his stomach, Rocky is just as happy and active as when he was 3. He may have a bit more grey in his snout, but he doesn't know that. If this mass is benign, I know Rocky would have several more happy years to enjoy life and bring joy to all of ours.

I know that it is a lot to ask you to donate towards a surgery that, even if successful, may not significantly extend Rocky's life. He has lived a long and good life. If we are asking you for help, you deserve to know the numbers. There is a 40% chance that this mass is benign. If it is, the surgery will be 100% curative and Rocky's life will return to normal. If it is cancerous, there is an 80% chance the cancer will spread even after surgery and Rocky will not have long.

We have prayed and believe that for the joy Rocky has brought so many people for so many years, we need to try our best to give him a fighting chance. He is 100% healthy besides this illness and to cut years off of his life with a 40% chance of success seems unfair. If you are led, please help us meet out goal. The surgery has been quoted for between $2,000 - $6,000 and we don't know the final cost yet. We love you all and thank you. Know that Rocky loves you too, perhaps in a purer way than we even can.