My name is Charlize, and I am writing this with a heavy heart, but also with hope, as I seek your support in a cause that means the world to me and my family. Our beloved dog, Mocha, who has been an integral part of our family since we rescued her as a 9-month-old puppy, has recently been diagnosed with a recurrent cancerous tumor.

Mocha’s story is one of resilience and love. We adopted her from a shelter in southern Utah after her previous owners, who were sadly unfit to care for her and abused her, surrendered her. It took Mocha two long years to heal from the trauma of her past, but with patience, love, and the companionship of our other dog, Chester, and our baby daughter, Lenore, she blossomed into the sweet, calm, and intelligent dog that we cherish today.

Mocha has an especially deep bond with our daughter, Lenore. When I was pregnant, Mocha would rest her head on my belly each night, seemingly listening to the baby inside. Now, she watches over Lenore with such care and love, always by her side, whether I’m feeding her, changing her, or putting her to bed. Their bond is truly heartwarming, and it breaks my heart to think that we might lose Mocha prematurely to this aggressive illness.

In March 2023, Mocha was diagnosed with a grade 2 mast cell tumor on her right eyelid. After surgery, we hoped the cancer was gone for good, but in June 2024, the tumor returned. This time, the tumor is dangerously close to her optic nerve, making the surgery both complex and risky. The recommended course of action is to remove the tumor surgically and follow up with radiation therapy to target the remaining cancer cells. This treatment plan gives us the best chance to save Mocha’s eye and prevent the cancer from spreading further. However, the cost is substantial, with an estimate of $8,000.

We are reaching out to our loved ones and the community to help us raise the necessary funds to give Mocha the treatment she needs. With your support, we can give Mocha the chance to live out the happy, healthy life she deserves after all the hardships she’s endured. Your donation, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on Mocha’s future and will bring immeasurable comfort to our family, knowing we’ve done everything we can to save her.

We are deeply grateful for any support you can provide. Your generosity will not only help us reach our fundraising goal but will also demonstrate the incredible compassion and kindness that exists within our community. Time is of the essence, as Mocha’s surgery and subsequent treatment need to happen as soon as possible to give her the best chance of recovery.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. We hope you can join us in our mission to save Mocha’s life and keep our family whole.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Dayton Family

Jacob, Charlize, Lenore, Chester & Mocha