Help Ruger Fight Cancer and Have More Good Days

This weekend, our sweet golden retriever Ruger, just shy of 5 years old, suddenly became very sick. After rushing him to the vet, we found out he was severely anemic. Today, we met with a specialist who discovered an abnormality in his small intestine that may be bleeding internally and causing the anemia.

Right now, we’re in a critical window. We're praying for Ruger’s red blood cell count to stabilize so he can undergo a life-saving surgery in the next week. The plan is to perform an endoscopy to examine the rest of his intestines, followed by a major surgery to remove the abnormal mass and reconnect his intestines. We won’t know if the mass is cancerous until it’s removed and sent for biopsy.

In just two days, we’ve already spent nearly $4,000 on emergency care, diagnostics, and medications. The specialist estimates the upcoming procedures will cost another $10,000–$15,000.

We never imagined we’d be in this situation, it’s heartbreaking and terrifying. Ruger is truly the heart of our home. Since the day we brought him home, we’ve built our lives around him. Both Patrick and I have worked from home his whole life so we could be with him every day. He’s more than a dog, he’s our family, our child, our constant.

His 1-year-old golden retriever brother is confused and heartbroken too, they’re normally inseparable, and he doesn’t understand why his best friend can’t play.

If you’re able to help us in any way, big or small, we would be endlessly grateful. All funds will go directly toward Ruger’s surgery, recovery, and follow-up care. Even if you can’t donate, sharing this means the world to us.

Thank you for reading, loving, and supporting our boy. We just want to give him the fighting chance he deserves.

With all our hearts,

Sarah, Patrick, Ruger & little brother Maverick.