If you’re here, it’s likely because you know and love Kristine and Dave, two astonishingly giving, nurturing human beings who tirelessly support their family and friends, their close-knit waterfront community, complete strangers in need, and countless loved ones around the globe.

You probably also know that any spare time and resources K&D have are immediately reallocated. Davey is a brilliant chef who's passionate about feeding people who wouldn't eat otherwise and prioritizing opportunities for talented folks who've been excluded. Kristine holds space for people in grief and in crisis, as well as using her immense gifts as an artist, activist, and singer to mentor young creatives pro bono.

Their dog Gandalf is also remarkable-- a soulful, gentle giant who gives love and selflessly protects with his whole being. Just like his human parents, Gandalf has literally saved lives.

Three days ago, a fall broke Gandalf's right hind leg. He's been diagnosed with localized bone cancer. The leg requires immediate amputation. In spite of this, dear 'Dalf is still full of joy and life. He's responding well to the pain meds and comfy as can be.

The cancer hasn't spread beyond his leg and Dalf is otherwise in excellent health. Multiple in-depth consultations with veterinary professionals have determined that with proper medical care, Gandalf is likely to continue enjoying a high quality of life for many more months or maybe even years to come.

At the time of this writing, Gandalf's appetite is fantastic. His golden eyes are bright. He has emphatically let his people know that he is NOT ready to go. Kristine and Dave are determined to honor his will to live at any cost. Committing to this path ensures the three of them can spend more precious time together and will allow for a gentler, more gracious transition for Dalf.

Even with their substantial pet insurance policy, the financial toll on Dave and Kristine will be excruciating... easily upward of $5K [Edit 8/6/26: the UC Davis trial didn't pan out, so it looks like the final cost for K&D will be around 10K.] Just as surely as Gandalf doesn't need to die before his time, his parents don't need to go into astronomical debt to do right by him.

Dave and Kristine are high school sweethearts who hail from a long lineage of proud Iowa farm folk. They consider themselves privileged and blessed beyond measure. They rarely ask for help. Even now, they're not asking for help! Thankfully, they've consented to the creation of this fundraising page.

All three of these beautiful beings deserve to be properly cared for through this. We, the countless people who love them, deserve the opportunity to make it possible. If we pull together to cover Gandalf's medical bills, it's more than doable, so let's DO this!

Kristine, Davey, and dear Gandalf... you are so loved. Thank you for letting us hold you and look after you the way you've always done for us.