When our 8-year-old dog, Nash, began limping a few weeks ago, we assumed he had simply overdone it. Instead, tests confirmed osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer. Even though it had not yet metastasized, without treatment Nash would only have a couple of months, as the pain in his bone would quickly become unmanageable. Treatment involved the immediate amputation of the affected leg, combined with aggressive chemotherapy to slow or prevent the spread of the cancer cells.

Nash also has the opportunity to participate in two experimental immunotherapy programs, one of which is located in the Seattle area. Both of these immunotherapies have the potential to increase his life expectancy by training his immune system to recognize cancer cells and attack them. His involvement in these animal trials not only gives us hope for more time with him, but may ultimately help inform current human trials for the same type of vaccine.

Between amputation surgery, chemotherapy, the immunotherapy trials, and physical therapy to help him adjust to life as a tripawd, you can imagine how quickly the expenses add up. After all is said and done, we are looking at $14,000+. We never thought we'd consider this kind of expense for an animal, but now that we're in this position, it's hard to see any other option. We are both educators, and will be doing all we can to make extra money over the summer break, but we could really use the support of our community to alleviate some of the burden.

A little from many becomes a lot for one family. Whether through any size donation or by simply sharing this page, no effort is too small to help.