Support Melanie After Losing Beloved Leo

Hi friends and family,

I never in a million years imagined myself writing this today, but it is with the heaviest of hearts that I share this story with you. On the 18th of this month, we had a nerve-wracking, traumatic experience. I noticed Leo not acting like his normal happy self after a day out at the park, so I took him to the emergency vet. Quickly, they were able to rule out he was having internal anaphylaxis. He then proceeded to be hospitalized and treated. We thought everything would be resolved and he'd be home within the next day. A few hours later I receive a call from the vet with an update. Leo had responded well to treatment but quickly declined. They told me they had incidentally found a hemangiosarcoma (malignant heart tumor) that was actively bleeding and was causing him to have a difficult time beating his heart. The vet basically told me he wouldn't make it past the weekend. Devastated, I made the horrifically hard decision to ethically euthanize him before his condition worsened. If you know me personally, you know of Leo. My sweet, excited, stinky boy (golden retriever). He was literal sunshine. He loved his cat sisters, the neighborhood dogs, and literally any other human I introduced him to. Leo had just turned 9 years old this past May. We had plans to go on a beach camping trip this summer. He was supposed to be the ring bearer at my wedding. I wanted my bestest friend, my son, my fur baby to live forever. I think I am still in denial even as I type this out. But the truth is, all of this happened within the span of 5 hours.

We are asking for aid during this devastating time. I understand how tough times are for everyone right now, but if you have even $1 to help us recover from this traumatic experience, anything would be highly appreciated.

We're going to miss Leo so f***ing much.

Thank you for your time.

-Melanie