Written by Joseph 03/12/2026
About ten years ago, while running through Washington Park in Denver, I noticed someone sitting on the grass with two tiny Chihuahua puppies resting on a blanket. The owner mentioned they were looking for loving homes. As I walked closer, one of the puppies suddenly trotted straight toward me, climbed into my lap, and looked up at me as if he had already made his decision. That little dog was Snackpack. In that moment, it felt less like I had chosen him and more like he had chosen me.
He was unbelievably small-almost like a teacup Chihuahua. I used to joke that he was my little “snack-sized companion,” always tucked beside me wherever I went. Before long, the nickname stuck, and that tiny puppy officially became Snackpack.
Snackpack is a black-and-tan Chihuahua mix, but his personality is far bigger than his size. From the very beginning, he attached himself to me completely. Wherever I go, he goes. If I walk into another room, he quietly follows. If I sit down to work, he sits beside me. If I move, he moves. Sometimes it feels like I have a tiny shadow following me through life. Every evening when I come home from work, Snackpack greets me with a little dance. He spins around and around in circles, so excited that his whole body wiggles. It’s impossible not to smile when I see it. Snackpack isn’t interested in toys like many dogs. What he really wants is attention and companionship. He prefers simply being near me. When I’m working on my computer, he stays close, sometimes watching quietly, sometimes nudging for attention.
One of Snackpack’s favorite things in the world is riding in the car. He loves sticking his head near the front window so the wind flows under his chin while he watches the world passing by outside. It’s a simple joy that never seems to get old for him. Over the years, Snackpack has become quite the traveler. For such a small dog, he has seen more of the world than many people. He has explored national parks, mountains, deserts, oceans, and caves. One of my favorite memories is visiting White Sands, where Snackpack ran freely across the bright white desert sand for hours. It was the first time he had ever seen a desert, and watching him run across that beautiful landscape is something I will never forget. Another unforgettable adventure was hiking Ice Lake in Colorado. It’s a long and challenging trail, but Snackpack was only three years old at the time and managed to hike almost the entire way like a tough little explorer. That day proved to me that even though he is small, he is incredibly strong and determined.
But beyond the adventures and travels, the most important thing about Snackpack is the bond we share. I often call him “my son,” and somehow he seems to understand that I’m talking about him. If I say, “Where is my son?” he immediately runs toward me. Snackpack has never spoken a single word, yet somehow he has always known exactly what I need. During difficult moments in my life, when I felt tired, or discouraged, he always seemed to sense it. He would quietly stay close, sit beside me, or rest near me as if reminding me that I wasn’t alone. Sometimes the most powerful kind of support doesn’t come from words, it comes from quiet companionship. Snackpack has given me that every single day for the past eleven years.
Earlier this year, in January 2026, we went to the veterinarian for what was supposed to be a routine dental check. During the examination, the veterinarian noticed something concerning, an abnormal growth on Snackpack’s left lower jaw. The dentist explained that based on its appearance, it could possibly be malignant melanoma.
Hearing those words was deeply unsettling. At that moment, I didn’t want to believe it. Snackpack looked completely healthy. He was energetic, eating well, running around, and acting exactly like himself. It felt impossible that something so serious could be happening. Like many people do when faced with frightening news, I searched the internet hoping to find alternative explanations, anything that could mean the growth was benign. But the uncertainty remained.
In February, the mass was surgically removed and sent to a laboratory for pathology testing. Waiting for the results during those days felt incredibly long. I kept hoping the diagnosis would come back negative. On February 9th, I received the phone call from the veterinarian. The diagnosis was confirmed: malignant melanoma. The margins from the removal were not clean, meaning some cancer cells might still remain.
I will never forget that phone call. It felt like a heavy stone suddenly dropped into my heart. Cancer is something we often think happens to someone else, somewhere far away. But suddenly it was part of our life. The veterinary team recommended additional diagnostic testing to determine whether the cancer had spread. Snackpack underwent CT scans of his head, chest, and abdomen, along with lymph node biopsies. Those days were filled with anxiety while waiting for results.
Fortunately, the tests showed no signs that the cancer had metastasized. Hearing that news brought an enormous sense of relief. I could finally take a deep breath again. The doctors recommended a partial jaw surgery, which offers the best chance of fully removing the remaining cancer and potentially curing the disease.
However, by this point the cost of diagnostics and treatment had already become a significant financial burden. Veterinary oncology care is expensive, and the recommended surgery added even more pressure. I knew that moving forward with the procedure was important for Snackpack’s health, but it was still a difficult situation.
While searching online for possible financial assistance programs, I discovered KarmaSue. As I read the stories of other families they had helped, I felt both inspired and hopeful. KarmaSue’s mission of supporting Colorado families facing companion animal cancer deeply resonated with me. I submitted an application, not knowing what to expect. To my surprise, I received a response within just a couple of days. Soon after, I learned that Snackpack had been approved for financial assistance. When I received the award letter, I didn’t quite know what to say. It was an emotional moment. KarmaSue’s support provided tremendous relief and made it possible for us to move forward with the surgery in a timely manner.
Organizations like KarmaSue make an incredible difference for families navigating the emotional and financial challenges of a cancer diagnosis in a beloved pet. Their help means more than financial assistance, it brings hope and reassurance during a very difficult time.
Right now, Snackpack is doing well and waiting for his upcoming surgery scheduled in the coming week. I feel incredibly fortunate that his cancer was detected before it spread and that surgical treatment may offer a cure. I am also deeply grateful to KarmaSue for helping make that treatment possible.
Snackpack is still the same adventurous little dog he has always been. He still follows me everywhere, still dances in circles when I come home, and still rides in the car with his head lifted into the wind. No matter what happens next, I know one thing for certain: the last eleven years with Snackpack have been some of the most meaningful years of my life. And I am thankful for every moment we continue to share. 🐾
KarmaSue 