SAVE CHIHUAHUA FROM CARDIAC FAILURE
Donation protected
I am writing to plead for donations in order to get medical treatment for my 6-year old Chihuahua, Bambi (the beautiful golden girl pictured). She's a shy, precious little girl who I rescued and who has brought more joy to my life than I could ever even begin to describe.
I took her to the vet (Dr. Matzuka at Studio City Animal Hospital) on 3/19 for some protrusions on her belly, and during the check-up, I was informed that she has a severe heart murmur (a 5 out of 6 on the scale). They took an x-ray, and as the doctor guessed, it showed that Bambi's heart is enlarged. She is in good health other than this (her blood results are fine), but the vet informed me that she must see a cardiologist and have an ultrasound and EKG done, within the month but sooner rather than later. These tests have to be performed so that the cardiologist can put Bambi on pills (or whatever other or additional treatment needed) long-term, with the goal being to avoid her going into cardiac failure. With a heart murmur as severe as hers, and her enlarged heart, cardiac failure is probable. With the proper meds, my vet is confident she will lead a normal life and live just as long as other dogs (including her boyfriend, Dexter - the black-and-white Chihuahua pictured, and my other dogs pictured, Phoebe and Emma).
I have been out of work (and actively seeking employment, Temp and Perm) since the end of January. I'm taking anything I can get, but I am in dire financial straits. I lived paycheck to paycheck when I had a job; now I live basically day-to-day.
I have made an appointment for Bambi with a cardiovascular vet (Dr. Barrett at the VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital) for Saturday, April 5th. I've been on the phone calling dozens of animal foundations seeking emergency financial assistance. So far, nothing has worked out. I'm either not eligible for whatever reason, or emergency financial assistance is not offered by the entity.
This little girl is my life - she's my baby. In 2005, I had a mini dachshund, Heidi (pics on Facebook), who died in my arms after panting heavily for hours and hours all through the night, while I screamed and pleaded with every animal hospital to treat her. No one would touch her without money, and as a result of not being able to pay and having no one to turn to, my little Heidi died looking into my eyes and me being useless to save her. I can never and will never go through that again. I'd give Bambi my own heart if I could.
VCA has informed me that the total cost for the ultrasound, EKG, blood pressure (and of course, the consult), is just shy of $1000 ($981, to be exact). Then there will be the cost of whatever medication the cardiologist puts her on. I have care credit, but I exhausted it all ($550) taking her to the regular vet on 3/19. She needs to see a cardiologist, and it has to be done ASAP. Her wheezing is getting worse, and that's one of the signs the vet told me to watch out for. She needs to get these tests done so she can be put on meds to make sure her little (or rather, big) heart never goes into cardiac failure.
I am BEGGING to anyone out there who can afford to donate any amount - please help ensure that Bambi gets the tests and meds she needs to live a long and happy life. This plea also comes from Bambi's family: her husband, Dexter (the black-and-white chi); our Chi/Spaniel mix, Phoebe (who loves Bambi but would never admit it), and our Maltese, Emma (who wouldn't know what to do with her days if she wasn't guarding her food from Bambi's preying eyes).
Any funds in excess of my goal of $1,200 will go to the cost of her long-term ongoing medication if the specialist puts her on monthly pills, or to any heart surgery (G-d forbid) that the specialist deems necessary.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. When I am no longer in my financial slump, I will absolutely return to this site as a donor and help give other special pets the chance at a healthy life! Until then, all I can give you is my eternal gratitude.
Sincerely,
Genevieve
I took her to the vet (Dr. Matzuka at Studio City Animal Hospital) on 3/19 for some protrusions on her belly, and during the check-up, I was informed that she has a severe heart murmur (a 5 out of 6 on the scale). They took an x-ray, and as the doctor guessed, it showed that Bambi's heart is enlarged. She is in good health other than this (her blood results are fine), but the vet informed me that she must see a cardiologist and have an ultrasound and EKG done, within the month but sooner rather than later. These tests have to be performed so that the cardiologist can put Bambi on pills (or whatever other or additional treatment needed) long-term, with the goal being to avoid her going into cardiac failure. With a heart murmur as severe as hers, and her enlarged heart, cardiac failure is probable. With the proper meds, my vet is confident she will lead a normal life and live just as long as other dogs (including her boyfriend, Dexter - the black-and-white Chihuahua pictured, and my other dogs pictured, Phoebe and Emma).
I have been out of work (and actively seeking employment, Temp and Perm) since the end of January. I'm taking anything I can get, but I am in dire financial straits. I lived paycheck to paycheck when I had a job; now I live basically day-to-day.
I have made an appointment for Bambi with a cardiovascular vet (Dr. Barrett at the VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital) for Saturday, April 5th. I've been on the phone calling dozens of animal foundations seeking emergency financial assistance. So far, nothing has worked out. I'm either not eligible for whatever reason, or emergency financial assistance is not offered by the entity.
This little girl is my life - she's my baby. In 2005, I had a mini dachshund, Heidi (pics on Facebook), who died in my arms after panting heavily for hours and hours all through the night, while I screamed and pleaded with every animal hospital to treat her. No one would touch her without money, and as a result of not being able to pay and having no one to turn to, my little Heidi died looking into my eyes and me being useless to save her. I can never and will never go through that again. I'd give Bambi my own heart if I could.
VCA has informed me that the total cost for the ultrasound, EKG, blood pressure (and of course, the consult), is just shy of $1000 ($981, to be exact). Then there will be the cost of whatever medication the cardiologist puts her on. I have care credit, but I exhausted it all ($550) taking her to the regular vet on 3/19. She needs to see a cardiologist, and it has to be done ASAP. Her wheezing is getting worse, and that's one of the signs the vet told me to watch out for. She needs to get these tests done so she can be put on meds to make sure her little (or rather, big) heart never goes into cardiac failure.
I am BEGGING to anyone out there who can afford to donate any amount - please help ensure that Bambi gets the tests and meds she needs to live a long and happy life. This plea also comes from Bambi's family: her husband, Dexter (the black-and-white chi); our Chi/Spaniel mix, Phoebe (who loves Bambi but would never admit it), and our Maltese, Emma (who wouldn't know what to do with her days if she wasn't guarding her food from Bambi's preying eyes).
Any funds in excess of my goal of $1,200 will go to the cost of her long-term ongoing medication if the specialist puts her on monthly pills, or to any heart surgery (G-d forbid) that the specialist deems necessary.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. When I am no longer in my financial slump, I will absolutely return to this site as a donor and help give other special pets the chance at a healthy life! Until then, all I can give you is my eternal gratitude.
Sincerely,
Genevieve
Organizer
Genevieve Alexis Gaston
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
