Returning their unconditional love

In early 2016, Matt and Danielle Stone's beloved dog, Maverick, was diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma at the young age of 6. Maverick's cancer required surgery to remove the tumor, as well as several weeks of daily radiation treatments, all of which came at a significant financial cost.

During Maverick's treatment and throughout the rest of his happy and adventure-filled life, Matt often reflected on how incredibly blessed his family was to be in a financial position that enabled them to pay for the treatment that ultimately saved Maverick's life. In the course of this reflection, however, Matt also came to understand that many families simply do not have the means to get their precious dog the medical treatment they need due to the expensive nature of canine cancer care.

Recognizing it's unfair that any dog should suffer from this terrible disease or that a loving family should have to say goodbye to their loyal companion simply due to monetary constraints, Matt founded an organization to help families in need save their dog's life.

Save a dogslife, Inc. ("dogslife") is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to remove the burden of having to make the impossible determination of the value of a dog's life after being diagnosed with cancer. The organization provides grants to dogs and their families for necessary cancer-specific treatment when they otherwise cannot afford it.

dogslife uses donations to pay board-certified veterinary oncologists in North Texas for the cancer treatment of selected beneficiaries. We at dogslife want to ensure that we are awarding grants to individuals or families who are providing their dog a loving home and who truly do not have the financial resources available to afford critical cancer-treatment. Therefore, beneficiaries are selected through an application and interview process, which involves the applicant, the dog's primary veterinarian and the treating veterinary oncologist. This process helps dogslife gather information about the applicant, such as his or her financial situation, as well as information about the dog's medical history, cancer diagnosis, prognosis, treatment recommendation and quoted treatment plan cost. All applications received are reviewed and a determination of funding is made after obtaining all of the aforementioned required information.

Once we have approved a grant, we try to alleviate additional stress on the part of the applicant by coordinating directly with the board-certified veterinary providers to arrange payment. We also give a small canine care package containing a few goodies to the family with the intention of raising the spirits of both the owner and dog.

We have been truly touched by the support that dogslife has received. From our launch event on Oct. 3, 2018, through the end of this past year, we received approximately $140,000 in donations. This amazing generosity has enabled us to begin accepting applications and executing our mission! Below is the story of our first grant recipient, Sir Desmond, as told by his best friend and owner, Caitlyn Schmidt.

Sir Desmond

by Caitlin Schmidt, grant recipient

Desmond

Caitlin Schmidt

When my best friend Desmond got his heartbreaking osteosarcoma diagnosis, I honestly wasn't sure where to start. The X-rays and initial consult for the diagnosis had already set me back $600 and having a mother who has worked in the industry for over 30 years, I knew that was just the beginning. When I got a general estimate over the phone for the amputation, the first step in an osteosarcoma patient's treatment plan, I was overwhelmed as the cost of that alone was more than I could afford. When the oncologist explained to me that if I only did the first step of the treatment I could hope for 4-5 months with my best friend, I knew I had to find a way to give him the full treatment option, so we could spend his last few years together in good health and happiness. I started searching for an alternative. I knew that no matter what, giving up on my Desmond wasn't an option because, as we all know, dogs never give up on us. I heard about dogslife through one of the veterinarians at my local animal clinic, Katy Trail Animal Hospital, and decided that this could be my one shot to help save my best friend. I scheduled a consult at Animal Diagnostic Center to get a treatment plan together and a comprehensive quote, then filled out the application with dogslife. Within a day, I had heard back from the organization. I cannot really put into words what the phone call meant to me when I was told that dogslife was providing a grant to help pay for all the overages for Desmond's treatment that I simply could not afford. There really are angels that walk among us and this organization has some of the best!"

Desmond had his amputation surgery and is doing amazing. We had a few complications with the surgery, including an infection at the surgical site, but dogslife was there every step of the way; Desmond got the treatment he needed. Soon after the infection was under control and Desmond had his sutures removed, he was running up and down the stairs like he had been before his initial diagnosis and we knew he was ready to start chemo. Desmond is about to undergo his third round of chemo and has three more ahead of him. Dr. Roof at Animal Diagnostic Clinic has been an angel for Desmond and me and has guided him through chemo with grace and ease. He absolutely loves going to see them and his energy levels are skyrocketing! Throughout all of the complications and the ups and downs, dogslife has kept in touch with me and offered words of encouragement and support. They were even so kind as to put together a care package of Desmond's favorite things to help him through his battle. I can't begin to thank dogslife and their generous supporters enough and I will do my very best to spread the same love and support I've received to others. This is an organization worth your time and donations! Thank you, dogslife."

How you can help

dogslife

Six million dogs will be diagnosed with cancer in 2019 alone and treatment for canine cancer typically ranges from $4,000 to $8,000.

To many, a dog is not simply a pet, it is part of the family. Unfortunately, many families must forego life-saving cancer treatment for their best friends due solely to the cost associated with treatment. dogslife gives families burdened by this reality somewhere to turn.

As a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) charity, dogslife is supported by donations. Your generous support and contribution will go directly to providing grants for the treatment of these cherished pups and will enable their families to have the opportunity to enjoy a dog's unconditional love for years to come.

To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit the donate page on our website at dogslife.org/donate.

dogslife

Saying goodbye to a dog is an incredibly painful experience and leaves a gaping hole in our hearts. Nothing can replace the amazing moments we had with these loving beings, however by giving an "in-memory" donation to dogslife, you are creating a tribute to your loyal companion as well as well as returning the unconditional love that dogs have shown each of us. We will include your dog's name and picture, as well as a tribute statement to them on our memorial wall on our website.

Learn more

dogslife

To learn more about dogslife and canine cancer in general, or to sign-up for our newsletter, see what fundraising events we have coming up,or read updates on dogs we?ve helped, please visit dogslife.org or email us at contactus@dogslife.org.

You can also find dogslife online at;

-Website: dogslife.org

-Email: contactus@dogslife.org

-Instagram: @saveadogslife

-Facebook: @dogslife.org

Helping and healing

by Sandy Scoggins

Patch

Sandy Scoggins

I lost my sweet Patch on May 30, 2018. He was diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma in 2017, and after 448 days of putting up a great fight I had to say, 'I will see you later.' For me, it's never goodbye. The human-animal bond I had with Patch was extraordinary. I was most fortunate to provide him with the best veterinary care, and that was invaluable to me as his caretaker."

As I sat in the lobby at the cancer clinic over the course of 2 months, I saw many families come and go. Many simply couldn't afford the cost of treatment for their pet. I can't imagine being put in a position to decide the value of my pet's life. Others didn't love their pet any less than I loved Patch, they simply couldn't afford to provide treatment."

Unfortunately for Patch, there was no cure. The only outcome for Patch and I was more time together. Time for one more walk, one more car ride, one more meal of mine to share with him, one more kiss, time for acceptance and most importantly more time to let him know how much he changed my life. Patch taught me the simplicity of happiness; a new toy, a treat, a walk around the duck pond, or a hug ... if only we could be fulfilled by so little. Aside from my parents, he taught me more about life than any human can."

Over the past few months, I felt compelled to do my part in honoring his memory. I was introduced to Matt Stone, founder of Save a dogslife ("dogslife"). He too had a similar experience as I and felt moved to do more. dogslife is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. I now sit as a board member of this wonderful organization whose mission is simple; we raise money to help families provide cancer treatment to their pet that otherwise would have to choose a different option due to financial limitations. We help families save their own 'Patch.'"

dogslife