Let me tell you about my best friend. Lena is a five year old rescue mutt. Her and her brother were brought to mutt rescue in Chicopee together. Her brother was born with a hole in his heart and was adopted by a kind woman with whom he lived three years longer than they thought he would. Lena was born with a heart murmur but I loved her at first sight. The second I saw her picture posted for adoption I knew she was my soul dog and went down and got her that day. Lena is the sweetest, silliest, best girl. She has been my best friend and rock. For a few years it was me and her against the world. She was front seat in the car. everywhere I went, she came too. During my darkest times she saved me. I can honestly say I would not be alive if it wasn't for her. Three years ago Shane came into our lives. He earned Lena's trust and love because he knew we were a package deal. Any bed I slept in she would be right beside me. He made us his family. He loves Lena as much as I do. There is nothing we wouldn't do for our girl. That's why we are here. A tumor has been found inside of Lena's bladder. What we thought was the beginning of a UTI was the mass blocking her from being able to urinate. These type of tumors are common on dogs. They are fatal 100 percent of the time. It is just a matter of how much time you can buy your dog. Dogs have to be put down once the growth gets so big it either blocks their kidneys or urethra completely. There are steps that can be taken that may be able to buy Lena alot more time. With a combination of nsaids, chemo, a stent or even surgery she may be able to live a few more years. We are not ready to lose her. We need all the help we can get. It kills me as an owner that a dog will have to be put down when they are happy and healthy except urine can't leave the body. She has saved my life. And like her mommy she is a fighter. I would never forgive myself if I did not do everything possible until her final moment. She has been in the ICU at the vets since Friday. She will be coming home today with a catheter so she can be with the people she loves. Next steps will be surgery or stent once all of her test results come back. These procedures could be the difference between her having a few days to months left to a few years. Anything helps all proceeds will go straight to her care and maintenance. Her vet bill so far is over 5000, if the stent is an option it will be another 7 to 9000 plus care cost. If it is not an option everything will be going to cover nsaids, chemo, and anything else she needs to make her comfortable for her remaining time. I thank you all so much. Any one who has met Lena must know how unique and sweet she is. Please pray for the best.- Channon

I don't like to write sad things, I'd rather put out positive words and stories that bring a smile to the face rather than a tear to the eye, but the world we live in however does not mimic those intentions, and the hand it deals often tilts that scale without mercy.

A week ago I was sitting on the futon in our living when Lena came up, as she often does, staring up at me with that snaggletoothed grin before cuddling up next to me. It's times like those we often take for granted, I know I did, times where we have the opportunity to exist next to someone or something that brings us incredible joy, and don't give a second thought to the reality that moments like these won't last forever. Lena brings an indescribable amount of joy to my heart, the warmth and loves she gives on a daily basis never waivers, her tail never stops wagging, even in times like this. When the news was broken to us over memorial day weekend our world collapsed, but our determination to give Lena nothing but the best remains. No matter what it takes we will continue to provide Lena with the same devotion and love she has given Channon and I these last few years, and we won't give up hope for the future. -Shane