During the pandemic, we had two dogs abandoned at our boarding facility. It took awhile to realize that their dad wasn’t coming back. He had moved to Hawaii, planned to send for the boys and was in an accident while there. The cost of bringing the boys to Hawaii was no longer viable.

Luckily for Brando and Sonny, they were left at a rescue’s boarding facility, because immediately they came under our loving care.

The two are bonded, so getting them into foster or adopting them out was incredibly challenging, especially at this time. Every week we get numerous calls to take in animals no longer wanted.

Due to an amazing fostering program in Las Vegas, about three months ago, Sonny and Brando finally found a foster home.

A month ago, we received a call from the foster mom. Brando was limping so they asked if they could bring him to the vet.

At the vet, they took xrays which showed extra bone in the area of his paw. They took a culture and told us it could be one of two things: Lyme disease or bone cancer.

Heartbreakingly, a week later, they told us it was definitely cancer, likely osteosarcoma.

By some miracle, we got an appointment with the top oncologist in LV, the very next Monday. This is almost impossible, so we feel like the angels are watching out for Brando.

After a CAT scan, the Dr. told us that Brando’s best chance at a high-quality, pain-free life is amputation.

We have had dogs with three legs before. They don’t know the difference (although it will take some getting used to).

Brando’s surgery is urgent: The cancer is in the paw area and as soon as that is removed, there is less chance to metasticize. We have been warned this is a very aggressive cancer. They say that, even though the CAT showed no metasteses, it could be somewhere that doesn’t show up yet. This is why we will follow-up with chemo.

Some people wonder why we would do this surgery and the follow- up chemo that would be necessary. Because, the animals that find their way to us, entrust us with their lives. We don’t take hundreds at a time, so that we never have to say “no” to whatever they need for a long, high-quality life.

In addition, Sonny and Brando are an actual bonded pair . While Brando was at the hospital on CAT-scan day, Sonny cried until he returned. Bonded pairs are rare, but so inspiring when they happen. We cannot let these two down.

Brando has just started his second chance at life with his wonderful fosters, who assured us they are in this for the long haul. Can you help us save Brando, who is scheduled for surgery this morning (September 25th).

His surgery, (which the rescue had to put on a credit card, or they won’t operate), is $4800. That is assuming he only needs one night in the hospital afterwards. The chemo is $1300 a treatment, every 3 weeks for 6 sessions.

We are likely buying Brando a good year and a half at a wonderful life. With more miracles, it could be longer. We think that he is worth it. Can you help us save his life?  In the photo included here, are Sonny and Brando together when we were taking photos for the foster event where they found their foster home. They both thank you more than you know. Brando is the German Shepherd.

We all thank you and bless you for considering a donation and sharing with whoever you can.

If you are able to do recurring donations, that is exponentially helpful for his continued treatments. This can be done on the Samadhilegacy.org website. 

Please help a responsible and loving rescue carry out it’s mission.