Esteban's Life-Saving Oral Surgery

Hi, My name is Karly and I am fundraising for my dog Esteban's life-saving oral tumour surgery.

Since we discovered a cancerous growth in Este's mouth in April 2023, we have managed it with minimally invasive techniques which caused him the least pain possible, while also buying us some time. However, that time has run out and we now need to address the tumour with a major surgery. The cost estimate for this surgery is between $8,300 and $11,000. Currently we have a hold on a surgery opening Friday February 2nd, and need to raise funds quickly in order to take advantage of this time frame. Without this surgery we will have to say goodbye to Este in the next weeks. He still has so much life in him, playing with toys still, eating well and walking normally for being adverse to rain as Este is. (He is a sun dog)

So we have the Surgery date this Friday, based on a CT scan from last week our oncologist and oncological oral surgeon feel we have really good chances at removing the entire tumour. On average a sucessful procedure gives dogs an additional 2 years of life. 

Everything is a go, except we are at a place where cost-wise we can't afford this on our own. Typically I work as a makeup artist for television and film, unfortunately the recent film industry strikes have left me out of work for 10 months and counting. Like many in my industry, work stoppage has drained my savings, ran up my credit, and if I were back to work yet or had been working, I would not be asking for help.

To date, we have spent over $6700 on vet care, tests, and procedures, including two de-bulking (aka tumour size reduction) procedures. Should our actual surgery costs come in at less than the current estimate, extra funds would go towards our existing vet bills, we will also donate to Big and Small Rescue @bigandsmallrescue, who gave Esteban his second chance. Pulling him from a kill shelter in LA ,when he was just a 6 month old street puppy with a broken leg.

Esteban is my family. He has a lot of life left in him, and this is my final attempt to gain more time being blessed by his presence earth-side. Despite the oral tumour, Esteban has sustained a high quality of life with no apparent discomfort beyond the growth in his mouth. He has continually been given an ideal body score rating from his oncologist, and no spread of cancer has been noted in his heart, lungs or lymph nodes. He is still playing with toys, eating well, wanting to go for walks and exhibiting good energy for a senior boy. Honestly people still always ask me how old my puppy is! He is the most special dog. To stay updated follow his Instagram @estebantheprawn where I try to show off the magic of his existence.

If you have read this far and are considering donating, or sharing our story, thank you so much from the bottom of our family's hearts. Every little bit helps!

With gratitude,

Karly, Jereme, and Esteban