HELP SAVE KODA!!

To my friends and family,

If you know me, you know Koda. She’s my heart dog, my child, my best friend. Since I adopted her in 2020, she has been the absolute rock and constant in my life, my deepest source of calm, a pure bundle of love and happiness.

About three months ago, Koda began developing a mysterious growth on her lower lip. It didn’t bother her and was a manageable size. I made an appointment to see her usual vet, and after a bit of a wait, we finally were able to get in to see them. The vet looked at the growth and was dismissive, saying it was nothing to worry about, just a benign lump not worth any further investigation.

A few weeks later, as the lump on her lip continued to grow, I noticed a new growth, this time in her neck. I immediately called the original vet, who was unable to work me in or offer any consideration for their dismissal when Koda was seen by them less than a month prior. I found a new vet to get her in as quickly as possible. The new vet was quite concerned and ordered immediate testing to see what the growths were and what could be done.

Last week, I received the results and, along with them, a true heartbreak. The growths are both cancerous. Specifically, Grade 3 Mast Cell tumors, both highly aggressive, one on her mouth that spread to a lymph node. The initial prognosis is incredibly dire, the cancer is spreading rapidly, and with the location and how it is progressing, I’m now in a race against time to do what I can to help my best friend.

Through the help of the fantastic foundation Live Like Roo, I was able to get in touch with several fantastic cancer specialists and surgeons to do as much as we can to help Koda live as long and comfortable a life as possible in the time she has left. Fortunately, the cancer has not yet spread beyond the lip and lymph node, with healthy immune levels and clear x-rays showing a sliver of hope. With the vet we have a plan for treatment, starting with surgery to remove her tumors. Surgery is scheduled for April 11th and is the first step. We still need to see an oncologist to see if we can do chemotherapy and radiation.

Unfortunately, even with the support of the Live Like Roo Foundation, I currently do not have the financial means to pay for her surgery and chemotherapy alone. This experience has been the most emotionally exhausting and wholly heartbreaking. I have been hesitant to share this information or ask for help, but I’m setting aside my insecurities to ask my community for support.

The cost estimate for the surgery alone is up to $5,000, with a potential $1,000 in medication and recovery costs after the surgery, setting our initial goal at $6,000. Should we surpass the goal, any money raised will be used towards her chemotherapy and additional treatments. Any remaining funds will be donated to Live Like Roo to pay forward their care and kindness onto future best friends just like Koda.

Any donation or contribution, or share you can spare is deeply appreciated. We are overwhelmed by the love shown for Koda and I, and I hope we can get her the care and support she deserves.