CHASE'S STORY

In April 2010, Chase Caspersen of Boelus, Nebraska, was a typical 9-year-old boy who liked baseball and dogs.  One day his mother noticed a strange bump on his arm and took him to the doctor.  When the test results came back, their world was turned upside down:  Chase was diagnosed with an aggressive form of osteosarcoma, which is a type of bone cancer.

Chase underwent surgery immediately to save his arm, followed by grueling chemotherapy that kept him in the hospital for months.  During this time, Chase and other ailing children were visited by trained service dogs who came to their bedsides.  Sometimes the affection of these dogs was the only thing that could bring a smile to his face.  

Chase’s appreciation for these dogs inspired him to make them gifts:  dog toys woven from strips that he cut from fleece blankets.  The dogs loved the toys, so much that Chase had an idea:  why not make additional dog toys and sell them to raise money for cancer research?

Soon Chase’s dog toys were selling in the hospital gift shop.  Then his elementary school class joined his effort, weaving and selling even more toys to show their support for his recovery.

In 15 months, Chase and his classmates sold more than 1200 dog toys, raising over $1,600 for cancer research.  They also donated 160 more to local animal shelters.  

Even Chase’s favorite dog, Bentley, his cousin’s Great Dane, got into the act and completed his training to be a service dog.  Sadly, Chase’s cousin lost another Great Dane named Vegas to the very same type of cancer that afflicted Chase.

Today, Chase’s cancer is in remission.  But he knows other kids and dogs are still fighting.  That’s why Chase and Bentley have teamed up with ORGANIX® and PetSmart® to raise even more money and awareness for children’s and canine cancer research.

Will you help?  Your purchase of ORGANIX® products at PetSmart® will help fund the research to end this deadly disease in both kids and dogs.  Find a PetSmart® store now.>>​