Dixie, an 8-year-old Dachshund/Chihuahua mix, has been an important part of her family since she was rescued in 2013. She loves going for car rides, beef liver treats, sleeping in lots of cozy blankets, and laying in the sunshine any chance she gets. Life has been good for Dixie and her two dog sisters, a 15-year-old black Labrador retriever mix, and a 6-month-old terrier.

A few months ago, Dixie’s owner, Michelle, was petting her neck and noticed that her lymph nodes felt swollen. A test performed at their veterinarian discovered lymphoma, and Dixie’s family was devastated. They decided to accept a referral to the Oncology Service at the UC Davis veterinary hospital but were almost certain they wouldn’t be able to afford the cancer treatments.

“We are a single income family,” Michelle said. “We do not have the finances to afford chemotherapy.”

The oncologists offered an application to a philanthropic fund designed specifically for their situation. Dixie’s family qualified for financial assistance through a generous grant from the Blue Buffalo Foundation’s support of the Petco Foundation pet cancer treatment program at the UC Davis veterinary hospital. The grant helps support treatments for domestic companion animals suffering from cancer. The project is designed to support pet parents of modest means or pet parents whose pets provide a service to others.

“It felt like a miracle that we were approved for the Blue Buffalo/Petco Foundation grant,” said Michelle. “We are so thankful for the funds we received to assist in treatment for Dixie’s lymphoma.”

Dixie is currently undergoing chemotherapy every 2-3 weeks, along with other medications and has responded well.

“We are beyond thankful for everything the staff at UC Davis has done for her, and we are so grateful for more time with our girl,” Michelle said. “She is family to us, and I savor every day I get with her.”

Go Dixie! You got this!