01/11/2026
**FARM EXCURSION UPDATE **
Dear BB’s Fam,
I’ve written this message in my mind a hundred times, and I’m still struggling to find the words.
On Thursday, our vet called with the results from a lump we had tested. Monster had a fast-growing mast cell tumour in his jaw that needed to be removed urgently. Within 24 hours, he was in surgery. Samples were also taken from a lymph node and another lump in his shoulder. We are now waiting for the histopathology results to understand more about what comes next.
For now, he is in good spirits considering everything he has been through, but he is sore and has stitches extending from his chin down his neck. The location makes protecting the wound particularly difficult, and he needs round-the-clock supervision to prevent him from scratching or tearing it open. For the next two weeks, he will need me beside him.
Many of you know Monster as my sidekick, but he is also my teacher, my best friend and the love of my life.
Over the years, he has helped so many of your dogs learn and grow, teaching them things in ways I never could. Through his therapy work, he has brought comfort and connection to hundreds of people and children. He has touched so many lives simply by being himself.
He has spent his life being there for others. Now it’s our turn to be there for him.
Seeing him in pain, while waiting to find out what we’re facing, is heartbreaking. Right now, I need to give him the same care, patience and love he has given so freely to everyone around him.
Unfortunately, this also means another delay to our farm excursions. With our current staffing, we cannot run them without me, and despite exploring every option, our planned launch on 10 November is no longer feasible.
We are asking for one more week and are now aiming to launch on Tuesday, 17 November, depending on Monster’s recovery.
I know there has already been a long wait, and it hurts to move the date again. I want nothing more than to open the paddocks at Mello Cara and welcome your dogs back to the freedom, fresh air and adventures we’ve all been looking forward to.
One of the hardest parts of owning a business is knowing that stepping away to care for someone you love has a ripple effect. I feel that responsibility deeply. But right now, Monster needs me, and I need to be there for him.
Thank you for your patience and for making BB’s a community where I feel I can share this. If anyone understands how much a dog can mean, I know it’s our BB’s family.
To my incredible team, especially Grace and our management team: thank you for taking on so much and keeping our Grovedale facility running while I’m caring for Monster. Knowing the dogs, our clients and the team are in such caring hands means more than I can say. Please show them a little extra kindness while they help carry us through this.
I’ll share another update when Monster’s results arrive and confirm our excursion plans as his recovery progresses.
Thank you for being here for us. 💙
Much love,
Jess xoxo
