Help Arnold the Blind Dog Fight Cancer
Donation protected
Hello! My name is Jess and I'm Arnold the Blind Dog's mom. You might best recognize Arnold from this TikTok video that went viral in 2022 or this article in Newsweek.
For everyone who loves Arnold, and I know there are a lot, this update is for you.
In early August we received the heartbreaking news that several lumps Arnold has are, in fact, mast cell tumors. Not only that, but they are growing and multiplying at a rapid pace. This past week we met with the wonderful oncology team at Maine Veterinary Medical Center to discuss options. Arnold’s existing condition of Cerebellar Hypoplasia makes testing and treatment a bit more complicated. The oncologist consulted with the neurology team and our options were the following:
Option 1:
Do nothing and keep him pain free knowing how rapidly the tumors are progressing. We were given a 2-4 month timeframe to where we would need to make some very hard decisions about his quality of life.
Option 2:
Start chemotherapy in the hopes that it slows the progression of the tumors, while still maintaining his quality of life for as long as possible.
We picked option 2. With prior canine chemotherapy experience (a very positive one at that), we decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, the try comes with a hefty price tag. Approximately $1,100-$1,500 per month to be exact. It’s heartbreaking to make a decision about someone you love based on finances, but that is a reality that many of us face.
Over the last month, in discussions with different people about Arnold’s situation, several have suggested a GoFundMe. At first we brushed it off, but as we paid that first vet bill today, not knowing if we’d actually be able yo afford a second next month, I decided it was worth a shot. Arnold hit the social media world by storm last year and so many people love him, so I need to put my “I can do it myself” attitude aside for a moment and ask for help. Humbly, I am asking, begging, please help our sweet blind guy, Arnold, live out his wobbly happy life, for however long that may be.
Lastly, I just want to say thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for loving Arnold as much as we do. And the biggest thank you to Erin, our amazing dog walker and Arnold’s number one gal, who loves this crazy guy like her own.
Follow along on our journey:
Organizer
Jessica Stack
Organizer
Kittery, ME