Dakota was born in a puppy mill around January 8, 2020. When he was about 6 weeks old, he was removed from his litter, placed in a bag, and left on a roadside. He was shortly found by a family who tried their best to keep him, but Dakota cried and screamed constantly. After 2 weeks, the family took him to Wake County Animal Shelter, where I found him the next day.
It took many months of patience and hard work, yet Dakota finally felt safe, calm, and happy enough to enjoy life every day.
In July 2024, Dakota very suddenly grew ill. It started with his front, left paw hurting. Then he stopped getting up altogether, even for his favorite things. After weeks of Emergency visits, tests, and sleepless nights, we finally found cancer. There were multiple growths of osteosarcoma in Dakota's front left leg. So, we got every loan we could, and Dakota had a fully successful amputation of his leg and shoulder in August 2024. We were told that, by this point, the cancer was in Dakota's cells and was certain to reappear. The average survival after the first amputation is 6-12 months. Since then, we've been living life to the fullest and appreciating every day.
6 weeks ago (late July 2025), Dakota started developing a visible mass on his back, right against his spine. We've since found at least 5 other pronounced masses. He's also starting to choose rest over eating for at least half of all meals, even saving his favorite snacks and treats for later. Dakota is still happy, but he's also in a lot of pain, and it will only get worse.
I am choosing to hire the in-home service, AzureHollow. They work directly with Dakota's vet, and they will help with every step of this process.
Their service costs $800, requiring $200 to reserve the appointment on Friday, September 12. They do accept CareCredit, but my family needs to avoid all further debt possible. (We accrued nearly $10,00 in loan debt to cover the ER visits, diagnostics, medications, and surgery.)
Any donations beyond the $800 will go toward his pain medications for his last few days, treats and adventures, and giving Dakota as much joy and love as possible.
You can donate directly to:
Here on Spotfund.
CashApp: @Rilthurin
All donations are tracked along with expenses.
Thank you, everyone, for showing so much love and care for my sweet Dakota-bear. He has been my whole world since the day we met.
