Dino

About the Campaign

Dino is a 12½-year-old Basset Hound/Rottweiler mix who has a tumor on his toe that may be cancerous. His veterinarian has also found two enlarged lymph nodes on the same leg, which is why Dino now needs cytology (cell testing) and, very likely, toe amputation to remove the mass and prevent further spread or infection. This is the kind of situation where timing matters: testing and surgery are the fastest path to answers and relief.

Manuel first noticed the spot about a year ago and thought it was just a small mole. Dino has dark skin and the spot was dark too, so it didn’t seem alarming. But about three months ago the mass started growing. It became lighter in color and developed cracks, looking more irritated and abnormal over time. It never bled or opened, but the changes were enough to raise concern, and the vet’s exam confirmed this is not something to ignore.

Dino has been part of Manuel’s family since he was a puppy. Manuel wanted his two sons to grow up with a dog and specifically hoped for a Basset Hound. When he went to Pasadena Humane, he saw Dino listed as a Basset mix and knew he was the one. Dino was only about four months old when Manuel brought him home, and he has been their loyal family dog ever since—now a senior who still deserves comfort and care.

The barrier is cost. Manuel supports a large family—he has four kids, and one just joined the Navy at 19. Manuel works as a delivery/vendor driver for a liquor store, but finances have been tight for years and he’s been dealing with long-standing debt. He hasn’t applied for CareCredit because he knows he will be declined due to bad credit. Despite working hard, he doesn’t have access to financing or a way to cover a sudden surgical bill out of pocket.

This fundraiser is to help Dino get the testing and toe amputation he needs so the vet can determine whether this is cancer and treat it appropriately. Removing the tumor can also relieve discomfort and help prevent ongoing infection or worsening damage in that toe.

Donations will help cover Dino’s cytology/testing, toe amputation, and related veterinary care. All donations are paid only to the veterinarian. The estimate was verbal from CARES in Studio City, CA. UPDATE!: Much lower cost estimate now, from over $3000 down to $1378 at Ideal Pet Care, click to enlarge: