Raider's Veterinary Treatments

Hi,

My dog Raider is 12 years old. People say this all the time, but this dog is the best four-legged, or two-legged for that matter, creature to ever walk this earth. All dogs are. They're so hard to let go of because they're so absolutely perfect.

Raider has a huge mass of inflammation in his leg - so big that we can't tell if it's swelling from some sort of injury (the least likely option), or if it's hiding a carcinoma (the most likely option). This thing came on fast from what we can tell. He has a fatty lump in the crease of his back thigh, right near the inflammation, that I check on frequently to make sure it isn't growing or making him uncomfortable. When he started limping last week, I thought it was just a bout of mild arthritis from him overdoing it during playtime. By the time we made it to the vet today, he has barely been able to stand up and the huge mass was there, adjacent to that dumb little lump, rearing its ugly face.

Not that Raider cares - offer him a treat, show the leash, mention a car ride, and he's ready to go! Never mind that he can barely stand up, visibly winces, and can't jump in the car without falling back on himself. He's still so full of life, energy, and most of all love. This dog has unending cuddles to give, smells to sniff, and treats to eat. It is NOT his time.

Please help us raise the funds we need to make sure he gets treated to the best of our ability. Today's xrays, bloodwork, antibiotics, painkillers, and tests ran us over $900. We already know the next step is a CT Scan, which is going to be $2,000. Best case scenario, it's an operable tumor, which will put us another $1,000 in for surgery - at least.

Having just lost our 14-year-old cat, Luna, suddenly a couple of months ago after a few years of diabetes treatment, and a costly emergency vet visit at the end, we are reeling financially. Luna was a tough loss, made even worse by having to weigh financial factors into our decision. I'm hoping that with your help, we won't have to think so hard about the financials and can focus on what matters the most - like protecting him from thunderstorms, taking him out to pee on every single tree on the trails, and letting our other cat, Cheddar, keep flopping his butt on Raider's face. Perfect for sniffing. You know, the good life. The life every perfect dog deserves in their golden years.

Every little bit helps. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Love,

Kimmie, Fjodor, Cheddar, and Raider