Community Rallying Around Tolland Service Dog In Need Of Surgery

TOLLAND, CT — The community is rallying around a Tolland service dog who needs surgery.

Sheba is the 12-year-old service dog for Gary Stager of Tolland. A few months ago, Sheba developed cancerous tumors on her rear leg, which has the risk of spreading to her bones.

A Go-Fund-Me account has been set up to help with Sheba's medical expenses. Local resident Ryan McCann is organizing the effort.

McCann said that, left untreated, Sheba's leg may need to be amputated — or worse — because the cancer may "overwhelm her and take her life."

The estimated cost of Sheba's surgery is $1,900.

"Gary adores Sheba and wants to give back to her the care and comfort Sheba has given to Gary all these years," McCann said. "On Gary’s behalf, we are setting up this GoFundMe campaign to help Gary raise the funds needed for Sheba's surgery."

In Stager's words, Sheba has the personality of a "big baby," and is his "loyal friend." Stager relies on Sheba to comfort him through a variety of medical conditions. The two are inseparable, McCann said.

As of Tuesday atenoon, $475 had been pledged.

See the Go-Fund-Me account here.