My name is Dakota "Chicky" Cunningham. I am a 5 1/2 year old bullmastiff. My dad used to bring to to the va hospital where he works because I was a therapy dog and I got to bring smiles to the patients,but we did not renew my therapy status due to my health issues. Now I am the one as the patient! I have a cancerous tumor in my spine covering 2 vertebra's. The mri said the tumor is extradural and intradural location and both a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor and an epidural sarcoma. It is inoperable! Mom and Dad were devastated! My vet sent us to veterinary oncology services & research center to see if they can help. We met with Dr. Jeglum that monday after finding out. I was not walking hardly because my hind legs were affected, and had to lifted. I weighed 130 so it was not easy for mom & dad. The doctor explained alot of stuff and said our best shot is to do radiation treatments. I need 17 treatments in total, and they started me the very next day due too the severity! Its nice to know that this center exixts because alot of animals go there and they have helped alot. I have to take alot of medicines and mom takes me 1hr 40 min each way for treatments. Mom has a very nice boss who let her take the time to do that and then go back to work which is over an hour away after dropping me off. The bills have become quite high and mom & dad sold some stuff but didnt get much. They want to help me stay around alittle longer. I am their only "child" they cant have kids so they put all their energy into me! 2 years ago I tore both acl's and had surgery, they are still paying off the bill. A FB friend suggested to get a paypal account so friends could help, and she made a generous donation. We have never met this person and are very thankful for her! I am now walking mostly on my own I have lost 20 lbs and lost alot of muscle in my hind leg and have a long road ahead. We do not know what type of cancer it is because they cant biopsy it, they said its too risky. We are hoping for the best and dont know what the future holds but mom & dad are going to try and help me as much as they can. If can help in any way we would greatly appreciate it, and if not just the well wishes are appreciated! Thank you for your time WOOF WOOF!!!