To know Willow is to love her. She is so sweet, so loyal, so gentle... she is trustworthy, patient, loving, forgiving, and best of all - hilarious. She has made me laugh every single day since I brought her home in 2017. She was born and raced at a track in Florida but retired at only 2 years old because she didn't take it seriously (at all) and would rather bark at birds in the sky than chase the lure. She never cared about winning, only having a good time. She has always done things in her own weird way, and that's what I love most about her.

This is not easy for me to write. Not just because I know I'm going to lose my best friend, but because asking for money is extremely uncomfortable. The only reason I am posting this is because Willow is such an amazing, special girl that has touched so many hearts and she deserves this. She deserves a mama who would do everything she can for her. I know she would do the same for me.

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On March 5th, a Thursday, Willow had a massive grand mal seizure at 7:30 in the morning. It was extremely traumatizing. Probably more for me than for her, but nonetheless a notable event. I worked with dogs for 10+ years before I left that field and I have seen many seizures - this one was intense. I know what that means, and this past week has been absolutely devastating.

We swiftly got an appointment for a CT and an oncology referral. The oncologist informed me that she has a rare brain tumor called an esthesioneuroblastoma. I have never heard of it, and it's rare enough that there haven't been many studies on it. According to the oncologist, we have 3 options. She could undergo aggressive localized radiation that could extend her life up to a year or more. We could do less aggressive radiation and extend her life 6 months or so. Or, we could do hospice care and she will be gone within 3 months.

Considering she has already been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, I am not expecting her to survive the year even with radiation. I'd like to think that she would, but she is a senior and I recognize that. But I do feel that she deserves to feel good in her final days, weeks, or months. Radiation can help slow down this assault on her poor body and brain. Treatment would give us time to visit all her friends and family so they can give their love and say their goodbyes. It would give us more time to go on a few more walks, check some more pee-mail, see some new sights, eat some more snacks, and cuddle a few more nights.

If you know me, you know this dog has been my rider since Day One. She is my best friend. I have always wanted to give her the best life that I can offer, and that includes in death. I don't want her to be scared or hurting during this time, I want her to feel safe and loved. She is more loved than she will ever know.

Thank you for taking the time to read her story, even if you don't donate. Even if I can't raise the money for her treatment, at least every reader got to know her a little bit. She is worth knowing, and knowing her is loving her.