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Teenage Boy With Cancer Searches For Lost Dog

By: Molly Weinfurter
Molly Weinfurter is a writer for iHeartDogs, and she’s passionate about helping animals in need. She volunteers for Bailing Out Benji and a local dog rescue.Read more
| January 21, 2020

The Martin family of Algonquin, Illinois has three amazing dogs, all of which are loyal members of the family. However, Xena the Coonhound-Rhodesian Ridgeback mix has a special bond with 13-year-old Jack Martin. Their bond became even stronger when Jack was diagnosed with stage 4 Ewing’s sarcoma, which is a rare bone cancer. So, when Xena got lost one day, Jack didn’t know what to do without her.

Xena had gotten loose when she was in the car with Jack’s dad, Jason Martin. Jason said that Xena had jumped out of the car and ran into the woods. Right away, the family began searching for Xena, but she was nowhere to be found. 

Image: Screenshot, abc7chicago.com

Jack and Xena had been together through many tough times. Whenever Jack would get home from chemotherapy, she would lie down right beside him to comfort him. She always made him feel better during moments like that, but now, he recently had to go through surgery without her.

“She keeps his mind off stuff,” Jason said. “We love that dog to death. She’s very important.”

Help Bring Xena Home!

Family and friends have been searching for Xena as much as possible ever since she ran off. Her story has been shared all over social media and the news. The Martins have been posting plenty of information in their Facebook group called Hope for Jack.

Image: Sharon Jenkinson Martin Facebook

Xena is wearing tags and has a microchip, so the family is hopeful that she’ll return home soon. However, they don’t have any leads about where she could be yet. 

“I’m hoping there’s more eyes out there, and at least if somebody did pick her up, they might realize she’s being looked for,” Jason said. “We’re just trying everywhere we can to get help.”

If you live near Algonquin, Illinois, please keep an eye out for Xena. At home, Xena is very energetic. She loves to play with all her family members, both humans and dogs. However, her family suspects that she is likely very scared at the moment. So, they encourage anyone that sees her to be cautious around her. Do not chase her or startle her.

Image: Courtney Green Martin Facebook

If you see her, please call or text (847) 754-6091 or (847) 878-8697 with as much information as possible. Specify the date, time, and location of Xena’s sighting so that the Martins can find her as quickly as possible! Please share the word and help bring Xena home to Jack! The sooner she comes home, the sooner she can help Jack heal.

H/T: dailyherald.com

Featured Image: Courtney Green Martin Facebook and Screenshot, abc7chicago.com

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