Vietnam Vet's Service Dog Vet Fund

Barak (meaning "lightning" in Hebrew) is my service dog.

Early Saturday morning we rushed him to VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Centerwhere he has been diagnosed with Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia. Essentially, his immune system has gone berserk and is destroying his red blood cells and possibly his plasma. Intensive treatment and more tests are needed and we're looking at a bill of at least $5000 (We've rounded up to cover the GoFundMe administration fees). We need the money "yesterday."

Currently, he's receiving bloodtransfusions and is on medication to wipe out his immune system. The next 72 hours will be critical. He may not survive this.


Barak is only 6.5 years old. Before this he was in perfect health.  We've had Barak since he was four months old. We paid to have him trained through Battle Buddies in Redlands, CA; making the 150+ mile round trip for 18 months several times a week in addition to daily training sessions at home.

Barak helps me with PTSD and mobility problems and is also a diabetes and seizure alert dog. He has literally given me my life back. Before I had Barak, I had gotten to the point where I could rarely get myself out of the house. Now, I am able to get out in the community as a veterans advocate. I'm a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). I serve as the South Bay Chapter 53 delegate to the VVA State and National Conventions. I am also on our Chapter Board and chair the Scholarship Committee.


Barak accompanies me to all of thesemeetings and events; he makes it possible for me to attend. For the 2013 National Convention I flew for the first time in almost 10 years, thanks to having him with me.


As a service dog to a veteran, Barak is supposed to be totally covered by a veterinary insurance policy supplied by the Veterans Administration, but the VA never completed the necessary paperwork. We've been working unsuccessfully to get this paperwork through the VA for over three years.  

Barak can't wait another three years. He can't wait three more days. Veterinary services need to be paid at the time the services are rendered. Barak's life hangs in the balance. We are begging and borrowing the money. Please help. The first 72 hours are critical for his treatment. If you can't donate, please pray for him and share this link.