Kobe is a 11-year-old Black Lab in Newark, DE, who needs $2,000 for partial laryngectomy or laryngeal tieback procedure.

Kobe joined our happy little family six years ago when his first family moved away without him. The timing was perfect as my husband, Paul, was retiring his service dog, Rosie, and needed a replacement. This bright and eager boy stepped up to the challenge without hesitation and picked up on the training with ease.

Kobe is the middle child of the family and the oldest boy. During the day he watches over Paul and helps him go about his day. When off the clock, Kobe likes to snooze in the sun with his 14 yo Smooth Collie mix sister, Rosie, and wrestle with his new baby brother, 1 yo German Shepherd Max. We often call Kobe "The Shadow" as he's nearly silent when he moves, which helps him sneak attack lil bro!

Unfortunately, as my husband is a disabled veteran and I've had to quit my job in order to care for him, our income is limited and we simply can't afford the operation. We wish to ease Kobe of his pain and discomfort and the only alternative is to put him to sleep :(

Dr. May of Hope Vet Specialists confirmed an earlier diagnosis that Kobe was developing Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis and polyneuropathy, a neuromuscular disease that can weaken the hind legs and larynx in older dogs. Milder cases can be treated with medicine but in extreme cases like this, corrective surgery becomes necessary. If left untreated, the poor dog can die by asphyxiation.

Our loving boy has always been sweet, gentle, and protective of his family. When his older sister, Olivia, passed last Spring poor Rosie was heartbroken as the two practically grew up together. Kobe has paid extra attention to Rosie in the months that followed and now the pair seem to share an even closer bond than before.