Franklin Needs a Bit of Help.

This is Franklin.  He's the best guy.  And he needs a little help.

Franklin is the nicest, most gentle, friendliest, adventure loving pup, who; as we recently discovered, has a large mass growing in his chest.

It is a thymoma: an unfortunately placed, mostly inoperable  tumor that is threatening to push against his heart. It's slow moving, but persistent, and, we'd like to get him treatment that came highly recommended from our vet + specialists at VSEC: a course comprised of steroids and low dose radiation treatments, that will shrink the tumor down, and give him both comfort, and a longer time to be the joy he is.

Franklin is our (Justin + Alicia's) first pup. He's been a constant, ever-present, endlessly loving companion and terrific roommate, for the last 10 years. He means absolutely the world to us, and to see him not being his usual, playful, fun-loving self is utterly heart breaking.

We  JUST purchased our first home after scrimping and saving for the last several years, and dreaming about this for more years before that. A move that, while amazing, took nearly all of our resources. The same month  we made this decision, Franklin was diagnosed with his condition.

Anyone who know us: Franklin, Alicia, or Justin, knows that the last thing we want is to ask for help. Anything that we can do ourselves, we do. But this time, it's beyond us. We're looking to raise these funds to cover the cost of a series of targeted radiation treatments to reduce the tumor, as well as supplemental steroids, and additional follow up CT scans, to monitor the progress of the condition. 

Anyone who's likewise met us also knows how much Franklin means to us. He's not a pet. He's an integral part of our small family. His utter joy at seeing us when we come home, his excitement to visit old friends and new places, his curiosity and kindness and gentleness...all these make him a key part of our and other's lives.  And any help we receive to let us spend a little more time with him would mean everything to us.

If you've read this far: thank you. If you are thinking about donating: thank you. If you can give Franklin a little more time to lounge in a backyard or porch and to soak up some sun and eat more treats: thank you. We couldn't ever repay you with enough kindness and love.

Thank you.

Love, Franklin, Alicia, and Justin.