Gemma came into our rescue only a few days ago from a local pound in CT. This poor girl was one of eight dogs who was removed from the home by animal control (the owner has since been arrested!). She and 7 other dogs were living in 4 x 6 ft cinder block cells - there was no ventilation, no water, little food, and they were living in their own excrement. Gemma has obviously been bred repeatedly.
Regardless of her past, Gemma is one of the sweetest dogs it's been our honor to meet. She is a total LOVE! When she arrived at our vet she was so excited - she just couldn't stop smiling. She knew she was safe! Sadly, her examination at our vet revealed a large tumor - about the size of the palm of a hand - on one of her legs. A needle biopsy showed that it is a mast cell cancer of a very aggressive kind. There is also involvement of one of her lymph nodes under one mammary gland. Gemma needs surgery and follow-up treatment NOW! If she is going to have any chance to survive it JUST CAN'T WAIT!
Our vet did a complete pre-surgical blood work-up, and x-rays and an ultrasound. The blood work was all good! And the x-rays and ultrasound did not show any obvious internal metastasis (although in its early stages it would not necessarily show up in imaging). Following surgery the tissue will be sent out for analysis, and, following that, she will in all probability need radiation and/or chemotherapy. Our vet is doubtful that all cancer cells will be able to be removed surgically.
Gemma has never known what it means to live in a home. She's never known what it means to be loved. She's never had good care. She has never experienced all of the wonderful, happy, fun-filled activities that life has to offer. We do not know how successful treatment will be, but we have to give her a chance! We want her to be able to live a wonderful life for as long as possible. We owe that to Gemma! We owe it to her to show her that people can be kind, and loving, and responsible! We cannot do this alone, though. The cost of this treatment is enormous. We are asking the animal loving community on social media to band together once again - as you have so many times before - to help a deserving dog in need! If everyone who reads this fundraiser can donate a little, it will add up and we will be able to help Gemma.
Surgery alone will cost $1,100.00. That does not include follow-up treatment, or chemotherapy and/or radiation, if recommended. PLEASE - if you can - help us to help her!
Furry Friends Foster and Rescue Inc is approved by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity. All donations are tax deductible.
