Pearl is my best friend. She's only 7 years old, but was diagnosed on Saturday with an aggressive form of renal cancer that is inoperable and, according to the oncologist, she is "not a good candidate for chemotherapy," largely because the type of cancer she has is rare and there is little research about it. While the timeline is by no means clear, she doesn't have long to live, probably just weeks.

I want to make sure she has the best care she can as the end nears, and I want to bring her back to Colorado to visit her friends and favorite places one last time before she goes. I would also like to be able to have a mobile veterinarian when the time comes, so her last moments will be spent in a comfortable place rather than a sterile white room on a metal table. Also, road trips are her favorite thing - even with cancer slowing her down, she still leaps up when she hears my keys come out of my pocket - and we have traversed the country together a number of times; I'd be lying if I said I don't want one last road trip with my best friend, too, or that I don't want to spend these difficult holidays with friends rather than alone in Idaho. That said, I will donate any funds raised above the cost of the trip and her care to canine cancer research; I have spoken with the good folks at the Washington State University Veterinary School (where Pearl is being treated) and they have assured me that any funds donated will be earmarked for this research, in a fund in Pearl's name.

Her veterinary care is already over the $750 mark and counting (money I've largely borrowed from my parents, whom I cannot and will not ask more from), and the gas to and from Colorado alone will add up to about $800. As a broke law student, I simply do not have this money. Several of my friends have offered to loan me large sums; I'm uncomfortable accepting these offers because I have no way of knowing when I will be able to repay them. I have considered selling my car (my only asset), and I will if necessary, but I'm trying to avoid that if at all possible.

I'm embarrassed to have to ask for help from my friends and fellow animal lovers, and I hope this doesn't come off as begging or in bad taste, but I hate the idea of her (and me, honestly) missing out on this last trip and on the best care because I have chosen a path that has left me with no cash reserves; I don't want my girl to pay for the sins of her father. Any amount helps, and, while I can't with any confidence say when, I will gladly repay with interest any donor who wishes for me to do so. Any help will be greatly appreciated, be it $1 or $100. If you've read this far, I thank you. This experience has shown me how truly kind people are, and how truly awesome our friends are.

Thank you,

Justin and Pearl