Guide Dog Zeke

Zeke is an 8-year-old working Guide Dog who has been by my side for the past 6+ years and he has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer.

On Tuesday April 10 Zeke refused breakfast and anyone with a Labrador knows that’s a sign of trouble... Over the course of a week, Zeke underwent multiple tests including bloodwork, biopsy, ultrasounds, urine tests and more to determine the cause of his discomfort.

Fast forward one week, after numerous tests and medical appointments, the biopsy results were in. We had been told  the outcome was 50/50. Option A meant a full recovery while Option B was an aggressive form of cancer.

Zeke decided to go for Option C.  A "fibrohistiocytic neoplasm".  But, rather than the 2-month death sentence of the regular cancer, there is a glimmer of hope. He is a candidate for chemotherapy. 

So, why am I on GoFundMe? For over a decade Guide Dogs Victoria have supported me and provided me with two amazing dogs. They are covering the majority of costs relating to surgery and treatment but there are other factors.  And as amazing as GDV are, they do not have unlimited resources. It costs $50,000 to breed, raise and train a guide dog and that is only a small part of the services they offer to the community.

Funds will go towards costs not covered by GDV, such at the CT scan I chose to go ahead with (not a neccessity but gives us a better idea of where Zeke is at), which will need to be repeated in a few months. The CT costs alone come to around $3,000. Transport is another huge factor as I am on one side of Melbourne while Melbourne Animal Cancer Care are on the other. Zeke's puppy raiser has been volunteering to drive - the trip today took her 3 hours. It would be easier on everyone if we could make our own way in. On a smaller scale, I would love to purchase things to make Zeke more comfortable, such as polar fleece hoodies to keep him warm while his fur regrows.

If the goal is exceeded I am happy to take suggestions, and I would love to show GDV the same support they have given me.

We have been so lucky to have such a great support network. GDV have been brilliant from the moment they were informed, my friends and family have stepped up as much as they can, and the lovely ladies at Shebah are incredible. I can’t imagine going through this hell alone.

Zeke has survived dog attacks and being hit by a tram. Cancer may think he’ll go easy but my boy doesn’t cooperate with just anyone.

Thank you for your support x

 Bruising after the splenectomy

Bruising mostly gone, lots of fur to regrow

Feeling a million times better without the tumor. Vet cleared him to work. One week after surgery and he wanted me to hurry up!