Support Justin & Lily's Cancer Battle

Help DogDad Save Lily

Lily Fights Melanoma — Surgery & Life-Saving Treatments

Hi, my name is Halley — aka Auntie Halley — and I’m raising funds for my nephew Justin (DogDad) and his beautiful rescue dog, Lily.

You may know Justin through Sandy Paws Rescue – Martha’s Vineyard (SPR) — where for over five years, he’s fostered 57 dogs (and counting!), assisted with vetting, and opened his home and heart in ways most people never could. But this story begins with Lily — the dog who made all of that possible.

In 2019, Justin’s first dog, Buddy, made it clear he wanted a sister. They found Lily through SPR, and it was love at first sight. Lily quickly became the soul of their home — and alongside Buddy, helped welcome, calm, and heal every single foster that came through the door.

Lily and Buddy didn’t just coexist with fosters. They shared their space, their toys, and most importantly, their person — helping scared and broken dogs rediscover the joy they were born to have. Justin’s heart can’t handle NOT fostering these dogs, and right now his heart is hurting.

In April 2025, Justin noticed a small bump on Lily’s snout. It didn’t seem urgent, but he trusted his gut and had it removed during a dental procedure in June. On June 30th, the biopsy results came back: aggressive melanoma.

On July 7th, an oncologist provided hope with the following plan: immediate surgery and a specialized melanoma vaccine protocol to give Lily her best shot at survival and long-term quality of life.

Her surgery was the morning of July 9th. The estimate: $3,000 to $4,000 for surgery alone.

After that, Lily will need:

• 4 initial vaccines over the next 4 weeks

• $1,200 per vaccine = $4,800 total

• Booster vaccines every 6 months afterward

Justin has never asked for help. He’s poured everything he has into dogs, people, and this rescue community. He’s also a longtime blood donor — having given 7+ gallons of blood to help save human lives.

Now, it’s our turn to give back.

If you can donate — thank you.

If you can share — thank you.

If all you can do is cheer Lily on and send good energy — that matters too. Thank you!

Let’s help Lily get through this horrible disease. . Let’s give Justin the peace of mind to not worry about the expenses, so he may focus on tending to Lily, Buddy and the 2 dogs he’s currently fostering.

There’s no real way I can encapsulate the resilience of Justin’s heart. It aches for every dog that’s suffering — and with unwavering love, determination and compassion, he shows each and every one what it truly means to be loved and valued.

This is our chance to show him — and Lily — just how far love can reach.

With love, endless gratitude, and hope,

Auntie Halley and Family