Wareham Family Starts Cancer Fund After Losing Beloved Dog Luna

Last year, we introduced you to Luna the Frenchie, the lovable French bulldog who was battling cancer and made it to remission.

Luna’s owner, Michaela Phinney, shared the devastating news that Luna recently lost her battle to cancer.

While Phinney mourns the loss of her best friend, she has put in motion a bigger mission that will help other families who are faced with the heavy burden of canine cancer.

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When Luna the Frenchie Graduated from Chemotherapy

During a relaxing massage, Phinney noticed Luna’s lymph nodes were swollen. It was quickly discovered that Luna had B-cell lymphoma, a fatal form of cancer that leads to the formation of tumors in the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

Phinney and her family stopped at nothing to get Luna the proper care, and after five grueling months, Luna reached remission.

But the bitter truth about remission with fatal canine cancer is that time is fleeting.

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Luna Loses Her Battle to Cancer

“After 11 months of remission, we received the devastating news that we had to start the fight again,” said Phinney. “The lymphoma had progressed and our girl was suffering. We had to say goodbye a week ago at our home, in her favorite spot outside in the sun, surrounded by all the people who loved her most.”

A pet is more than just an animal. In so many ways, it’s a family member. When you see a family member suffering, hard decisions have to be made.

“It’s the hardest decision anyone has to make for another living being,” said Phinney. “But when you love them more than yourself, you know when it is time and that is the true act of love.”

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The Luna Fundraiser to Help Families with Animal Care

Now that Luna has crossed the rainbow bridge, Phinney is determined to help other families that may be in a similar situation with their pets.

She has started a fundraiser in Luna’s memory and all the money raised will go to Veterinary Cancer Specialists of New England in Buzzards Bay.

“They provided Luna’s treatments and chemotherapy, and it’s not easy both emotionally and financially,” she said. “Our hope is to help a family in need to help the start the chemo process or to help with palliative care.”

In Luna’s honor, this fundraiser will ensure that other families do not have to fight for their pet alone.

The account will be set up through the Vet Cancer Specialists. Phinney is actively seeking raffle items, donations, and help from anyone who is willing to help the cause, in honor of “Luna Lou.”

“It means the world to me if I can help another family and bring awareness that’s what I care about,” said Phinney. “It means the world to me.”

To help, contact Michaela Phinney at 774-269-5493.