My name is Jennifer, but this isn't about me. I'm nothing special. However, my 14-year-old golden retriever Donner is very special. He came to me through the grace of God in 2011 when I was deep in the recesses of a depression after losing my mom. Donner gave me my smile back; I'm certain my mother had a hand in finding the perfect soulmate dog for me. From a rambunctious puppy to a stubborn old man, he has been loyal, comforting, and always willing to follow me wherever life took me.

He beat oral melanoma last year and survived a dry drowning incident after aspirating saltwater in 2017. His ability to thrive and show patience and compassion through every twist and turn has been a beacon of hope in some dark days. Today got a little darker. He won't beat the lymphoma that has taken over his body. He's mostly blind, has bad hips, and the swollen nodes are slowly cutting off his windpipe.

I'm choosing palliative care to keep him comfortable, and would like to be able to put work aside while I spend his final weeks making him comfortable and happy with weekly check-ins through the vet while taking a steady stream of comforting medications. Unfortunately, the financial timing isn't ideal for me. That's why I'm swallowing my pride and asking for help.

If Donner has ever inspired you, comforted you, made you laugh, or (if you're lucky) snuggled up next to you, any little bit could help make his final days the best of days.