I first met my baby boy Baxter on 7/15/16. I had just moved to Ohio, knew no one, and had no friends - little did I know how my life would change that day. I saw his sad little face online available for adoption at the Cleveland APL. I immediately drove down and asked to see him. We were put in a room together and I sat on the floor, and he walked over to me, and I was in love. When I asked when I could apply for him and take him home, they said they watched us on camera, and I can take him home that day! From that day on we were inseparable. He was my shadow, everywhere and anywhere I went he did too. He was so relaxed and sweet. On the 3rd day he finally smiled. He hasn't stopped since. Baxter is truly my soulmate. I know it sounds silly. I live and breathe for him. He saved me from my darkest moments when I had nothing to hold onto but him. He has traveled with me all over the country and back.

 

Several months ago, we were doing routine screening, and we discovered a large mass in his abdomen. I was devastated. Thankfully he hadn't been showing any symptoms of this mass, but it is growing and growing fast. We started doing testing and imaging trying to figure out what it was and where it grew from. Baxter's primary Dogtor referred us to the VCA in Dallas, and I met with Dr Donnelly for his consultation. I was so impressed right off the bat from Dr Donnelly, I could tell she knew what she was doing, and I trusted her completely.

​

As we went over options and surgery, with this not being so cut and dry so to speak, it was going to be somewhat exploratory, and it could be very expensive. I didn't want that to stop me from moving forward with our plans to take care of him. During our consultation, Dr Donnelly mentioned a foundation that is near and dear to her heart and that they help fur parents in these situations. I started gathering the necessary information I would need for this application, I applied and waited patiently. From the start there was great communication and help when I needed it.

​

12/5/25 I got a call from Dogs Life and when they told me Baxter's application was approved, I could barely contain my emotions. It's still hard not to cry when I think about this. Baxter is my whole world and knowing that there are places and people out there helping me and my baby boy like this just fills my whole world with love and positivity. Never did I think that something like this would happen to us, but to be able to have this help to save him and extend his life has been so overwhelming for me, this was better than winning the lottery. I can't thank the donors and the people who work hard at DogsLife, helping change lives for the better. Thank you all so very much.