Help Autumn get Toe Amputation and lymph node removal — Chattanooga, TN

Autumn is my eight-year-old “purebred mutt,” adopted from a local animal rescue. She's been my adventure buddy since she was 14 weeks old! She lives for hiking, camping, and exploring new places, and can barely contain her excitement at the trailhead. At home, she's my faithful gardening companion. Sweet, affectionate, and eager to please, Autumn is happiest by my side.

Autumn was diagnosed with a mast cell tumor on her front toe that has spread to a nearby lymph node. She's receiving care at Veterinary Care and Specialty Group (VCSG). An abdominal ultrasound is scheduled to check for further spread. If results allow, she needs surgery to amputate the affected toe and remove the cancerous lymph node.

Autumn is my soul dog and my emotional support animal. For eight years, she's been my constant companion through life's hardest moments and greatest adventures. we've spent years exploring mountains across the country, scrambling over rocks, and successfully harvesting a garden. She's also deeply bonded to her husky brother, Kody, who has been by her side since the day she joined our family.

After recovering from major knee surgery last year, we were finally ready for new adventures when cancer changed everything. I'm terrified of losing her, and of Kody losing his best friend.

More than anything, I want Autumn to have another chance to do what she loves. I'm not asking for forever. I'm asking for more time to give her the adventures, love, and happiness she deserves.

I'm a full-time public school teacher and part-time climbing coach. My savings have been depleted by Autumn's previous knee surgery, unexpected home repairs, and rising living expenses. I've begun using CareCredit for her cancer diagnostics, but the costs of further testing and surgery are overwhelming. I'm doing everything I can to give Autumn a fighting chance, and any support would mean the world to us.