Nathan and Elizabeth Sexton added a four-legged member to their family in 2008. Knox, the Golden Retriever was just a puppy when the college couple picked him up in Crossville.
Knox has been with them through the couple's college graduation and their wedding.
"He's just been such a sweet, sweet dog," says Nathan. "He's been through so much with me and my new wife Elizabeth, and really, he's almost just a child to us."
Several weeks ago, Knox woke with difficulty breathing. Nathan and Elizabeth decided to take him to the vet, assuming that is was nothing more than a respiratory infection. A couple of days on antibiotics, and Knox would be back up and running around.
It wasn't an infection, Knox was diagnosed with lymphoma. Elizabeth called Nathan at work to deliver the devastating news.
"I mean I just started bawling, and immediately called Nathan and my mom," recalled Elizabeth. "Just so I had some support there. They came right away......um, it was a terrible day."
Phone calls and and text messages came pouring. Elizabeth's sister sent a get-well get to Knox. And that sparked an idea for Nathan's sister, Hannah.
"Wouldn't it be cool if Knox got a gift every day and every day had something new and fun to come home to," said Hannah. "I decided to post an event on Facebook and see if it could get any attention and help Knox get some gifts."
Hannah created a Facebook event called "Knox's Best Days Ever", encouraging the public to send Knox a gift or treat. To this day, over 200 people have joined the group. Gifts are being sent to Nathan and Elizabeth on a daily basis.
"You know, not only does the toys and gifts really help Knox really get something excited about every day, he absolutely loves toys, and of course loves treats...but it helps us," says Nathan. "Just all of that love and support and just hearing people's stories."
If you want to support Knox and his family, visit the event on Facebook (here).