I found out Saturday that my dog Howie, a 4½ yr old Puggle, has some critical issues. Our vet said no time to waste or possible permanent damage. His back legs are paralyzed and vet x-rays have shown where because of the vertebra/nerves damage. He's not using his bladder right and she said without surgery soon he'll be beyond repair.

No one really knows what happened, no significant fall that my children and I witnessed. Dr. Hickox said sometimes a wrong leap off the couch can cause something like this. He started acting ill Wednesday morning, not eating or drinking much, practically refusing to walk but he could at that point, just really didn’t want to & not going to the bathroom much at all. I called the vet Thursday and everyone assuming he maybe ate something bad agreed not to bring him in until Friday, if needed. By Thursday night, his back legs just stopped working. He’s not tiny by any means, roughly 40-45 lbs., thick half beagle/half pug mix. My dogs are walked frequently and have a huge fenced in yard to run. They get exercise but Howie is just thick by breed. My son has been very helpful carrying him around when needed.

The vet highly advised I leave him there for the weekend, so they can manually extract bladder, etc., which I did extremely reluctantly. I wanted him home to get lots of love this weekend but he needs to be still almost 24 hrs a day right now, have professional care. When I called to check on him first thing today, they assured me he was comfortable & went on to say they gave him lots of hugs and kisses, which made me feel so much better!!

This Monday at 11am I will be getting official second opinion in Columbus from an animal orthopedic & spinal doctor James Harrison, http://www.orthovetohio.com but I’ve been verbally quoted $1800-$2400 for surgery that he has to have most likely!

Once this doctor gives me a final price, odds on recovering from surgery, and quality of life, I’ll go from there.
I couldn't live with myself if I didn’t try.
This surgeon & my vet spoke on the phone several times yesterday. When I called his office later inquiring about financing,
they explained that they have a strict policy all surgery paid in full before.

I am exhausting 3rd party loan options I thought I might find, so I am swallowing my pride & reaching out for help. Barb with SPA said that people she communicates with often are willing to help people like me. So far online I’m finding I am at a disadvantage for receiving animal financial assistance because I have a job, basically. Apps. for pet medical assistance only considered if you are disabled, a senior or on welfare/public assistance.

The Humane society here in Mansfield said call Upper Sandusky’s Society "Hope Clinic". They could only offer me free euthanasia, which I hope is not something I will even have to consider. Howie is only 4½.

The Dog pound here had only 1 crazy option- they have a lady that upon their vet’s opinion after an exam, would let me surrender Howie to them permanently. They’d pay for surgery & then after he’s recovered, put him in their Mansfield prison/dog training program. He would then be put up for adoption. Again, not really an option, Howie has a loving home already.

My dad who has the money heard from my brother earlier that I might be asking for him to help me pay for Howie's surgery.

My dad sent me an email in which he clearly stated that he won't give me a penny.
He said it is time to put Howie to sleep and that dogs don’t have souls. He said that although we’re attached, he's not worth it, basically. My dad was raised on a farm.

A lot of their animals were slaughtered;
dogs were for hunting, no attachment.
I would have thought he could have written
something a little more sensitive or nothing at all.

I’m recently divorced, which was an extreme financial strain on myself in caring for my two children as it is. I do what I can to help others, and animals. I often help strays, any time the situation arises. Both of my dogs were rescues from the humane society. In the living room next to my children’s pictures are the dog pictures. Some may say ridiculous but they are a part of our family & this Howie news is ripping our hearts out.

If needed, I could provide proof of everything mentioned above. I’ve recently had to gather a lot of these receipts for my tax prep & when filling out college loan apps for my son.

Barb, I learned about your very generous “Action alert” shortly after I sat in church for an hour this morning. Coincidence- I don’t think so!

Thanks for your time & let me know if you have any possibilities. Obviously with my own expenses, debts, children’s needs etc. right now; I cannot come up with the full amount before surgery, only later or with payments.

I’m honestly not asking for an organization’s handout, a loan with interest would be deeply appreciated.

I’m praying it all works out for the best. Please know I do realize there are many important issues in the world that need money for earthquake victims, people suffering from cancer and so on but in this personal decision I have to make, my heart only guides me to do all I can to help Howie live. I also do not expect that help will be there & I'm trying to prepare for the worst, but sometimes miracles happen.

Sincerely,

Renee Light