Hi everyone. It is with a broken heart that I’m reaching out to ask for help for my sweet girl, Lonnie.

After a few rough years, Lonnie unexpectedly came into my life. She has given me endless smiles, laughter, unconditional love, and unwavering lessons in perseverance and resilience. Now it’s my turn to help her as she faces her battle with cancer.

During a recent vet checkup for a fat mass on her chest, we noticed a lump on her tail. After a fine-needle assessment, the lab results confirmed it is a mast cell tumor. Unfortunately, the only way to limit its spread is to dock her beautiful, happy tail. We’re still in the early stages (and hopefully the last), but her surgery is already scheduled for September 29, 2025. Lonnie will also need a few scans to ensure the cancer hasn’t metastasized. The estimate I’ve received for the surgery alone is around $3,500—this doesn’t include the scans or any additional treatment that might be required. Every single donation, no matter how small, brings us closer to covering her care. I’ll share an update this coming week with the vet’s detailed treatment plan and costs.

Most of you know how deeply I love and appreciate animals. The first six years of Lonnie’s life are mostly unknown to me. I only know she was surrendered by her previous owner and scheduled for euthanasia. Thankfully, she was fostered out of the shelter the next day, though she was in rough condition—her fur and teeth showed clear signs of neglect. I can only imagine how her past must have been. Yet she is the most innocent, silly, funny, and perfect dog you could ever meet. If I can do anything for her, it’s to make the second half of her life the best it can possibly be.

If we surpass the financial goal, I would love to donate the remainder to Dr. Sybille Morch—a German MD turned animal rehabilitator whose love, hope, and devotion to second chances have deeply touched me. You can find her on Instagram at: @my.disabled.hairy.friends

to see why her work means so much.

I truly don’t know what to expect but hope this surgery is all Lonnie needs to get back to chasing corgis, burying treats, and snoring on my chest.

Thank you all so much.

With love,

Mariya, Lonnie, and Charlie