Life-Saving Surgery for Drys

Last Monday, I found out that my beloved Welshie, Drys, has a giant tumor the size of a grapefruit on his spleen. The vet told me if I did nothing, Drys would only have a couple weeks to live. Without surgery, the tumor will rupture and Drys will die quickly and suddenly. I was completely devastated.

 I adopted Drys from WT Cares at the age of 7 years old (he just turned 13). He’s the first dog I ever had, and it’s just been me and him for the past 6 years. Drys has been my constant companion, my little buddy. I love him more than I can say and I can’t imagine life without him. He has helped get me through some of the hardest times in my life, including when I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago. He was such a source of comfort through really difficult times for me, now when he is diagnosed with a tumor, I feel like he deserves a chance. I owe it to him.

 If the tumor is benign, the a splenectomy (removal of the spleen & tumor) Drys will be cured!! The odds are about 50/50 as to whether or not it’s malignant, but the vets seem to think it there’s a very good chance it’s benign, based on imaging. Either way, surgery prolongs his life and takes away the potential for death from a rupture/internal bleeding, maybe when I’m at work… which would be a nightmare, obviously. Cancer or not, I don’t want Drys’ life to end like that.

 I’ve carefully weighed my options, spoken to numerous vets, obsessively researched, and most importantly – thought long and hard about what is best for Drys. And I can’t bear not getting him the surgery that could cure him, especially when he is still so healthy otherwise and full of life. He is still dragging me on long walks, throwing his toy around, and gobbling up tasty treats. It’s not his time to go just yet, I know it in my gut.

 I found the most affordable hospital in the area to perform the surgery, but it is still estimated at $5400 - $5900 (on top of the $1k I already spent for the diagnosis). I would never normally ask for help and I wouldn’t do it unless it was truly needed. Ever since my own cancer diagnosis, I’ve struggled financially from huge bills and many unexpected, ongoing medical costs. I would hate not to save Drys’ life because of my  financial situation – it would haunt me the rest of my life.

 Any help at all, no matter how big or small, is truly appreciated from the bottom of my heart. I can’t thank you enough for reading this, for your well wishes and support. I have to do what I can to help my best little buddy.