Dear Friends,

In late October, the day before my dog Bija’s 6th birthday, I received news from the vet that one of her lumps tested positive as an MCT (mast cell tumor). MCTs are cancerous tumors that need to be surgically removed. After extensive testing, we discovered more lumps. She has three that need to be removed in total.

The good news is that her lymph nodes are clear, and there is a good chance that we’ve caught this before it spread to her internal organs. It seems likely that this cancer isn’t aggressive (although only a post-op biopsy will be able to tell us for sure).

The harshest reality is the cost. I do have insurance, but I already went over my yearly limit with just the tests alone costing about 4k. The operation itself will be roughly 4-5k (one of the lumps is on her ear, which requires a surgeon that specializes in ear removal). In addition to these costs, I will need to take some time off from work to help her/us recover, and there will also be post-op tests to make sure the cancer doesn’t return. In total, I am asking for a minimum of 4k to cover the rest of the expenses needed to perform the emergency surgery, additional tests, and care costs required for this undertaking.

To say it’s been a difficult year for most of us would be a huge understatement. I don’t really understand how I’m holding on, but I am, and the only reason that I can think of is I have a very supportive community. That, and of course, I have Bija who has always been my rock amidst the chaos of the present times. If you’ve ever had the opportunity to be delighted by the existence of this precious canine, or even if you haven’t, please consider donating to her health and our future together.

Thank you!