Champ

When we named him Champ, we had no idea just how much he’d live up to it.

He’s not just our dog; he’s family. The couch cuddler, the snack thief, the one who senses when someone needs a little extra love. Over the years, he’s taken on many roles: security guard, nanny, and Chief Pup Officer at Kit and Caboodle Marketing (we’re still not sure how we’d run the place without him).

But his most important role? Being Margot’s sidekick.

From day one, Champ has been her protector, playmate, and constant companion. He waits under her chair for snacks, endures dress-up with grace, and always comes running when she need him. They’ve grown up together and they’re each other’s favorite.

When Champ was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2021, our world cracked open. He wasn’t even five. Margot was just a baby. Our biggest fear wasn’t the treatment, it was that she might not remember him. So we fought. Not just for Champ’s life, but for the memories he still had to make.

And it worked. After his first round of chemo, we got three cancer-free years. We got to exhale. Now, as we face his third round of treatment, the fear is still there, but it’s quieter. We’ve been here before. We know what to expect. And we know how strong he is. Best of all? After his first dose this time, he’s already back in remission. No one can say for how long, but we’re grateful for every extra day with our boy.

Yes, the 3 a.m. potty breaks are exhausting. But when you see that tail wagging in the dark, still full of joy? You realize: these moments are a gift.

And this time, we’re not alone. We have the incredible Toby’s Hope community behind us, people who understand what it means to fight for your furry family, who lift us up when the weight feels heavy, and who remind us that hope is always worth it.

Champ’s oncology team at Veterinary Oncology Center, is part of that too… especially one very special lady named Emily. Their bond is real (and yes, we’ve accepted that she might be his favorite). The care and kindness he receives have made all the difference, not just for him, but for us.

This road hasn’t been easy. But it’s been paved with love. Because dogs like Champ aren’t just pets; they’re protectors, coworkers, comedians, soulmates. They give us everything. And they deserve every chance we can give them in return.

Thank you for being part of our story. Because of you, Champ gets more days to be Margot’s shadow, more moments to be our joy, and more love to give. We’re soaking up every single second.