TEAM BUSTER TO THE RESCUE!
FAMILY FROM DAY ONE
On Friday, August 29, 2014, Michael & I took a chance & adopted a 10 year old dog from the Berkeley Animal Care shelter. Buster's owner had fallen ill & had to surrender him. Poor Buster had no idea what had happened &, after nearly a month at the shelter, was showing signs of depression. The shelter volunteers commented on how surprised they were to see Buster so excited to meet us - I guess our union was meant to be!
The dog had some visable lumps & bumps & we suspected there would need to be some vet visits in the near future. After a walk with him & our other 10 year old dog, Emma, we made the decision to bring him home after we were told he was scheduled to be put down the following Monday; we felt that, even if he only had a short time left in this world, at least he'd have a family & home.
WHAT'S NEXT
Over the next few years, Buster did indeed have to visit the vet, many more times than anyone could have anticipated. Aside from removing multiple mast tumors, he had a melonoma in his mouth that needed removing, & we've now learned he has a mild grade of lymphoma as well as a plasma cell tumor in his jaw. While we would never think of keeping Buster alive solely for our own sake, he has shown amazing resilence as well as a strong will to live. After numerous consultations with two oncologists, a radialogist, a dental specialist, & a doctor of integrative medicine, we decided that, with proper treatment, Buster could continue to maintain a good quality of life.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
So, with complete humbleness & gratitude, we are asking for a bit of help with the vet bills. Over the last three years, Buster has required over a dozen surgeries & is now preparing for radiation treatment to be followed by chemotherapy. The first line in the adoption contract states, "I will provide proper & sufficient food, water, shelter, & kind treatment for the animal at all times." We are trying to do our very best for Buster as, in a very short amount of time, he has become a loved member of this family. Any amount donated will help & we'd appreciate this campaign being shared with others who may be able to contribute.
With deep appreciation, thank you sincerely - Jessica, Michael, Emma, &, most of all, Buster