Knut the Cairn Terrier. Such an amazing pup. Knut is sick. He doesn’t know it, but he has a tumor on his liver. Knut is otherwise healthy and strong with a great prognosis and years of potential shenanigans ahead of him, but if that tumor doesn’t come out, he will decline quickly and die. We have to save Knut. His family needs him.

It could be said of Knut’s diagnosis that this is the best version of a very bad situation. The mass was found early thanks to some slightly elevated liver counts, so imaging and the keen eye of an internal medicine specialist. Primary liver cancer isn’t usually found until it's too late. Knut has no symptoms, and appears as healthy, hungry, and handsome as ever. He is blissfully unaware. His humans, however, are reeling.

The Nolle Family has already had to endure a lifetime's worth of pain in the past few years. To add to their heartache, this last week, their wonderful dog Ruby passed away unexpectedly. Just 36 short hours later, Knut was diagnosed with cancer. Medical bills and euthanasia for their sweet Ruby, along with the rising bills for Knut are piling up. It’s all happening at once with no time to recover. We're asking for your support to help get Angela and the kids through this difficult time, and help get Knut cancer free. Many hands make light work.

Knut will need a CT scan to confirm that his cancer is contained and that his mass is as well-positioned for easy removal as it looks on the ultrasound. Currently, they have no reason to believe his cancer is metastatic, although the CT will be the final word on it. After that, he will require surgery to remove the mass on the left side of his liver and post-operative follow-up appointments. The specialist believes the surgery and recovery would be relatively easy for Knut, and he would be himself in about four days. Angela sought a second opinion who whole-heartedly agreed with Knut’s prognosis and treatment plan. Both specialists agreed that if Knut were their dog, they would move forward without hesitation. This loving pup is strong and healthy, and needs more time with his family. His family desparately needs him, too.

Angela and her children are surviving the unthinkable each day with grace and strength. None of us really grasps how she does it all, least of all Angela herself. Those who know her know she manages crisis and loss better than just about anyone should ever have to while keeping her balance and logic in moments of sadness and pain. She mentors her young children through their grief while wrapping them in heaps of love, and cares for her aging furry family with gentleness and compassion. Angela wasn’t supposed to have to do all of this by herself, but she is doing it, and it’s a marvel to behold. She takes a deep breath, puts on her bright smile, and she just keeps walking forward. Right now, her eyes are fixed on saving Knut and holding up her children just as they are catching their breath from losing Ruby just days ago and their dad just 26 months ago.

Angela is as strong as they come, but she needs a minute. We, as her community, have an opportunity to help absorb the financial pressure so they can just focus on getting Knut the surgery he needs. It won’t stop the crisis, but it will relieve a huge part of the pressure. We can help her carry it so she doesn't have to carry it alone. The unexpected price tag to treat Knut is large, and this beautiful family has more than their fair share of undue burden. They need to exhale. They need a win. They deserve some joy and happiness with their little Wonderpup. Knut deserves a shot to keep doing what he does best- loving his humans who adore him.

We are doing this to save Knut. This is Peter’s pup, and the Nolles are not giving him up without a fight. Saving Knut is about this great happy terrier, but it’s also about lightening this family’s grief. They need each other-all of them. Angela and the kids cannot manage another loss right now, and this is their first opportunity to actually save one of their own. To know the Nolle Family, humans and pets, is to love them. We may not be able to cook them dinner, bring them groceries, or hold their hands as we would like, but here is a place we can truly be of help. Let’s help Angela and the kids save their Knut.