#FetchForShelby
Take time out of your busy schedule to play fetch with the ones you love.
What she loved
Shelby was my German Shepherd. Hemangiosarcoma took her on October 28, four days before her 10th birthday.
She loved fetch. Tennis balls, orange Chuckit balls, in the pool, at the park, on her bed. I started working from home just to spend more time with her.
We were playing fetch in absolute bliss just a few days before. Then she didn't feel good, and we went to the vet. Less than 48 hours later, she was gone.
So this starts with a game of fetch. Ten minutes with your dog, then a few minutes learning the signs of the cancer that took her.
How it works
- Take a break and play fetchWith your dog, your kids, or anyone you love. Ten minutes counts.
- Post it and pass it onShare a photo or clip with #FetchForShelby and tag three people to go next.
- Learn the signsHemangiosarcoma often gives little or no warning. See what to watch for.
- Give $10 for her 10th, if you canNovember 1 would have been Shelby's 10th birthday. Gifts are matched dollar for dollar, up to $1,000, through November 30. On Shelby's page at Morris Animal Foundation, choose Other and type 10.
$475 raised toward $5,000
Updated October 30, 2026. Every dollar goes straight to Morris Animal Foundation through Shelby's page.
Every gift is matched. Through November 30, I'll match every gift dollar for dollar, up to $1,000.
A caption to start with
Say it your own way, or copy this and put in three friends' names.
I took ten minutes today to play fetch for Shelby. She was a German Shepherd, and she loved fetch. Hemangiosarcoma took her less than 48 hours after a vet visit. Your turn, [name], [name] and [name]. Play fetch with someone you love, post it, and tag three more. Learn the signs, and give $10 for her 10th if you can: shelbysfund.org/fetch #FetchForShelby
A shorter one for X:
I played fetch for Shelby today. Your turn, [name], [name] and [name]. shelbysfund.org/fetch #FetchForShelby
A photo of your own game is best. If you'd rather post one of Shelby, these are free to use.
Know the signs
Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer of the blood vessels. It most often starts in the spleen. The heart, liver, and skin are other common sites, and the early signs are often missing or mild until a tumor bleeds.1
It's most common in older, large-breed dogs, and more common in breeds like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labs.1 If you have one, ask your vet what to watch for.
- Weakness, tiredness, or not wanting to play
- 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.
Shelby playing fetch
