Hi, my name is Kathleen and this absolutely wonderful boy is Bowser. I have been dreading and putting this off for a few weeks in hopes that I could wait a couple more months, but that’s no longer in the cards for us. I’m not normally one to ask for help or to even accept help when it is offered, but in this case, I’m asking for help and will take any that I can get.

Bowser has been my ride or die for the last 10 years. He’s my adventure buddy, my sanity, sometimes my therapist, but overall he’s my best friend. He goes on adventures with my kids and me—paddle boarding, hiking, camping, all things outdoors. He’s down for anything.

A few months ago, I noticed a growth in his mouth that I chalked up to being an impacted or broken tooth because he chews on super chewer toys, but it wasn’t bothering him, so I left it alone. Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago, I noticed this protrusion from his lower jaw in that same area. I work for an animal shelter and see cancers almost daily, so I immediately got him into the vet, and they confirmed my worst nightmare. Bowser has cancer; we just don’t know what kind or how bad it is until we get diagnostics done, which is why I came here.

Despite this large growth taking over his mouth, he’s still in terrific shape and spirit. He is as active as ever and still eating well. He hasn’t lost any weight, and because of this, his doctor is not at all concerned about treating him at his age. She said if she didn’t know it was there, she’d never guess it was. With the rapid growth, Dr. says removal is mandatory, and that involves pulling three teeth the tumor has encapsulated and a portion of his lower jaw. If it’s benign, that’s where treatment ends, but if it is malignant, we will need to talk radiation.

Oakdale Veterinary Group has been nothing short of amazing with Bowser any time we’ve gone in. For chest X-rays, bloodwork, and biopsy, we’ve been quoted between $1500-2400 roughly. I wanted to pay for diagnostics and then seek help if needed for treatment, but I fear by waiting, I’ll end up pushing it to the point of him not being able to get help.

Bowser truly is one of a kind, and everyone that meets him falls in love with him. He’s completed his Canine Good Citizen course too! I know that he still has years to enjoy as long as we can get this treated. Any help will be tremendously appreciated. Anybody who knows me knows how much I love him but also that I’m a realist and will keep him comfortable until I can’t, but for now, we’re fighting.

If you’ve reached this far, thank you again for any size donation.