Help Save Winter — My Best Friend and Service Dog

Hi everyone, my name is Lydia James, and I’m reaching out with a heavy heart to ask for your help for my best friend and service animal, Winter.

Five years ago, I rescued Winter from an abusive breeding situation. From that moment on, she’s been my constant companion, my emotional anchor, and the face of Passion Project — where so many of you have met and fallen in love with her. She’s more than just a dog; she’s family, a source of comfort for everyone she meets, and my true partner through every challenge.

Back in August, Winter started having trouble breathing. We immediately began testing — lungs, sinuses, full body scans — and after months of vet visits and endless questions, we finally got an answer. On October 21, we learned the devastating news, confirmed on October 26: Winter has cancer.

The tumor began on the right side of her face and nasal passage, blocking her airway. It’s now spread into her mouth, gums, and right eye, and is starting to reach her brain. We’ve been told treatment needs to begin immediately — once the cancer reaches her brain, there’s nothing more that can be done.

To get to this point, we’ve already spent over $15,000 following every step of the required diagnostic process. Our vets had to rule out every other possible cause before confirming the diagnosis, and it’s been a long, emotional, and expensive journey.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we’ve already raised $1,200, which has helped us get this far. Now, we’re trying to raise $10,000 to start Winter’s treatment as soon as possible.

If every one of our followers on Instagram donated just $1, we’d already be halfway to our goal. Truly — every single dollar helps.

I know times are tough for everyone right now, and asking for help is not easy. But Winter means the world to me, and I’ll do anything to give her the fighting chance she deserves.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, sharing, donating, and supporting us through this. Even the smallest gesture means more than you know.

With love and gratitude,

Lydia & Winter