Our Story

Gideon

Our story starts with our white Boxer boy, Gideon, who became an irreplaceable part of my family the moment our hearts met. The love between Gideon and my family was immeasurable, but his journey took a tragic turn.

When Gideon was eight years old, just six days after being diagnosed with lymphoma, we said goodbye. It was an excruciating loss that shattered our family’s world. I found myself engulfed in and halted by sorrow and darkness, desperately searching for some light. The bottom fell out of my earth.

The guilt I felt after his passing was immense. Through this initiative, I have turned that guilt into something meaningful, inspiring others to take action and potentially save their pets' lives. While I do not blame veterinarians, I wish I had been advised to routinely check my pup for lumps and bumps during all the years I cared for my dogs. If I had done so at least once a month, I might have discovered Gideon’s mass before it developed into late-stage lymphoma.

RIP, my precious Giddy-Giddy

02/01/11 - 06-04-19

“You can’t erase the past. You can’t even change it. But sometimes life offers you the opportunity to put it right.”

— Ann Brashares

Zeke

Then, 67 days later, I learned of a deaf white Boxer, about two years old, located at a nearby rescue. His name was initially Cosmo. He was filled with massive anxiety and crippling fears from his past life. As we quickly got to know each other, we both managed to bring joy and brightness back into each other’s lives. With his playful Boxer antics and endless wiggle-butt moves, he helped me navigate my grief and became my guiding light. I believe I helped him build trust, allowing him to be a dog.

“It’s only by starting in a place of peace that we find our purpose and power.”

— Martha Beck

Zella

To provide Zeke with a buddy and potentially alleviate his anxiety, I decided to adopt Zella, who was originally named Cloud at the rescue. Zella is a mix of Boxer, Pittie, and Staffy breeds, and she joined our family about two and a half years after Zeke. When we got her, she was still quite young, only around six months old. Unfortunately, Zella developed fears and anxieties from a negative encounter with an unleashed dog. Despite attending training sessions for months, her fears only intensified. We found a force-free trainer who comes to our home, and we've implemented various tools to help Zella, including a custom-made muzzle, behavior medication, gut health supplements, and desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques. Our goal is to manage her reactions and change her perception of triggers. It's important to remember that not all dogs need to be friends with every person or dog they encounter. The expectation that all dogs should love everyone and get along with every other dog is problematic.

“The willingness to show up changes us. It makes us a little braver each time.”

— Brene Brown

An Unexpected Turn

But Zeke's journey also took an unexpected turn. While giving him some full-body scratches, I discovered a small lump on his side. At first, the lump didn't look or feel like a big deal. However, because of my heightened awareness since Gideon passed away, I decided not to take any chances. The vet took a mass sample and found cells indicating a mast cell tumor. The tumor was removed that day through surgery, and pathology confirmed that it was grade two, meaning surgery alone would cure it. I was so relieved, knowing that Zeke would be alright without additional treatments.

But, eleven days later, I found another small mass on Zeke's body. I was tempted to dismiss it, thinking it couldn't possibly be another tumor so soon, but my commitment to early detection won out, and I took Zeke to the vet again. To my dismay, it turned out to be another mast cell tumor, this time of low grade. Early detection became our saving grace, allowing us to catch these tumors before they became invasive.

Early Detection is Key

This experience made me wonder why, in all my years as a pet guardian, no vet had ever mentioned the importance of regularly checking our pets for suspicious lumps and bumps. I certainly don't blame the veterinary profession, but I realized that sharing this simple practice with our Instagram followers could help prolong our furry friends' lives. Sitting in my car (it was the height of COVID-19, so long waits in the vet parking lot were the thing) waiting for Zeke to be discharged after his third surgery, I committed to myself to usher in change through awareness of early detection in canine cancer.

Zeke has now undergone seven surgeries to remove suspicious growths, most of which turned out to be mast cell tumors. At the same time, Zeke began experiencing hind leg weakness. Having first ruled out all other possible diagnoses, we landed on degenerative myelopathy in the summer of 2023. It may seem like a series of unfortunate events, but through it all, he's been surrounded by love. Our close-knit Instagram community of fellow dog owners and zealous Zeke enthusiasts has been an incredible source of support. Their kindness and generosity left us stunned and grateful beyond words. As we look towards a future where Zeke's treatments and veterinary expenses are no longer astronomical, we are committed to extending the same extraordinary bigheartedness we received by donating a percentage of our merch proceeds to pup families with similar experiences.

Unleashing Awareness

Zeke receives hydrotherapy every week. Given his heightened anxiety levels, I initially doubted whether he would willingly participate, yet he surprised me! His therapist, Chrissy, instantaneously formed an affectionate bond with him, and he ultimately decided that she was someone he could trust. My determination lies in offering him the necessary support to maintain stability and mobility for as long as possible. His tale epitomizes the essence of both joy and sorrow. I have dedicated myself to assisting other dog owners facing similar situations who are overwhelmed by the financial burden of veterinary expenses.

Zeke's journey has taught me the incredible power of early detection, the importance of sharing knowledge, and the fantastic strength in the bond between a human and their beloved pup. As we continue to navigate life together, I invite you to join us on this transformative journey. Let's honor the pets we've loved and lost while protecting the well-being of those still with us through increased awareness. Spreading the lumps and bumps reminder stands the possibility of prolonging a pup's life, which means more snuggles, snacks, and sniffaris!

Grief says, “I’m still alive, and I’m missing a piece.” It says, “Life matters.”

Peace, love, and good health,

Zeke & Zella (oh, & Patty, too)