This is Sarge. He's our 6.5 year old, Great Pyrenees, livestock guardian dog. Him and his sister, Lieu, joined our farm in December of 2019 as "teenagers". They've learned to know our farm and understand their boundaries and responsibilities with all of our animals. Over the last 6 years they've fended off far too many predators to count and have even left their prize catches for us to find many mornings. 

Sarge needs your help! 

At the end of 2025, he was diagnosed with a perineal hernia and needed to surgery to prevent further injury or death. He's since had that surgery and remains in recovery. Unfortunately, perineal hernia surgeries are known to have higher fail rates than most other surgical performances. Sarge's perineal hernia was the worst case they surgeon has ever seen in her career. His lack of pelvic muscles prevented their ability to use those muscles for surgical repair, establishing their need to use surgical mesh to close up the hernias. 

Sarge's most recent post-operation visit revealed a small hole (no bigger than the diameter of a woman's index finger) to his left side where one of the hernias was repaired. The hole could indicate the surgical mesh being rejected by the body or strain from defecating preventing the mesh from adhering properly. Either way, if the hole gets any larger, it could mean a hernia relapse is likely. 

We are unable to preform any additional surgeries until his existing site is fully healed and functioning normally. For now, we will be having reoccurring visits with the surgeon to keep an eye on the hole in hopes it does not change from it's current size. Even without any change, it's been highly recommended to us to plan for an additional surgery to close off the hole completely, reducing the likelihood of relapse in the future. (For those that don't know, Sarge's bladder had flipped on itself prior to his last surgery. Timing was of the essence in preventing his catastrophic demise from his inability to urinate. Surgery saved his life - and I'd do it all over again to keep here with us longer.)

While we wait for his recovery to come full term, we are continuing to take donations and accept dog treat orders with 100% of the proceeds going towards the funding of future surgical needs. Any and all consideration in helping fund Sarge's road to recovery is appreciated from the deepest parts of our hearts!

Sarge's full medical story and updates can be found below:

January 6th: Surgical Consultation

 This past November, as Sarge was walking ahead of me to the hatchery, a gust of wind blew his tail to the side. That wind was just strong enough to allow me to take notice of his butt and it's misshapen-ness. I brought him in the hatchery and took a closer look. Upon inspection, I noticed a large, soft sac that I knew didn't belong. I was able to make an appointment with his vet for the following week. 

His primary vet took a look and did a brief examination to confirm his diagnosis of a perineal hernia. A perineal hernia is when the pelvic muscles weaken, allowing abdominal organs to push through into the perineum (the area between the anus and genitals) often leaving a visible bulging sac just under the dog's anus. The cause is not totally well known, but is heavily associated with the hormones dogs' produce, making intact dog's higher risk (Sarge just happens to be an intact male).

 The good news is that there is a surgery that can be done to fix a perineal hernia! We were fortunate enough to schedule a soft tissue surgery consultation earlier this week. The consultation included exams, radiographs and bloodwork. While Sarge was a trooper through it all and the surgeon found no major concerns with the perineal hernia, the radiographs identified another, deeper concern.

We can't say at this time, Sarge's full diagnosis, but the radiographs found a small (less than the size of a walnut) anal gland tumor on his left side. An anal gland tumor is a serious, often aggressive cancer in dogs that forms in the anal sacs. Sarge's tumor is a separate issue from the perineal hernia and are not believed to be related. Since his perineal hernia surgery location is in the same location as the tumor, the surgeon will be removing the tumor at the same time. There will be a biopsy performed on the tumor and Sarge will undergo additional imaging to get a full understanding of his cancer diagnosis. We can only hope that the tumor was found early enough that the cancer was not able to spread any further and that Sarge can return to his normal farm duties soon after surgical recovery. 

When we first discovered that Sarge would need the perineal hernia surgery, we were prepared to have to put out $4-5k as estimated by our primary vet. Sarge is very much an employee of our farm, but more than that he's a family member. We would do anything we needed to ensure his health and well-being here on the farm. We were just not expecting to pay twice that estimate, but since his anal gland tumor discovery, we're now looking at nearly $10k. 

We are moving forward with his surgery and have it scheduled for January 21st. 

I've called all the recommended veterinary surgeons within a 3.5 hour radius of us to get estimates for compare. I was hopeful to find a cheaper, but just as qualified surgeon to do the necessary work. To my dismay, my existing estimate was either equal to or cheaper than those that I was able to reach. We have the option to opt-in to payment plans with veterinary assistance groups, but more often than not, those are just loans that you end up paying interest on, ultimately making the end cost that much more. 

I want to ask a favor from you.

If you have a dog, have had a dog, have a friend or family member with a dog, or simply know someone whose experienced the unconditional love a dog can give, would you be so kind and purchase some of our farm-made dehydrated dog treats? We're hoping we can raise some additional funds to offset the cost of Sarge's surgery and recovery. All proceeds from dog treat sales will go towards his surgical expenses. Even if you don't have a dog right now, our treats would make a great donation to a shelter local to you in honor of our best boy, Sarge. Any consideration for this favor is deeply appreciated.

We thank you tremendously from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers, well wishes and words of encouragement for Sarge. We plan to keep everyone updated as his surgical and cancer journey evolves.

With love and gratitude,
Allison & Sarge

January 21st: Surgery Day

Surgical Appointment: Sarge was dropped off at CARES first thing this morning. He was all smiles and tail wags and even self-loaded in the car to go! We do not know if he will be coming home same day or staying over yet. His surgical appointment includes: abdominal ultrasound to scan for cancer, left anal gland removal, anal gland mass biopsy, double hernia repair and castration.

January 23rd: Sarge Comes Home Post-Operation

Sarge ended up staying overnight Wednesday and all of Thursday for post-op monitoring. His surgeon said it was the most difficult perineal hernia she had ever done. We did not notice ahead of his surgery that he was not properly urinating. It turned out Sarge's bladder had flipped over on itself and he was not able to urinate. This was extremely scary news. If the surgery hadn't been scheduled for when it was, his bladder could have filled up, ruptured and ended his life. We are grateful that the surgeon was able to repair his hernias and place his organs back in to the correct positions. 

His previous cancerous tumor concern seems to be less of a concern than originally thought. The tumor that was thought to be an anal gland tumor, actually appeared to be a perineal tumor that aren't typically known to be cancerous. They've removed the tumor and sent it out for a biopsy that will confirm it's official diagnosis soon.

January 29th: Tumor Biopsy Findings

It's official! Sarge is cancer free. The tumor that was originally assumed to be a cancerous anal gland tumor has been biopsied and confirmed to be a benign perineal hernia.

Sarge is still in surgical recovery at home with us, but we no longer have to be concerned with potential cancer treatment too. He's doing well so far!

February 5th: Post-Operation Vet Check

Sarge's first post-op vet check came with some tough news. For the most part he is recovering well. His rectal exam identified a small hole on his left side that could lead to future hernia relapse. The perineal hernia surgery is one that does come with higher rates of failure. His surgery did not fail, per se, but it does appear to require additional operating in the future to prevent a hernia relapse. We were hopeful the surgery would be behind us and recovery would be simpler. We now have to return for recovery checks more frequently to understand the dynamics of the hole and how soon another surgery to fully close the hole will be needed. As I understand it, a future surgery should be at least 6 months out to allow his current incisions to heal fully and properly before reopening them for another procedure. That procedure would require muscle from his leg to be grafted into his hernia area to be closed off. We don't currently have a timeline without having a full grasp on the hole at this time. 

While the vet tech was cleaning Sarge up from the rectal exam, she ruptured an abscess. This was a spot on his rear end that looked to me like it could have been a scab or a piece of dried poop. I didn't try to remove it myself when he was under my care for fear it would disrupt his recovery process if it was attached to the stitches at all. The rupture allowed the abscess to drain and offered an opportunity for the surgeon to culture it to check for any possible infection from the surgery. We will know the results of the culture in a week or so. Until then, he's on antibiotics and must remain in his dreaded cone for another 2 weeks.

Sarge will return in 2 weeks for a checkup. We're hoping for no changes to the hole and no infections to have concerns about.

February 19th: Final Post-Operation Vet Check

What a relief! Sarge has been cleared to return to his full guardian dog duties with his sister, Lieu. Even better, we're told his hole seems to be shrinking rather than growing! We're thrilled to have received this news and are so thankful the many folks who reached out in support of Sarge these past few months. We could never show the amount of gratitude we feel inside for the love, kindness and support. Thank you all.

February 23rd: Emergency Vet Visit

Embarrassed. Ashamed. DEFEATED.

Yesterday was really hard. I contemplated not even writing this post because my emotions have the best of me right now. So many of you stepped up and helped us out when Sarge needed major surgery. I felt I couldn’t keep this update from you - no matter how embarrassed and ashamed I’m feeling about the situation.

Our boy, Sarge, spent the night in the ER. 

One stupid little accident undid all that we just worked so hard to repair to get him back on duty and healthy again.

Saturday evening, while Josh and I were out having dinner in celebration of our 12 year date-iversary, unbeknownst to us, Sarge had access to a 5 gallon bucket of dehydrated liver dog treats (yes, the same ones we make and sold to financially support his expensive perineal hernia surgery). He didn’t eat the whole bucket, but he probably engulfed at least a quarter of it. 

He wouldn’t take his evening pills with the wet food he absolutely loves. He wouldn’t eat his breakfast Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon I caught him straining to poop. Even though he was approved to return to normal dog duties last Thursday, he’s still technically healing inside. The straining was concerning and we were worried he could interrupt his healing process if he didn’t let up. 

With the snowstorm coming in, we made the decision to wait it out and reevaluate his condition in the morning. We were hopeful that with time he would work himself out. Worst case, I’d just need to run him into his primary vet for medication in the morning. Sadly, we couldn’t have been more wrong in “waiting it out”. 

esterday morning he was still visually uncomfortable and straining to an extreme. Upon further review, I could see a new bulge formed on his butt. There was some blood and what looked like could be tearing. I was sick to my stomach. All that we had just gone through… ruined. 

Thankfully, Dr. Gellasch was on duty at the ER vet. It was her surgery day, but she allowed me to bring Sarge in the afternoon to do a quick look-over between surgeries as she was able. I could tell the extent of the situation before she even looked at him. He had a bulge. He was uncomfortable and not himself. HE COULDN’T URINATE OR DEFECATE! 

I can’t say with 100% certainty that the liver is the only reason this happened. It is, however, the only logical thing that makes sense to have triggered it. 

The amount of liver he ate probably upset his stomach. It triggered diarrhea, which typically causes dogs to strain. Liver, especially when dehydrated, is pretty high in proteins and sodium which leads to the desire to drink more water. Sarge strained so much for so long that he was able to push his bladder out through the hernia again. This time the space was tighter. His bladder was full, but now pinched in such a way through the hernia that he couldn’t relieve himself. The rectum was impacted by the hernia that he couldn’t poop either. It became clear rather quickly that it was a real emergency! 

A urinary catheter was attempted to relieve his bladder, but it was unsuccessful with how twisted his bladder was in the hernia. They had to sedate him and relieve his bladder through his back-end. Dr.Gellesh was then able to push his bladder back into place without opening him up. Last update I received was that he was awake and well with a catheter in for ease of relieving himself to avoid more straining. 

Now the focus is on how to move forward. I left Sarge for the night after paying another $10k for the estimated cost of a surgery re-do. Dr.Gellasch called me at the end of her shift. After more thought, she’s considering not doing the same surgery, but possibly suturing his bladder and colon in place to prevent things from pushing out again. I’m waiting to hear from her yet this morning with what plan of action she’s chosen for him. 

I am embarrassed and I am ashamed that I let something like this happen. 

Every part of me felt like a terrible pet owner yesterday. “How could this happen?!””Why didn’t I do this or do that?!” …all the questions and all the feelings: anger, fear, sadness, shock, horror, brokenness. 

I won’t ask you for donations this time. 

This is on me. 

But, please, your thoughts, prayers and well-wishes for Sarge would mean the world to me right now 

February 24th: Emergency Surgery

Sarge is headed into surgery today. Dr. Gellasch has decided to proceed with the suturing of his bladder and colon. She feels this method will be helpful in the long run and prevent any future hernias that could happen naturally, since we know his pelvic area is weakened with very little muscle. 

I'm not sure how long he will be in surgery, but we look forward to receiving the update once he's out.

February 26th: Sarge Returns Home Post Operation

Surgery went well. Dr. Gellasch feels confident that this procedure was the right way to go, especially after opening him up and seeing the disarray of his organs from all that his perineal hernia caused. He now has his bladder and colon sutured in place and will hopefully heal nicely, preventing any future hernia potential.

Prior to performing the surgery, Dr. Gellasch identified a mass on Sarge's ribcage. It had been there on a previous x-ray done at his first consultation appointment on January 6th. At that time it was so minuscule that there was no concern. After they shaved his belly for the surgery, the mass was actually visible, where it was not previously. This growth was alarming, so she asked if I would like her to biopsy it just in case. Of course, I said yes. We didn't come this far with two back to back surgeries not to ensure he was healthy and capable of healing properly after surgery. The results should come back in 5-7 days. Hopefully, it's nothing major - like another cancer scare. I don't think my heart could handle that for him right now, after all that we've been through so far.

March 10th: Ribcage Growth Biopsy Findings

The results for the mass on Sarge's ribcage biopsy took a bit longer to receive than expected. I contemplated calling into the vet for an update, but was hopeful the results weren't shared immediately because it wasn't anything to worry about. 

I was so excited about picking him up from surgery and getting him home and settled in again that I almost forgot about the mass all together. I was adjusting to his new indoor-only routine again with the new rounds of medications. More than a week had gone by before I even noticed the growth myself. It's tucked away under his left arm where it's not visible unless he's laying just right or asking for belly rubs. I was actually shocked at the size of it - not quite a baseball size lump, but definitely bigger than a golf ball. It just seems like something I should have noticed sooner.

The results came back with slightly devastating news. The mass was diagnosed as presumptive well-differentiated chondrosarcoma. I mention slightly devastating because it is cancer, but it's not a super-aggressive type. 

For Sarge to beat this cancer, we would have to put him back into surgery and have the mass and part of his ribcage removed. I'm not an expert on the disease, but from what I'm reading and trying to educate myself on, surgical removal could extend his life 1,000 days (3 years) or more. We would first need to do a CT scan to ensure the cancer hasn't already spread. So long as it hasn't, we would then need to move forward with the surgical procedure to keep the possibility of it metastasizing from happening. 

While I am heartbroken for Sarge and all that he has been through, I still have belief he can beat cancer too. 

Now that I am well over $25k in surgical procedures just this year, I must ask for help again - hopefully, for the last time. 

We're keeping the dehydrators running to make more dog treats to support Sarge's cancer treatment. If you have a dog, know a dog or want to donate treats to a dog in shelter, please consider purchasing our dog treats. All proceeds will go directly to support Sarge's medical bills. If you treats are not something you could use, but still want to support Sarge through his cancer treatments, please consider donating directly. Any amount, no matter how little, is appreciated beyond words can describe.

I've lost one too many dogs in my short time on earth to cancer already. If there's an opportunity for us to have a dog beat cancer, I'd want that more than anything. Sarge is the best boy. He doesn't deserve to an ending so horribly as cancer with all that he's been through this year already.