Sophie Dog Cancer Treatment
Donation protected
On January 6th, 2017 Sophie went to the vet to have an abscess in her jaw treated. She had experienced an infection in October and our vet had said the abscess may return and to bring her in if any new swelling was noticed. We were shocked when they told us she needed a blood test to check for cancer. January 13th we went again for a follow-up and were told to enjoy the few days we had left with her. The diagnosis was stage 3 oral melanoma. They said she had days to live, or we could hope for a miracle that she may have a few weeks. With surgery, radiation, and vaccinations we could maybe hope for a few months. We chose to not put her through treatment because we believed it would only extend her life a few weeks and potentially make her uncomfortable and unhappy during that period of time. We brought her home to love her and spoil her until it was time to say goodbye. It has now been nearly six months and though the tumor has grown, it has not spread and she continues to thrive. She hasn't lost weight and her behavior and schedule remain the same. However, the tumor will soon become too large for her to live comfortably.
Sophie is six. She is an amazing dog with a great heart. She insists on having her chair on the porch by the mailbox so she can "talk to" the lady that brings our mail. She adores our neighbor across the street and has a fit if she can't get out to greet him when she sees him in the yard. She sneaks over when she can to the neighbor's apartment next door to have coffee with him in the morning. She meets my husband at his car after work every day and carries in his lunch box. She carries our daughter's lunch box or backpack home when we meet her at the bus stop in the afternoon. She has to stop and visit everyone along our walking route. Sometimes a quick walk around the block will take a VERY long time. She never goes to the park or the lake without making a new friend. She makes people happy and she deserves a longer life. Fate is often unfair and I know there may be more important causes in the world, but the world really is made better by the existence of a good dog.
Her surgery will cost $1,500 and the melanoma vaccination series will be an additional $4,000 (1,000 per shot). We are not asking for all - just enough to give her surgery and her first shot. This is not a cure-all. Cancer will still kill her, but since she has proven so resilient already - we are hopeful that she will be able to live at least another two or three years and live closer to her normal lifespan.
Thank you to anyone that chooses to help or to share her message. She loves you. (honest, 'cause she loves everyone).
Sophie is six. She is an amazing dog with a great heart. She insists on having her chair on the porch by the mailbox so she can "talk to" the lady that brings our mail. She adores our neighbor across the street and has a fit if she can't get out to greet him when she sees him in the yard. She sneaks over when she can to the neighbor's apartment next door to have coffee with him in the morning. She meets my husband at his car after work every day and carries in his lunch box. She carries our daughter's lunch box or backpack home when we meet her at the bus stop in the afternoon. She has to stop and visit everyone along our walking route. Sometimes a quick walk around the block will take a VERY long time. She never goes to the park or the lake without making a new friend. She makes people happy and she deserves a longer life. Fate is often unfair and I know there may be more important causes in the world, but the world really is made better by the existence of a good dog.
Her surgery will cost $1,500 and the melanoma vaccination series will be an additional $4,000 (1,000 per shot). We are not asking for all - just enough to give her surgery and her first shot. This is not a cure-all. Cancer will still kill her, but since she has proven so resilient already - we are hopeful that she will be able to live at least another two or three years and live closer to her normal lifespan.
Thank you to anyone that chooses to help or to share her message. She loves you. (honest, 'cause she loves everyone).
Organizer
Patricia Bessey
Organizer
Newport, ME
