My name is Megan, and my dog Leila is my heart.
Leila is my 9(ish)-year-old Australian Cattle Dog. She has been my shadow, my adventure buddy, my co-regulator, and the quiet, steady presence through some of the hardest seasons of my life. She has even been recognized as an Emotional Support Animal for 7 years.
Recently, after weeks of complications following relatively routine dental procedure, we received the diagnosis no dog parent ever wants to hear: oral squamous cell carcinoma. AKA, cancer.
We are still in the staging process. Our veterinarian has referred us to a veterinary dental specialist who focuses specifically on oral cancers. We are waiting to learn what treatment options look like but may include surgery, oncology care, advanced imaging, radiation, and/or palliative “comfort” care.
What we do know is this: We want to give Leila every reasonable chance. She deserves it.
Leila is not “just a dog.”
She is:
• A sunset chaser
• A treat enthusiast
• A professional bird-watcher
• The gentlest soul with the big, classic cattle dog opinions
• The reason I built my life and career around improving animal welfare
As a certified professional dog trainer, I’ve dedicated my career to helping families give their dogs better lives through enrichment, nutrition, cooperative care, and science-based training. Everything I teach my clients, I practice with Leila.
Already in her little doggy life, she has navigated lumbosacral disease, spondylosis, hip dysplasia, arthritis, and GERD with resilience and grace. We have worked so hard to support her body through nutrition, rehabilitation, enrichment, physical therapy, and thoughtful, integrative medical care.
Now we are facing cancer.
Why We’re Asking for Help:
Specialty veterinary care is expensive. Advanced diagnostics, imaging, surgery, oncology consultations, and follow-up treatment can quickly total thousands (if not tens of thousands) of dollars.
I never imagined I would create a GoFundMe. I am used to being the helper. But right now, I need help for my girl.
Your support will go toward:
• Specialist consultations
• Staging diagnostics (imaging, lab work)
• Surgical or oncologic treatment
• Pain management and palliative care
• Supportive therapies to maintain her comfort and quality of life
Every dollar helps us make decisions based on what is best for Leila, not just what we can afford.
Our Promise to Leila….
No matter the prognosis, our goal is simple:
Comfort. Dignity. Joy.
• We will not pursue treatment that prolongs suffering.
• We will not ignore her quality of life.
• We will fight for her if there is a fight worth fighting.
Leila has given me unforgettable years of loyalty, safety, and unconditional love. I want to give her every chance to keep chasing sunsets a little longer.
If you are able to donate, share, or even just send good thoughts, thank you.
If you have ever loved a dog who changed your life, you already understand why this matters so much.
With gratitude and humility,
Megan