Sora started limping on her right front leg in late January/early February.  When the limping wasn't resolving I had her seen by my rehab vet on 2/15, where she was diagnosed with a bicep injury. When it didn't resolve with NSAIDs, I took her back in on 3/25 for another check up.  That check-up turned into a diagnosis of presumed osteosarcoma in the proximal humerus.  

Tests done at AERC's oncology department in April were not conclusive for cancer, but we decided to proceed with amputation on 5/12.  Pathology has now confirmed osteosarcoma, and she has started chemo.

I took out a Nationwide pet insurance policy on 2/1.  To date, they have refused to reimburse any claims - and their documentation lists a 'mass', and 'front leg lameness and associated conditions' as being excluded.  I don't want to be in a position to need to ask for help but Care Credit is maxed out, tax refunds are gone and so is most of the loan I took out.  I don't have a generous policy, it's only 50% of covered expenses and even then it has a $7K cap.  I was counting on this policy to help pay for her treatment and now, her continued treatment is uncertain.

For those that already know 'team Sora', then you already know the depth of love I have for this dog.   My friend described my love for her as fierce; I suppose it is.  She is the reason I do any dog sports (nosework and barn hunt).  She is as soft as butter, sometimes anxious, often silly,  an efficient searcher, a prodigious killer of squirrels and bunnies, an inveterate thief of all the garbage.  And she deserves as much time as I can give her.  I would truly appreciate any help we can get to let us have that time together.  To be honest, I want as much time as fate will allow us to have, and for her to have the best quality of life she can get.

photo credit: Caprise Adams