Heavenly Valley Ski Patrol K9 has cancer; fundraising campaign started

Summit, an integral member of the Heavenly Ski Patrol for the last ten seasons, is facing an uphill battle after being diagnosed with aggressive firbro-sarcoma two weeks ago.

A fundraising campaign has been started to get the $5,000 to $10,000 needed to be treated at UC Davis with radiation and for follow-up care. The cancer began in his eye socket and has now infiltrated his sinus cavity.

Doctor's gave Summit two weeks to live without intervention, but his owner Colton Terry wanted to do all he could to let the dog who had helped so many "become an old man."

He is currently being treated by teams at UC Davis which removed most the tumor and right eye, and fortunately radiation is an option for this tumor. The process is not likely to cure Summit but the treatments will make a significant difference in Summit's quality of life and time with us according to the dog's "Go Fund Me" page.

Prognosis is about a year more of life if everything stays on track. Summit has affected so many thousands of people in the community and has friends from all over the world, so his friends are doing what they can to give him that much more time.

Costs are estimated to be about $10,000 over the next four months.

For people wanting to donate to Summit and his care, visit his fundraising page here.