UPDATE: something new is wrong.  Merlin won't drink water.  New tests are needed, and we are back to worrying that there may be another, more serious condition.  

UPDATE:

Merlin went to get a second opinion, and he DOESN'T HAVE CANCER!!!  WOOHOO!!!    He does, however, have a very, very severe tooth infection/rotting tooth, which is very urgently needing to be taken care of.   I have updated the amount, lowering it to fit the new costs.  Thank you everyone for your support.  <3

Hello,

My name is Merlin, and I am a Yorkie.   I am a typical six-year-old, full of love and energy. I like to make my parents run after me in order to give me walks, but I like to walk about 15 times a day because everyone in my parents' apartment complex calls me "cute", and I love it!   

On Friday, January 19th, however, I wasn't feeling so good.  I sat in my mom's lap and shivered, even though I don't like sitting in laps.  As she was petting me, she found a spot on my neck that has been hurting me.  She called vets on Saturday morning until she was able to find me an appointment nearby.  Lucky for us, it was a vet clinic that did in-house cytology.  A small sample was extracted and examined, and the vet said that there were "a lot of spindle cells".   She explained that spindle-cell sarcoma is a type of cancer that is usually localized and can be removed, but will get worse if left alone.   The problem is, she doesn't know if it's just spindle cells, or if the cancer has metastasized. It's also in a spot that could be connected to some vital areas, such as a facial nerve, trachea, or even my vocal cords.    

In addition to the tumor, I also have two teeth that are rotting and causing me a lot of pain.  My mom knew something was wrong because my breath smells so bad!  My mom had the vet write up an estimate to do both things at once, because it's better and easier that way.  Also, my breath won't be so bad that my mom tells me to get off the couch anymore, so that will be nice! 

My parents need help, though.   Vets always charge up-front, and don't break up payments.  Because my mom has been sick too, she hasn't been able to work, and even had to put off her college classes for her own surgery. My dad works to try to support all of us, but his job doesn't give him enough hours.   The estimate given was $923-1560, but the vet told mom that she should expect the bill to be on the higher side because of the cost of anesthesia. 

Please consider donating if you can, or sharing this campaign if you can't.  I love my family, and I want to stick around to keep loving them for a lot longer.  

A note from Carly (mom):

Thank you to everyone reading this, thank you to anyone willing to help.   Even if all you give is words of encouragement, you are helping.  I know I had my own campaign going for my own health issues, but I'm putting that on hold.  Merlin is my boy.  He keeps me going when I feel hopeless, and means the world to me.  Yorkies usually live about 15 years, so he is still very young!  Please consider sharing if you cannot donate. I've included the estimations, but set the goal at $1700 so we can afford the post-op follow up visits and care.  Thank you.