In April 2023, the Madden family had some sad news to share with their community: everyone’s favorite, big-headed Heavenly Avalanche Rescue dog was sick. Zephyr’s cancer diagnosis was hard, but his family was determined.

They enrolled in a 26 week treatment program to give him the country’s leading chemotherapy treatment for dogs: the CHOP protocol at the University of California Davis. The drive was two and a half hours each way, and while the long days took more than just a financial toll on the Madden family, they also worked…for a while. Zephyr enjoyed a summer in remission, swimming at the river and beaches around Tahoe, but by the time fall rolled around, his treatments weren’t keeping up with the cancer anymore.

Zephyr has relapsed, and his diagnosis is terminal.

As the Madden family does their best to enjoy their time left with Zephyr, they could really use some help. Cancer treatments have exceeded $26,000 and continue to grow, but chemo will continue to provide the big guy some comfort in the time to come.

Let’s help ease the burden that the Madden family is feeling right now. Please consider donating to honor Zephyr and help those who love him most.

Any donations that exceed the fundraising goal will go to the Heavenly Ski Patrol Fund to support the Heavenly Avalanche Dog program and charitable causes around the Tahoe basin.