Barley is a 10-year-old Collie/German Shepherd Mix in Liberty , MO, who needs $2,000 for Surgical Excision of Papillary Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Barley was found wandering at an apartment complex 2 years ago by one of our older daughters, Mikayla. The previous owners, who we tried to contact, had moved out and abandoned him. Soon after meeting Barely, my wife Julia and I decided to take him in and provide him a loving home. Since then, Barely has become a cherish member of our family and a loving companion for our young daughters.

Barley is energetic and playful and loves bounding through our yard after laughing children. He is loyal and protective of our daughters Stazi, 4, and Alekza, 5, and loves playing with them. Though twice her size, he relishes a good game of tug-o-war with Stazi. When Alekza crowns him a princess he plays along without objection. He is a gentle giant who loves to cuddle.

Barely and Chloe, our Schnauzer, became instant buddies when they first met and do everything together. He adores car rides and dances with excitement when he sees his leash for a walk. Every night around 10, Barley barks at me telling me it's bedtime. When he wants a treat or a belly rub he will nuzzle you and pat your hands with his paws. Brooms drive him bonkers.

In late September we noticed a bump on Barley's nose and a mass growing inside his mouth. We took him to our veterinarian who diagnosed him with a papillary squamous cell carcinoma. With surgical removal of the tumor, his surgeon believes Barley will make a full recovery and live a normal life with little chance of recurrence or metastasis.

Finances are tight with little discretionary money available. Our small emergency fund has been exhausted on recent vet visits for Barley's biopsy and diagnosis. Knowing that Barley's cancer is highly treatable but beyond our means is like watching a loved one drown.