Support Cocoa's Cancer Battle

Hi, my name is Tori and this is Cocoa our family protector, nurturer, and best friend. As a single mom, Cocoa gave me the ability to sleep at night without fear. She is my daughter's best friend and who she relied on during some very difficult times in her life and gave her peace to sleep. She has been the one who sticks with our other animal's side when they have come to the end of their life. She gave birth (after a c-section) to 8 puppies that gave families an incredible addition to their lives. She has protected my daughter and her friends at a campground when there was someone lurking. I can't describe how much Cocoa has been our family's ability to live.

3 months ago, she was diagnosed with oral melanoma at 8 years old. Her tumor is at the base of her tongue and therefore does not allow for surgery since they would have to remove her entire tongue. Not enough of these procedures have been completed for there to be a good outlook. Her only option is radiation and to take several medications to stop the spread, and so far it has not spread despite it being an aggressive cancer. I had her on every possible radiation waiting list and finally was able to do her first session last Monday. She handled it pretty well but is struggling to eat. I have been making her food since she was diagnosed... even my daughter once pulled it out of the fridge thinking it looked good to eat before she realized it was Cocoa's food. lol. Since the tumor is at the back of her tongue, eating has become hard, and I've resorted to spoon feeding her to ensure she doesn't throw it up. She has become our Diva Dog.

Unfortunately, my financial situation has recently drastically changed, and I do not have the ability to continue paying for her care. I've paid over $5000 on vet and oncology appointments with medications, x-rays, biopsies, travel to the city, e/d food in the beginning to get her weight back to normal, etc. We are now at the point that she needs the remaining radiation, 3 rounds of a $1500 medication and more x-rays. I am not fond of asking for money, but as a close friend said, sometimes I need to swallow my pride and hope for the best.

We truly appreciate you reading this and your incredible support, Tori and Makenzie.