Blue is a 9 year old German Shepherd Dog in Buda, TX, who needs $12,900 for Chemotherapy.

Blue has been my constant, my comfort, and my reason to keep going on some of the hardest days of my life. Now she is fighting lymphoma, and I am doing everything I can to be there for her the way she has always been there for me.

Blue came into my life completely unexpectedly, and very quickly became everything to me.

She was originally rescued from a bad environment in the high desert of California. My grandmother took her in and cared for her, and the two of them became close companions. Blue has always been a large dog, both physically and in personality, and as my grandmother got older it became clear that Blue’s strength and size could unintentionally cause a fall. To keep them both safe, I brought Blue home with me to Texas.

From the day we met, Blue became my soul pet. Our bond has only grown stronger with time.

Blue loves everyone. She has an incredible ability to turn strangers into friends, especially if treats are involved. She is extremely food motivated and will happily do just about anything for a snack. Her joy is contagious, her affection genuine, and her loyalty unwavering.

She has been my hiking partner, my comfort, and my anchor through some of the hardest moments of my life. While I am not very public about it, I struggled with severe depression for about a year and a half, which I believe was partly related to my long career as a paramedic. I truly do not believe I would have made it through that period without Blue. I am in a much better place now, and she played a huge role in getting me there.

Blue is also deeply bonded with my best friend and roommate, Craig. The fact that she brings out love and affection from him says everything on its own, because he is not usually that type of person. Watching their friendship grow has been incredibly special.

Toward the end of November, Blue began having congestion, sneezing, and short episodes of panting while at rest. After phone consultations with veterinary professionals, it was initially thought to be allergies or something minor. I then traveled for work for three weeks, and when I returned home she was still congested. We also noticed that the lymph nodes in her neck appeared swollen, which raised concern.

On December 19, I took Blue to Buda Veterinary Care, where we were seen by Dr. O. The staff were incredibly kind and compassionate, and it was honestly the best veterinary experience I have ever had. During her exam, it was discovered that all of Blue’s lymph nodes throughout her body were enlarged. Samples were taken, and I was given a preliminary diagnosis of lymphoma.

I was devastated. I cannot remember the last time I broke down the way I did in that exam room. Hearing those words about the dog who has carried me through my darkest moments was overwhelming.

We were referred to an oncologist at Austin Veterinary Emergency and Specialty center, where Blue had an oncology appointment. We were given an estimate of $12,900 not including any additional visits, testing, or treatments that may be required.

I am committed to fighting for Blue. I will be there for her the same way she has always been there for me.

In recent months, I had been aggressively paying down debts, and combined with the holidays, this unexpected expense has been very difficult to manage on short notice. That is why I am reaching out to friends, family, and animal lovers for help.

I understand this time of year is tough for everyone so even if you can't donate, please SHARE with as many people as you can and would mean a lot.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read about Blue and for supporting us in any way you can.