Support For Sarge

Sarge Needs Your Help!

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. 
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. 


 

Here's a video a of Sarge and Lieu playing together in the dusting of snow we got a few weeks ago.
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.

Please feel free to use the product links below to make your purchase or use this link here to reach our dog treat page on our website: https://www.deerrunfarmmd.com/collections/dog-treats

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

Nik&Co Dehydrated Dog Treats

We will update everyone on Sarge's surgical and cancer journey as it evolves with event entries below. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, concerns or advice you may feel is helpful throughout Sarge's journey. Your attention to Sarge's care and condition is greatly appreciated.

Sarge's Most Recent Updates

  • January 6, 2026

    Surgery Consulation: Perineal Hernia surgery exam went smoothly. No major concerns for the operation. Radiographs identified an Anal Gland Tumor. More images to be taken at surgical appointment along with the removal and biopsy of the tumor to further understand the cancer diagnosis.

  • December 4th, 2025

    Primary Vet Appointment: Sarge's bulging sac on his back end was examined and diagnosed to be a perineal hernia. Surgical recommendations were given and an appointment was made with CARE Veterinary in Frederick, MD for the soonest available appointment on 1/6.

  • Late November 2025

    Bulging sac on Sarge's back end was first noticed when a gust of wind blew his tail to the side as he was walking in front of me. Upon further inspection, it was decided a vet would need to look at him for a diagnosis. Primary vet appointment made for 12/4.

Sarge will be in good hands with the team at CARE Veterinary Center, A Thrive Pet Healthcare Partner in Frederick, MD. If you feel compelled to donate directly to his medical bills, they may be reached at (301)662-2273. Your generosity and kindness is heartfelt.