MORRISTOWN, Tenn. (WATE) — A dog, which a Tennessee animal shelter asked the public for donations to help, has been euthanized after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.
The dog, named Brick, arrived at the shelter at the end of May, when he was brought in by animal control. The Humane Society thought at the time that he had suffered a snake bite and shared a photo of him, showing his face extremely swollen.
Initially, Brick showed signs of improvement, but when his symptoms worsened, the shelter said the dog’s vet no longer believed he was suffering from a snake bite. Early Friday morning, the Humane Society shared the devastating news that Brick was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in an area where surgery was not an option at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.
“Despite our willingness to do whatever we could for him, there weren’t any treatment options. He would still give sweet tail wags and show love, but he was uncomfortable. The kindest thing we could do for him was to make the gut wrenching decision to let him go peacefully,” the shelter wrote.
Brick the dog who was believed to have suffered from a snake bite. (Morristown Hamblen Humane Society) 
Brick the dog who was believed to have suffered from a snake bite. (Morristown Hamblen Humane Society) 
Brick the dog who was believed to have suffered from a snake bite. (Morristown Hamblen Humane Society) 
Brick the dog who was believed to have suffered from a snake bite. (Morristown Hamblen Humane Society)
The Humane Society added that one of their staff members who cared for him deeply was with Brick during his final procedure.
On Wednesday, the shelter started a Facebook fundraiser for Brick’s care after his health significantly declined. As of Friday morning, the fundraiser had raised more than $4,000. The Humane Society said that any money over what Brick’s medical bills and care cost will be put into the shelter’s “Sick & Injured” fund in his memory.
“We can’t thank everyone enough for all the support they showed in helping us try to save this sweet soul,” the Humane Society wrote. “Fly high sweet Brick, you are so loved.”