Shelby's Fund
Helping fund research to catch hemangiosarcoma early, so more dogs get more time with the people who love them.
November 1 would have been her 10th birthday. Give $10 for her 10th and I'll match every gift dollar for dollar, up to $1,000, through November 30.
On the Morris Animal Foundation form, choose Other and type 10.
$600 raised toward $5,000
As of October 31, 2026
Through November 30, I'll match every gift dollar for dollar, up to $1,000.
What it is
Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer of the blood vessels, most often in the spleen, heart, or liver. There may be no signs, or only mild ones, until a tumor bleeds. It spreads fast. By the time it's found, it has often spread in amounts too small for a scan to see.1
Know the signs
- Weakness or tiredness that comes and goes
- Pale gums
- A swollen belly
- Not wanting to eat
- Fast or hard breathing
- Collapse
Pale gums, collapse, or trouble breathing can mean internal bleeding. Go to an emergency vet now, even if your dog seems to bounce back.
It's most common in older large dogs. German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labs are among the breeds at higher risk. If you have one, ask your vet about it at the next checkup. Read the owner's guide.
Who's working on catching it early
Morris Animal Foundation has funded 12 hemangiosarcoma studies so far. Several are about finding it early.
- A blood testLooking for tiny molecules called microRNAs that could flag hemangiosarcoma in a blood sample.Dr. Andrea Pires dos Santos, Purdue University
- A urine testAn early test built from urine samples.Dr. Ryan Senger, Virginia Tech
- Detection dogsIn a first study, trained dogs caught about 7 in 10 blood samples from dogs with hemangiosarcoma. They also flagged some healthy dogs.Dr. Cynthia Otto, University of Pennsylvania
Gifts on Shelby's page go to Morris. I want to help fund a project in her name, ideally on early detection. We haven't picked it yet. Until then, gifts support Morris Animal Foundation's work.
#FetchForShelby
Take time out of your busy schedule to play fetch with the ones you love.
Film yourself playing fetch with your dog. Post the video with #FetchForShelby and tag three people to go next.
Lost a dog to hemangiosarcoma?
Give in their name. Add your dog's name to the message when you give on Shelby's page.
You can also start a page for your own dog. Other ways to help
Shelby
A 100-pound German Shepherd who went everywhere with me for almost ten years.
If your dog was just diagnosed
I'm so sorry. Start with what you need right now.