Hi everyone, and if you’re reading this and thinking about donating, I truly just want to start off by saying thank you.

I got Stella 10 years ago off of a Craigslist ad, and I thank God every day for bringing her into my life. She has been with me through every high and every low. She’s seen me at my absolute worst and at my best. Through it all, she has loved me unconditionally, and our bond is so strong.

People may say, “it’s just a dog”... she is not just a dog. She is family. My best friend, protector, therapist, and emotional support. I would do anything for her.

Over the summer, I saw a growth on her paw. Since we were at the beach, I thought she may have gotten stung by something. I immediately took her to the vet, and they did a fine needle aspiration to find out what it was. When they called, they told me that she had soft tissue sarcoma—a type of cancer.

After getting this devastating news, I booked an appointment with a surgical group to see what my options were. The cancer is on her paw pad (connected to the large digit), and I was told that the placement couldn’t be any worse for this. They said they could “try” to remove the mass, but the recovery would be long and difficult since it’s on her foot. I would have to bring her in every day to get the bandage changed, and this doctor was in Tustin. I live in Aliso Viejo.

I was referred to another hospital called Rise, and in November, I booked a consultation. They said they could remove the mass, but because of the placement, the entire mass might not be removed, and there is a chance it will come back. The recovery will be hard, and I will have to get the bandage changed daily, but this is only 10 minutes from my house.

I have put this off because I truly didn’t know what to do. She has acted totally fine and her happy, energetic self.

Today I came home and there was blood on the ground. The growth has grown so big that when she walks, the pressure makes it bleed. Now I’m at the point where I can’t just leave it and hope it doesn’t continue to grow. I also can’t just leave it and wait until it gets so big that she can’t walk. What do I do then?

So, we have an appointment on Tuesday for some chest X-rays to ensure that it hasn’t already spread to her lungs. If it has, the surgery would be pointless. If it hasn’t, she would be a good candidate for surgery and would go in the same day.

Surgery scares the crap out of me, but ultimately I want to do anything I can to get the most time with her.

If you’re willing to help, ANYTHING helps. I feel weird even making this, but with a baby on the way, I’m a little worried about the cost of this. These funds will go directly towards her chest x-rays and surgery.

Thank you so much in advance for your kindness and generosity. It truly means the world to me.