My name is Kym, and I am raising funds for my best friend, Otis. I have never asked for anything, so this doesn't come easy, but I have found myself in a situation that has brought me to this.

Otis has a mammary gland tumor, i.e., breast cancer.

Although it is rare in male dogs, it is not uncommon.

Within the past couple of weeks, this tumor has shown to be very aggressive.

His surgery is scheduled for May 15th with a blood draw on the 14th.

I feel that I could never say enough about Otis that would make anyone understand.

For a large portion of my adult life, I have worked in animal rescue in California. I also grew up with a multitude of different animals, from livestock to reptiles. I am not lost in the fact that animals pass through our lives for just a brief time.

But this one is hitting me differently.

Close to 7 years ago, I rescued a neglected bulldog. I had rescued 2 bulldogs previously and knew that I could help. It wasn't long after that I made the decision to leave everything I have ever known and loved and move to Maine, searching for a better life. I took nothing with me except Otis. I know he was just as scared as I was, but sensing my pain and the sorrow of leaving behind my family, my kids, my granddaughter, and everything I have ever known and loved, Otis comforted me with empathy and humor for our 3300-mile journey. Off leash or on, he has stayed by my side. He guided me through the darkness without question or complaint. He showed me love and loyalty without conditions.

When rescuing him, he rescued me right back.

"Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them and filling an emptiness we didn't ever know we had." – Thom Jones

I know his life is short, with or without cancer, but I would rather him leave this earth knowing I did what I could than to have him leave knowing I did nothing at all.