Millie

Millicent is a 2-year-old Pit Mix from a rescue in the Utah mountains. Millie was born just a couple of days after arriving at the shelter. I originally told myself I was only going to “take a peek” at the puppies and absolutely wasn't bringing one home. Millie was quiet, inquisitive, and gentle in a way that immediately stood out from the usual puppy chaos. I fell in love with how calm and observant she was, and before I knew it, I was driving home with the cutest pittie in the world.

Millie was supposed to top out around 45–50 pounds, but she blew past that within a few months. Suddenly, I had an 80-pound block of muscle with a little layer of flub on top. She adores cuddling with little dogs, is incredibly soft and patient with children, and always wants to be close to her people. She likes to keep eyes on you at all times so she can observe everything going on around her.

Recently, though, Millie began losing her appetite. At first, we thought she was just being stubborn since she's always been picky with food and has never been very food motivated. After a long series of vet visits, we initially feared kidney disease, which would have been devastating on its own. Then an ultrasound revealed something we never expected, lymphoma.

Two and a half years with Millie simply isn't enough. She deserves more time to enjoy everything she loves and to experience everything this world has to offer her. I want her to go trail running with me and barrel through the woods, see the coast, “shrimp” on the couch while we watch movies, and fart on me in bed for as long as she possibly can.

Toby's Hope has helped make treatment attainable for Millie. Without them, we would have been forced to make an unbearable decision far too soon. I am endlessly grateful for their help and for every extra moment I get with my girl.