Please read Leo's story:

Leo, my best friend, just turned 7 years old last month. A couple days ago, he got diagnosed with bone cancer tearing up his front right leg.

We had x-rays done on his chest which indicated it has not spread to his ribs, and the veterinarians are recommending amputation surgery, as well as a life-prolonging cancer vaccine treatment called Torigen. The surgery and the vaccine are both far too expensive for me to take on by myself, but I want to do everything I possibly can to give my best friend any extra time on God's great Earth with us. He is my rock, and he means the world to me.

Anything you can do to help, whether it's donating or helping spread the word, is infinitely appreciated. Thank you for considering helping. God Bless.

— Lucas Hayworth

LEO'S STORY:

I rescued Leonidas with my mother when I was 20. I didn't grow up around pets — Leo is my first and only pet. He was about 5 months old when I rescued him in November. We updated his vaccines and records, and by the providence of the lord we found out his birthday is one day after mine!

My mom and I were looking to get a pet for me during a time where she was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. I was struggling mentally trying to handle starting college, helping my single mom with cancer treatments, and working two part-time jobs all at once. She thought it would be best for me to have a supportive companion during this trying journey. Leo helped me through my mom's cancer journey, and now I want to help him through his own.

I took a few months to really open my heart to Leo. He truly is one of the sweetest companions. He has never done any harm, is shy around strangers, but loves those who frequently visit. His loyalty and love are contagious.

Before we rescued him, Leo spent his very early life from birth to 5 months in an abusive household, and his trauma sometimes gets triggered from loud noises and children where he cowers and hides. He has grown a lot ever since, and has become more brave and courageous especially in the past year.

Puppy Leo was only 20 lbs! He is now at a constant medium sized 55 lbs. We think he is a Black-Mouthed Cur breed, mixed with a few others. He loves tennis ball toys to the point where he will carry them around the whole house & sometimes even outside — we have lovingly named them his Emotional Support Balls. He absolutely loves going to the doggy park & visiting his grandma to swim in the pool with family. Leo is a true family friend.

This picture was taken a couple days ago from the time of this fund going live. The cancer is on his front right paw, visible protrusion. He started limping a couple weeks ago, but none of his behaviors changed nor his appetite. The protrusion was not visible then. We thought it could've been a sprain, but after a week of no changes & starting to see the protrusion when it was smaller, we scheduled an appointment to get him checked out — that's when I got the devastating news of his bone cancer.

He's saved my life many times. It's now my turn to save his.