Hi everyone, I'm Samantha and this is Charlotte - my dog, my best friend, and the light of my life for the last decade.

Charlotte has been beside me through nearly my entire adult life. We've moved across the country together, made it through heartbreak and so many milestones; we've explored new cities, hiked many miles and, in a lot of ways, we grew up together.

Three weeks ago, everything changed.

I noticed a large, extremely firm lump on Charlotte's side that seemed to have appeared overnight. I got her into her primary vet a few days later, where they took X-rays and performed a fine needle aspiration of the mass. A week later, I got the call I had been dreading: the pathology was consistent with a sarcoma, and Charlotte needed to see a specialist ASAP.

Yesterday, Charlotte underwent a CT scan and biopsy. The CT showed that the tumor is growing from her ribs. Because of its size and how close it is to her spine, we learned that surgery unfortunately isn't an option. The tumor is inoperable and visibly growing bigger by the day.

Thankfully, we are not out of options.

Charlotte will need radiation, or a combination of radiation and chemotherapy. We are currently waiting for her biopsy results so she can meet with her oncologist and we can determine the best treatment plan for her.

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UPDATE (08/24);

On 08/12, her biopsy results confirmed. She has an osteoarcoma (aggressive bone cancer) on her 10th rib, invading her 9th and 11th. Without treatment, she has 3 months to live. Surgery is not an option. By the time this type of cancer is diagnosed, it usually has already spread to the lungs. Charlotte's CT scan has confirmed it HAS NOT YET SPREAD TO HER LUNGS. There is no time to waste.

On 08/13, we met with a medical oncologist who determined Charlotte needs both radiation and chemotherapy. Radiation targets the existing tumor and chemo stops the microscopic spread of cancer cells.

We opted into a genetic analysis of the tumor to determine the most effective medications that could possibly be used for her.

She has a pre-radiation CT scan on 08/25 and will begin radiation shortly after, followed by chemotherapy.

I have spent $8,551 on tests and consults thus far.

Remaining expenses include:

Pre radiation CT scan- $4,756

Radiation: $10,012

Chemotherapy: $16,090

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Asking for help like this isn't easy for me, but there is nothing I wouldn't do for Charlotte.

I have spent her entire life doing everything I can to keep her happy, healthy, active, and by my side for as long as possible. Even now, she is so incredibly strong and healthy for her age. She comes with me to run club, regularly hikes five miles, has phenomenal bloodwork, and continues to be the same happy, goofy, overwhelmingly friendly girl she has always been.

That's part of what has made this diagnosis so difficult to comprehend. Three weeks ago, I thought I had a completely healthy dog and years to spend with her. Today, I'm figuring out how to get my best friend through cancer treatment.

If you've ever met Charlotte, you probably already know how special she is. She LOVES people. She meets strangers everywhere we go and is always the highlight of somebody's day. She's goofy, gentle, endlessly sweet, and she's the kind of dog who makes the cat person want a dog and makes the dog person want a Lab.

She's spent the last decade taking care of me just by being there. Now, it's my turn. It is genuinely my honor and privilege to care for her through this. She deserves every chance I can possibly give her.

I'm raising $39,000 to help cover her oncology care, radiation and/or chemotherapy, imaging, and the other medical expenses that come with treating her cancer. If you're able to contribute toward Charlotte's treatment, no matter the amount, I am more grateful than I could possibly put into words.

If donating isn't possible, sharing Charlotte's story is an enormous help. Please consider following her TikTok page, @CharlotteTheLabby, where I'll be sharing updates about her treatment and her story. Following and sharing her videos can help us reach people far beyond our immediate circle. Every donation and every share gets us closer to giving her the treatment she needs.

Thank you for loving her, rooting for her, sharing her story, donating, or simply sending good vibes Charlotte's way.

Here's to many more beach days, friends, and pup cups for my girly girl. ❤️