Well, we had our annual dogtor visit today and met a doctor we hadn’t seen before. Apparently, yesterday’s notes were very thorough—because after I mentioned the panting I noticed when Odin was laying in the sunbeam, he immediately checked Odin’s spleen.

Unfortunately, they found a 2.5” tumor on his spleen. I’m currently waiting on the official estimate, but surgery to remove his spleen is expected to be around $3,000. I don’t know exactly how yet, but I will find a way. Aside from this, Odin is extremely healthy—he’s at a good weight, and everything else sounds and feels great.

Odin came into my life on November 17, 2015—19 years to the day after my Granddad passed in 1996. From the moment I found him, he became my constant. He has walked with me through grief, change, heartbreak, growth, and healing. He’s more than my dog—he’s my best friend, my comfort, and my steady presence through every season of life.

That day in 2015, a neighbor alerted my son that there was a “big dog” loose in our gated apartment complex and everyone was afraid of him. I already had two 80-pound dogs, so Odin stayed on the patio for two days while I searched for his owner. Cold weather was coming, and I knew he had to come inside. I gave him a bath, wrapped him in a pink towel, and sat on the couch. He immediately climbed up and laid on my chest. From that moment on, I knew—he was my soul dog.

I was unemployed for most of last year, and it was a real battle. God blessed me with my dream job, and on October 27 I began working from home with my best friend—my hairy coworker—right by my side. Fast forward to January 19, and I’ve already been promoted in less than three months. While I’m finally getting back on my feet, the funds are still working their way back to where they need to be.

I’m grateful I had six days of peace after learning about my promotion—time to breathe and recharge before this news arrived. Like everything I’ve faced this past year, I’ll face this too, armored with God’s grace and resilience.

Prayers—and any support you’re able to give—are deeply appreciated more than I can express.

#GoOdinGo

#WeGotThis