About the Campaign

Found a New Lump!

Patches is a 10-year-old terrier mix who needs urgent diagnostic testing after his owner, Lilyanna, found a lump and rushed him to the vet for help. He’s a senior dog, and his doctors want to run blood work and additional diagnostics right away, including a needle aspiration, and need to surgically remove the mass.

Lilyanna first noticed the lump while she was at a car shop, petting Patches because he was scared with the noise and the car being jacked up. She called her boyfriend, Connor, and when he got home they agreed this couldn’t wait. Lilyanna got Patches to the vet first thing the next morning at 8:30 a.m.

At the appointment, the vet explained the next steps: blood work, a needle aspiration, and surgery to remove the lump so it can be properly identified. At the same time, Patches has also been struggling with arthritis. He’s been on medication that Lilyanna says was helping him feel better — but the vet won’t refill it until blood work is completed, which makes these tests even more urgent for his comfort and mobility.

Patches has been part of Lilyanna’s life since she was a kid. She met him at her aunt’s house when he was a tiny puppy, just starting to open his eyes. He followed her around, bonded with her immediately, and stood out because of a unique ring around one eye. Lilyanna was 9 years old at the time — and she paid her sister one dollar to make sure Patches was hers.

Lilyanna works as a caregiver at an assisted living facility, but money has been extremely tight. Connor’s hours at Dollar Tree have been cut down to about 12 hours a week, and he’s looking for another job. Lilyanna applied for CareCredit and was declined.

On top of that, Lilyanna has serious health issues of her own. She recently had bacterial meningitis in late December and missed work while recovering. She’s now facing surgery for endometriosis on February 4, and she manages an autoimmune disorder and spine issues. She doesn’t have the extra funds to cover Patches’ testing and possible surgery right now.

Patches’ family is trying to get answers quickly and keep him comfortable, especially while this new lump is still unknown. Your support will help cover the diagnostics his vet requires and the procedure needed to remove and test the mass, so Patches can get the care he needs and keep enjoying his senior years with the person who’s loved him since he was a pup! Partial estimate below (click to enlarge):