Meet Riley, my heart wrapped in fur and a whole lot of playful energy! He's the kind of dog who showers you with cuddles one minute and is mischievously exploring the next.
Riley came into my life as a precious gift from someone very special, a woman who appeared when I needed a mother figure most. She believed in me and supported my dreams, helping me pursue my education, build my pet grooming business, research canine coat care, and attend industry events to learn and grow.
When I decided to explore the world of grooming competitions and AKC shows, my heart naturally led me to a Cocker Spaniel, a breed I cherished from childhood. After being on several waitlists, Riley finally came home. Even with the challenges of early COVID, Riley and I began competing and forming an incredible bond.
However, we soon realized that the show environment wasn't where either of us truly thrived. While Riley tolerated the grooming competitions, our hearts longed for something different. One day, as Riley gazed at the woods behind our house, it was as if he said, "I want to run, get dirty, be messy!" And I wholeheartedly agreed, "Me too! Let's just live!"
Life hasn't been easy. After the passing of my dear friend, my treatment-resistant depression became overwhelming. I know my emotional well-being impacts everyone around me – my children, my husband, my animals, and all the dogs I care for through my grooming business.
Last week, I finally felt the motivation to groom my dogs again. It's our special one-on-one time. As soon as I started, Riley jumped onto the table, always the eager volunteer. That's when I discovered a large mass on his testicles. After several veterinary consultations, the strong suspicion is testicular cancer. Because Riley was intended for showing, he was never neutered.
I first noticed the mass on Saturday, and by Monday, my primary vet referred me to MedVet for imaging. While MedVet suggested surgery with our regular vet for cost-effectiveness, my vet expressed concerns about the mass's size. This was truly disheartening.
Today, I reached out to the veterinary hospital that expertly handled my Goldendoodle’s cyst emergency a few years ago. They have a skilled surgeon and the necessary equipment and have scheduled us for an immediate examination to check for any other tumors.
However, I'm facing a significant financial challenge. I recently invested most of my savings in raw materials for my canine coat care research. The small samples provided by chemical companies limited my ability to create enough product to thoroughly test on various dog coat types. Investing in larger quantities seemed like the logical next step to move my research forward. This investment, coupled with the \$900 already spent on initial vet visits in the last two days, leaves me in a difficult position. The estimated cost for Riley's crucial surgery ranges from \$2,367 to \$3,698. Tax season has further depleted my available funds.
Losing Riley to cancer right now is unimaginable. My heart simply can't bear it. He needs this mass removed as soon as possible so it can be sent for pathology, and we need imaging to determine if the cancer has spread.
- I am humbly asking for your support to help fund Riley's surgery and give him the chance for more precious time with me. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a world of difference to both of us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for considering helping my sweet Riley.
