A couple of weeks ago I noticed a small bump on my dog, Ellie's right front paw.  It was about the size of a pea and did not appear to be causing any issues, as Ellie was walking fine and acting her normal, jovial self.  Over the last week, the mass has grown significantly; now the size of a kidney bean (pictured).
As a worried dog dad, I scheduled an appointment with our veterinarian ASAP.  Upon inspection, the vet informed us that it could simply be a cosmetic mass that has formed, or much worse, it could be cancerous.  As I absorbed the assessment, the vet continued to explain that one type of cancerous outcome could spread to Ellie's lungs and other parts of her body.  The vet recommended testing the area via fine needle aspiration, but also said I could monitor the growth and decide how to proceed.  However, if Ellie began obsessively licking the mass and/or it became red, we should definitely get back to the vet ASAP.  Because it had not seemingly bothered Ellie, I decided to sleep on it and let this information sink in.

The next morning, Ellie and I went for a walk to get out and enjoy some sunshine.  I noticed almost right away that Ellie was not acting normal; very lethargic, resistant to walking, tail down, etc.  We turned around to head home.  I could not help but start to break down, trying to hide my tears behind my sunglasses.  How could my sweet girl, who just celebrated her 7th birthday (7th bday pic below) be deteriorating at such a young age; possibly dying of cancer?  Naturally, my mind went to all of the worst case scenarios.  As soon as we got through the door, I burst into tears...even writing this I can't help but tear up.  

I adopted Ellie at 6 weeks old, so I have essentially had her for her entire life.  This girl has been through everything with me - several moves, life and career changes, my happiest moments, my darkest days.   She has saved me in times when I did not think I could move forward.  Like most pet owners, she is my light and the unconditional love is mutual.

So, once I composed myself, I called the vet again and scheduled an appointment to get that testing done - we had to wait 2 days before they could see us.  Ellie had began licking the mass the day after our first appointment, which caused it to become red and eventually bleed.  I fashioned a homemade bandage to stop the bleeding and prevent her from obsessing over it.

This morning, we went back and the fine needle aspiration was performed.  When administered, the puncture caused the mass to bleed, so Ellie must wear a bandage (pictured in the cover photo and below), for the next 2-3 days.  Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, they told me that results from the lab would be delayed and we likely will not hear for 7-10 days.  In addition to that costly procedure, the veterinarian sent us home with 2 prescription antibiotics that Ellie will need to take for the next 10-14 days.  The vet explained these may (or may not) help the mass go down, but also they would prevent/fight any possible infection.  This was an added, unexpected expense during our visit.

Though we are still playing the waiting game, this has been an unexpected expense in an already difficult financial time.  Like so many, I have been greatly affected by COVID-19, personally having lost 75-80% of my income as a small business owner.  I am starting this GoFundMe to offset these unexpected pet medical expenses I have already endured; with the possibility of having a much larger set-back ahead.  Whether it be surgical removal, cancer treatment, or both, these pet surgeries and cancer treatments can easily cost thousands, to tens of thousands of dollars. 

I truly appreciate you taking the time to read about our current, unfortunate situation.  Please consider making a donation - no amount is too small.  Thank you in advance for helping me, but more importantly my beloved Ellie during this difficult time.

Ellie with her temporary bandage after fine needle aspiration. 

Ellie's 7th birthday celebration pic.  She's always been a good sport.