RALLY 4 JAGGE

Jagger is a five-year-old German Shepherd from the NYC metropolitan area of the United States .

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He was found by police roaming the streets in search of food from trash cans. He was covered in a black tar-like substance, smelling like a rancid fish market. Taken to an animal shelter, Jagger was frightened of just about everything. Because he was not cooperating with shelter staff, they contacted an animal behavior for assistance. The behaviorist ended up adopting Jagger and became his new Mom.

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After a bath and blow dry, they began a new life together. They focused on overcoming many of the fears he had developed growing up as a seriously abused pup. They worked together to help Jagger build confidence, learn manners, walk politely on lead, and play nicely with others. The rest is history. He now watches over his Mom, 10 kitty siblings and his older Boston Terrier sister, Maggie May.

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Jagger loves going for walks and car rides, bathing the kitties, playing in the snow (when Mother Nature cooperates), guarding his home, and doing anything or going anywhere with his Mom. He hates the garden hose, loud voices (especially yelling), fireworks, thunder and lightning.

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He worked as a therapy dog for senior citizens until COVID caused animal-related programs to be banned from elder-care facilities.

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Jagger is currently facing a challenging battle with oral cancer. His working diagnosis is mandibular osteosarcoma (vs. mandibular fibrosarcoma). The prognosis is not good as the mass is not well defined and surgery would require removal of entire lower jaw. A prosthetic jaw is not an option as surgeons are not certain they could obtain clean margins; a feeding tube would be likely required.

He was doing fabulous: eating well, playing and acting like his normal self until two weeks ago. The tumor started to grow. It doubled in size in one week, and again this second week.

He wants to eat but requires some assistance…he is still consuming his full amount of food. Now if he licks himself or plays w a toy, the tumor bleeds. It is now suggested that the tumor will need be be surgically debulked prior to radiation but that will be decided by doctors at that juncture.

Estimated costs are $4k for CT to make custom head restraint for radiation to target it precisely to tumor, approximately $20k for radiation (not exact as they are unsure how many treatments will be required).

Integrative oncology, Naturopathic vet, acupuncture for pain management and mobility, medications & prescribed supplements are estimated at another$20k.

We are pursuing consultations for cyberknife radiation, cryosurgery (intense cold used to destroy unwanted tissue) as well.

We do however welcome any suggestions for alternate treatment options. We also appreciate any positive vibes you’re able to send to Jagger! ♥️