Holding On

Last week we began our travels home from North Dakota to Virginia with my 18 month old son and our 4 year old Saint Bernard, Cougar. Our first evening stopped for the night, Cougar became very sick and we had to rush him an hour to an emergency veterinarian in Madison, Wisconsin. There we found out he would need emergency surgery for GDV (twisted stomach). Once the vet began surgery, it was apparent that they would also need to remove Cougar's spleen and part of his stomach to save him, as those parts had died while his stomach was twisted.       
Typically this surgery would have sent us on our way with Cougar 48 hours later. However,  many complications including heart arrhythmia, unexplained high fever, inability to walk, edema, and anemia have taken over during his post-op time. He is making progress, but it is very slow. Because of his unsteady health, we cannot transport Cougar home to Virginia where my husband is stationed in the military.  We are staying in a hotel nearby, so that I am able to visit Cougar and receive updates often.  We are 7 days in and the vet bill itself is over $13,000 and climbing and hotel/living expenses are mounting up. Any amount, no matter how small, would help towards expenses. Prayers are much needed and appreciated!