***Update #3: Davey will have his first consult at VCA Specialty (after his referral taking awhile) Tuesday May 20th. Exam fee is $275 do we will be good there. But we're not sure until then whether or not they'll want an ultrasound ($1,500) or CT scan ($3,000). Hopefully it will be the Ultrasound but if not, then we still need more to pay for the sedation and any other tests they do (biopsy, needle aspiration). But at three very near, we have the consult covered. Thank you again, everyone, for helping us get this far for Davey. You're all amazing. I know it took awhile to update, but we were waiting for his vet to finally give that referral - and he took awhile due to his busy they have been. But now the ball is rolling after we *finally* got the referral sent to VCA Specialty Care. Davey is doing pretty well other than some weakness in his hip/leg where the tumor is and sometimes he stumbles backwards into a seated position from the pain/weakness and he's having some trouble jumping onto the bed sometimes. He won't use the ramp I got him. But he's still mostly able to jump up, although you can tell he's struggling. The Gabapentin and anti inflammatory medicine seem to help a bit, but not a very noticeable amount. He's still struggling to poop because of constipation - and when he's in the squatting position, he's in pain and has to keep standing back up then squatting again as he struggles with the constipation straining - but I've been giving him oatmeal, pumpkin, yogurt, coconut oil, and prescription probiotics that seem to be helping that, thankfully. But if I miss a day of that, he goes right back to the constipation and squatting pain. Aside from these updates, he's been getting extra special treatment, treats, Dutch Bros pup cups, and lots of extra love, pets, and snuggles. My sweet boy is still such a happy, gentle soul and is still playing with his toys and with his brother, and not letting any of this hold him back. I'm so thankful for that and for everyone who has donated to help us keep him comfortable and happy with meds, as well as finally get the speciality consult/exam so that we can get the answers we need for our sweet boy.

**Update #2: The cytology lab confirmed it is a lipoma and the vet says there is a small chance it could be malignant by the only way to tell is, again, to get a CT scan and/or ultrasound at VCA Specialty in Rancho Cordova or anywhere else that has the same imaging capabilities and a specialist who can determine better how deep it is, because even if benign, it's growing into his muscles and soft tissues, and can start growing into bone- so it would need surgical removal. And, again, he still needs an Echocardiogram as well for his leaky valve and heart murmur. Thank you so much to everyone helping me to reach this goal. Keep sharing, sending it to people you know, anything that helps. I know in my heart that Davey still has a lot of life left - so he needs this imaging and any necessary treatments to help keep him going and keep him out of pain.

*Update: Davey’s home and resting. The X-ray didn’t show enough, and the sample they took is off to a lab - but it might not even give us answers. The mass seems deep in his hip, and real answers will more likely than not mean expensive imaging at VCA Specialty Vet Hospital and then possibly surgery and we just can’t afford any of it right now.

I wish I could be covering all of this on my own. If I were healthy and working, I would be. But I’m not. I'm struggling and it’s hard needing help. Thank you to anyone who's donating or sharing...seriously couldn’t even try to do this without you.

Hi everyone,

I'm reaching out with a heavy heart to ask for help for my beloved dog Davey. He’s a 13-year-old Lab and has been by my side since he was just 3 months old. He’s not just a pet—he’s my family, my companion, and my emotional support through more hard times than I can count.

Over the past few months, Davey developed a swelling near his hip that I initially thought was arthritis, but it’s now suspected to be a mass. He’s also been diagnosed with a heart murmur, and he urgently needs a second echocardiogram that alone will cost around $2,000. The visit today for X-rays and evaluation was already incredibly expensive, and that’s just the beginning.

In the last year, I’ve spent several thousand dollars on his care, with the help of CareCredit and some truly generous people. Unfortunately, my CareCredit is now maxed out, and the help has run out—yet Davey’s needs haven’t. His next steps may include treatment or even surgery for the hip mass, and we’re doing everything we can to give him a fighting chance.

Davey is still so full of life. He plays daily with his younger brother, chases balls and squirrels, and brings joy to everyone he meets. He’s not ready to give up—and I’m not ready to give up on him.

I’m disabled and live with chronic illness and pain, which limits my ability to work. My partner and I already struggle to make ends meet with our limited income in this economy, and we’re going to be falling behind on our own bills trying to keep up with Davey’s vet expenses. I also have medical debt in the thousands, which makes this even harder.

I’m hoping to raise $4,000–$5,000 to cover the bills from today’s visit, his echocardiogram, and any upcoming treatments he may need. I know that’s a big ask, but truly, every single dollar helps. If you can give anything—or even just share this—thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Davey came into my life when I needed him most, and now he needs me. And I need a little help to be there for him.

Thank you so much for reading and for caring.

With love,

Megan & Davey