In January, the lump on Leo’s face was hardly noticeable. Now, less than a year later, it has become a massive, aggressive tumor that is aging him before our eyes. Our once energetic, joyful boy has grown more sedentary, and the window to save him is closing fast.

We adopted Leo almost 8 years ago. He was rescued after Hurricane Harvey in Texas, captured after surviving the storm and brought to a shelter where he spent 6 months. My wife felt pulled by God to visit the Austin Humane Society one day and there he was. He was set to be transferred to a kill shelter, but instead, he came home with us, free to a good home.

Since that day, Leo has been with us through everything; cross-country moves, my time in the Army and every joy and pain we’ve faced. He’s been a lifeline that has kept my wife and me alive on countless occasions. He reflects the love of God in his loyalty, gentleness, and joy, and we have always given him everything within our dominion over him.

Now, in the middle of losing our home through a deed in lieu of foreclosure and facing an uncertain living situation, we are in a desperate position. Leo’s only hope is a maxillectomy — a complex facial surgery our regular vet cannot perform. Even after working with the specialists at Animal Dental Care & Oral Surgery, who have been absolutely amazing in their efforts to assist us and reduce the cost as much as possible, the estimate remains at $6,363–$7,329. We’ve already maxed out our credit cards trying to give him a fighting chance.

Leo is priceless to us. Our prayer is that, by the grace of Jesus Christ, we can save him so he can meet our first child one day and they can share time together before Leo’s final season comes.

We are humble in our ask but desperate in our need. We trust God’s plan, and we hope it includes the compassion and generosity of others in this moment. If you can help, every dollar will go directly to Leo’s surgery and recovery. If you can’t donate, please share his story.

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for standing with us for Leo.

-Love Cody & Alyssa