About the Campaign

Cancer Tumors

Raya, a 4-year-old Great Pyrenees, has a mast cell tumor on one of her nipples and another on her shoulder that needs to be removed by a specialist as soon as possible. Her vet has already tested the lump and confirmed mast cells (a type of cancer), and now Raya needs specialist surgery, blood work, and additional testing to make sure the cancer hasn’t spread.

Raya’s story is already tied to a hospital. Jennifer, an ICU nurse, met Raya through her friend John, who was in the ICU with a severe blood infection and sepsis. He was on a ventilator for a long time and couldn’t care for his dog anymore. While he was hospitalized, his sister was supposed to be watching Raya—but a mutual friend, Ashley, discovered Raya tied up alone in the yard and not being properly cared for.

Sleeping with Chonky Cat assistance:

Jennifer went over and took Raya home. Using a letter board to communicate, John let everyone know he wanted Jennifer to have Raya and take care of her. Jennifer officially took Raya in August and committed to giving this big, gentle dog the life and love she deserves. Something happy coming from a sad story.

Recently, a groomer noticed a firm, non-movable bump on Raya. Jennifer took her to the vet, who aspirated the lump and confirmed it was a mast cell tumor. Further examination found another tumor affecting one of Raya’s nipples. Because of where the tumors are located, Raya has to see a specialist surgeon, and they want to run blood work and staging tests to do this safely and correctly.

Jennifer is doing everything she can for Raya, but she needs help to move forward with treatment. She was out of work for a while after losing a previous job doing lupus patient infusions and only just got back on her feet when she returned to ICU work at Holy Cross in March 2024. Catching up on her own bills has been hard enough; adding specialist cancer surgery for a newly rescued dog is more than she can cover alone.

With your help, Raya can get the surgery and testing she needs to remove these tumors and have a real chance at a long, healthy life. Estimate is below, click to enlarge: