My beloved best friend Dutch was diagnosed with histiocytic sarcoma on June 20th 2024. I was faced with losing him in the immediate ~2 weeks, or opting to attempt treatment to extend his life while also giving him quality of life. I chose to move forward with treatment because I needed time to be able to say goodbye and I wanted to be able to spend quality time with him. The prognosis with treatment was ~2 to 4 months. He was not candidate for surgery because his cancer had metastasized.

The treatment worked at first. I was able to take him to do all of his favorite things; boat rides, walks in the woods, playing ball, and lots and lots of swimming. I promised him I wouldn’t let him suffer and as long as he was comfortable and happy, I would do everything I could for him.

Unfortunately, the chemo stopped working and he rapidly declined on October 4th. I made the appointment to have him put down October 6th. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. Dutch has been my faithful companion for the past 11 years. He has seen me through my highest highs and lowest lows; always there to celebrate with me or pick up the pieces when I was in shambles. My house is so devoid of any joy right now that I can’t be there. It’s not just his big life force that’s missing, but the place feels like a vacuum of anything good. His personality was so big and joyous that it’s left us all shipwrecked in his wake. I can’t explain how hard the past few days have been.

I never wanted to ask explicitly for donations for Dutch’s vet bills. It was my decision to extend his life and I’m aware that other atrocities exist that may be worthy of your donation. However, I have had several people ask if there is a way to donate. If you wish to make a donation toward Dutch’s bills, I would be so grateful.