Walker is a 6 year old Labrador Retriever in Center Point, IA, who needs $1,500 for Soft Tissue Sugary with Mass Removal.

How did Walker come into my life? I was out of state for a work trip and saw a post of farm puppies for sale with this photo of an oversized few week old brown lab mix, baby blue eyes, tounge sticking out with a blade of grass stuck to it. From that moment, I knew that he would be going home with me. His personality captured my heart then and there.

Walker has always been a very healthy boy. Recently, a mass has been growing in his mouth. In January, it was just a small white bump. After noticing rough, painful panting, I checked again and was shocked—it has doubled in size and now has multiple white bumps. We are seeking treatment at Peterson Pet Vet Hospital (Hiawatha, IA). Estimated treatment is roughly $1,500.

He’s often described as having a “larger-than-life personality” and being “the biggest baby.” At 100 lbs, he still thinks he’s a lap dog. He loves playing with dogs and people of all ages, enjoys cuddling, or hanging at the dog park munching leaves by the fence. His thunderous bark shows excitement—but he’s truly scared of his own shadow.

In my eyes, I don’t have “dogs,” but “boys.” They’re truly the best part of my life. After losing one just a year ago, we’re only now starting to recover financially—making it hard to take on this new challenge.